Frequently Asked......
Coaming
There are still a few fibreglass coamings available. Email to check.
In the beginning, there was no coaming. The spray skirt was built in to the kayak deck. In 1990, we developed a detachable fibreglass coaming rim for the cockpit and we were able to use a traditional style of spray skirt along with our sea sock. In 2005, the coaming was changed to be a “built-in coaming”. By 2006, all the models were changed to have this style of coaming. Because of this design modification, assembly has been simplified and worry of breakage in shipping has been eliminated. The spray skirt and sea sock fit as usual.
As part of the design change with the built-in coaming, cockpit bracing bars were added. These bracing bars can also be added to some older kayak models too.
The built-in coaming rim is made of fabric sleeves sewn and welded to the cockpit opening. In the sleeves are sewn 1/2″ high density foam inserts. At the bow and stern ends of the coaming 1/4″ plastic (high-density polyethylene) inserts are also inserted permanently into the sleeves. Separate 1/4″ HDPE side inserts slide into pockets along the underside of the built-in rim. These side inserts are removed when rolling up the skin. The sea socks and spray skirts are attached in the same way as the fibreglass coamings. Thigh brace bars fit on either side of the cockpit. For the best fit of the cockpit, and best bracing, insert the bars; for a roomier cockpit, leave them out. The bars add rigidity to the cockpit which is useful when one lifts the kayak at the cockpit.