Because I chose to make a larger coaming, it was subjected to flex more than a smaller hoop with a tighter radius. Therefore, brackets were designed to support the coaming during rescues, exits or entries.
Leftover pine was used for the blocks and holes were drilled to accept dowels which were driven and wedged into the gunwales. Their position does not obstruct entry or exit, and actually provides additional support near the hips.
Padded cockpit
After sitting in the boat for the first time, it was clear that padding on top and on both sides of keelson would be needed to cushion my tail bone - especially during layback rolls. I had purposely set the back rest aft a few inches, knowing I'd need the space for a comfortable, ergonomic support.
I constructed the slanted back rest from a thin piece of pine. A notch in the lower end of the board straddles the keelson. Small blocks of closed-cell foam were glued together, "carved" on the band saw leaving a channel for my spine, and then covered with another piece of durable foam. This gives enough back support, yet allows for access to the rear of the panel. Two small blocks epoxied to the back keep the rest from rising upward when pressure is applied during maneuvers. To keep the panel from pulling out, a small loop of bungee cord, threaded through holes in the pine board, wraps around a wooden dowel under the backrest deck beam.
The seat bottom is constructed in two layers of closed-cell foam. The front and rear edges incorporate small ears that tuck under the rib to prevent the seat from moving out of place.
The Journey of Building
a West Greenland Kayak
by Jeffrey W. Balazs
A 62-page book filled with
construction details and
122 images.
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