Re: [Paddlewise] Coaming modification

Hope you don't mind my leaving all the previous posts in to assure adequate
reference....

Brian, before you try altering the coaming, I would suggest RAISING your
seat (i.e., with foam).  This would certainly make it possible to lay back
further.  Raising the seat would indeed decrease your intitial stability,
but you'll get used to that quickly.  It will also make the already
responsive Pintail even more responsive to edging and leaning -- which might
well add to your enjoyment!

  Bob V


> Brian Curtiss <bc_at_asdi.com> wrote:
>
> >> I had i[my Pintail] out this weekend and everything fit well --- except
> the
> coaming behind the seat.  When I try to lay back on the rear deck,
> the sharp edge of the coaming cuts into my back [snip]
> I'm considering grinding away the hard 90 degree edge of the coaming
> (at the back of the cockpit) and then fiberglassing over the area to
> create more of a 45 degree bevel.
> Also, I'm considering replacing the stock seat with one made from
> minicell.  When I do this, I'd like to lower the seat a bit as well
> but this would make laybacks even harder given the current state of
> the coaming. >>
>
> I doubt a 45 degree bevel will be satisfactory, although it will certainly
> help.
>
> Modifying the coaming for laybacks could be a big job.  To really lower
it,
> you might have to cut just behind the coaming's outer edge, and maybe two
> inches behind the coaming, running the cut up the sides a ways. Then push
> the coaming down to where you want it, and glass over the inside of the
> cockpit where youmade the cuts.  A couple layers of 6 oz cloth and epoxy
may
> not be enough.  You might need some roving in there to beef it up, because
> the rear of the coaming takes quite a beating in self-rescues, etc.  I
would
> not attempt this, but if you really want laybacks, something like it is
> needed.
>
> As for the seat, yeah, if you lower your sitting position, you'll
exacerbate
> the coaming situation.  However, lowering your center of gravity really
> enhances stability ... and a minicell seat can be incredibly comfy.
>
> --
> Dave Kruger
> Astoria, OR


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