KAYAKFAN wrote:

I am interested in purchasing a used Wilderness Systems Arctic Hawk. The boat
performs well, but is hard to wet exit/reenter. The problem lies largely in
the height of the deck. It is 11-inches vs. the 12-inches of my current boat.


Eleven inches is a pretty high deck and unless you've got enormous
thighs, you should have no problem getting in and out. If you're used to
boats with higher decks and larger cockpits, I suggest you give the AH
some time. Once you get used to entering and exiting a small cockpit
boat, it's really no bother, it's just a slightly different technique.
You may also find that you like the increased security of the small cockpit.

I am considering the boat (if I get a DEAL), but only if I can enlarge the
cockpit length to make up for the lack of height. The front needs about
3-inches and the rear needs about 2.

A friend says we can make something up and I agree, but I would prefer to buy
something that already has thigh braces molded into it. If anyone can make a
susggestion for a commercially available cockpit rim that can be glassed in,
that would be great.

That isn't going to happen. If you want it bigger, you'll have to build
a custom coaming. Unless you're getting the boat dirt cheap and
absolutely cannot paddle it as-is, it's not worth the hassle.

--
Regards

Brian