Thanks, all. BTW - did you go ocean cockpit, or keyhole?

I've had a couple of boats with small cockpits (OuterIsland + Greenland-style S&G) and I didn't like them.

It's practically impossible to re-enter them from the water, and even getting out quickly when I hit the beach is a problem.
All this is aside from the simple process of launching and jumping into the boat.
Most of the rescue techniques we learn here in BC don't work very well with a small cockpit.
So, for me it's a comfort, utility and safety issue.
The only times I'd prefer more 'deck in my lap' is when reading the map or when doing a re-entry and roll.

I've 'standardized' on the NDK/Romany cockpit shape for my builds - it makes the spraydeck inventory smaller.
I think some of my plans from Bjorn did have layout for a larger (but not keyhole) cockpit; he'd probably send you a pdf of something if you asked.

I like to have about 32" between the front and back of the cockpit -it's surprising how much difference an inch or two can make. (Seat location and presence of a backband -which I don't use in my boats- can make a difference in ease of exit/entry.)