Sea Kayak Conversion to Sit on Top

Inspired by the open deck surf ski cockpits, I wanted the performance of a sea kayak but as a sit on top. My roll was never that solid and I like the freedom of putting my legs over the side, jumping in-out anytime and more recovery options in big water. Kayak fisherman Todd Switzer did the first part of the project removing the top and installing a test interior. Sean Thomas of Echo Composites finished the job with a surf ski style cockpit with scuppers and rail leash plugs to attach the thigh straps to. My first session in the new boat was a success while surfing 5' wind waves in a 25kt northerly on Puget Sound. The scuppers worked great, the boat was only a few pounds heavier than the original 37lbs and it rolled without any differences than the prior version. The skeg will be converted into a pull up - push down variety off the back deck behind the cockpit since we removed the side slider. The skeg never really worked well as a slider, sometimes breaking (cable got jammed). Parts used: Boat: 2009 Sterling Illusion Scupper: Home Depot Venturi's - custom molded by Sean (he has a cnc). Foam: Mixture of EPS 1lb and blue insulation foam Foot Pegs - out of production model purchased from nwoc.com Contact Sean Thomas of Echo Composites for more tech builders info. He's thinking of creating a plug to more easily place a cockpit in existing boats. Doing so manually was quite a bit of work. Sean Thomas [email protected] in Issaquah, WA Thanks for watching! Rob Casey Salmon Bay Paddle, Seattle, WA www.salmonbaypaddle.com [email protected] tel: 206.465.7167