Thanks, Kevin,

On the plans I received (from Guillemot) there was a solid line labelled Cockpit Pattern and dotted lines at the front and rear of the cockpit for the recess. I went ahead and cut out for the recesses so the cutout is now 37 and 1/2" long. At it's widest point, the cockpit is 19 and 3/4"

I am thinking that stripping in for the recesses front and rear is an easy answer. In the sides of the cockpit, I am also thinking once it is all built, glassed and cut out again, that the actual size of the recesses are going to be quite small, like less than an inch on either side. On pictures I have been able to search for this design, that appears to be the end result.

Mike