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G'Day Dave,

An open cockpit boat is an excellent option for warmer climates. i have built a surfski based on a modified Pax20 hhull. I'm still tinkering with seating setup but will post details,more pics when I officially launch.  I have posted some build shots on youtube. Just seach for clc pax 20 surfski. Cheers

A stripped ski

https://sites.google.com/site/woodenkayaksurfski/on-the-water

Wow Craig, thanks for the info.  Your Pax20 surfski looks super.   Looks like a LOT of work went into that cockpit.  Tell me, is the reason for the rise under the knees just to displace water in the cockpit?      

G'day Dave.

A huge amount of work compared to a standard kayak cockpit for sure. If I were to do it again I would build with a very large kayak style cocpit. I would still install a lug hump and a drainer. Google Van Dusen Mohican.

TThe hump displaces water as you have suggested. It also seperates the seat area from the footwell. The seat area is stuffed with your bum and the footwell has a venturi scupper. The hump also increases structural integrity and can be fitted with an IO for day storage and/or hydration bladder.

Cheers

Thanks for info Craig.   I do believe I'll end up making some modification to the West River kayak like this to make it more of a surf-ski/open kayak style.   I'll post some pics if I do.

I considered doing the same with my OneOcean Cirrus project after seeing this website

http://www.howesurfskis.com.au/extasea_surf_kayak.html

I still might do it one day.

The Pax20 is a mongrel to turn. Definitly a flat/flattish water trainer.

Cheers