Cockpit systems and methods for kayaks

#The present invention relates to cockpit systems and methods for kayaks and, more particularly, to recessed cockpit systems methods adapted to be used on kayaks constructed of, or fabricated based on, discrete wood panels.

#The present invention relates to wooden kayaks made of wooden panels that are stitched together and glued at the joints, after which the entire kayak is covered inside and out in fiberglass. This construction technique, commonly referred to as “stitch and glue” technique, results in a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing product. Also, while often is used in a factory setting, the stitch and glue technique may be performed by one without significant expertise in woodworking or boat making. Stitch and glue products are thus often sold in kits for final assembly by the end user.

#Typically, stitch and glue craft comprise a hull made of at least two hull panels and a deck made of one or more deck panels. The deck panels extend from bow to stern of the kayak, and the deck panel or panels define a cockpit opening approximately midway between the bow and the stern. Typically, the deck panels are flexed during installation to create a curved (one deck panel) or chined (two or more deck panels) convex deck surface. The curved or chined deck yields improved functional and performance characteristics.

#FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a first embodiment of a cockpit system of the present invention;

#FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a kayak incorporating the cockpit system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

#FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the kayak of FIG. 3;

#Referring initially to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, depicted at 20a and 20b therein are first and second embodiments of a cockpit system constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The cockpit system of the first embodiment is identified by the suffix “a”, while the cockpit of the second embodiment is identified by the suffix “b”.

#As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the first exemplary cockpit system 20a is optimized for use on a kayak 22a. The exemplary kayak 22a has chined (multiple panel) bow and stern decks 30a and 32a. FIGS. 8-14 show that the second exemplary cockpit system 20b is optimized for use on a kayak 22b. The kayak 22b has continuous (single panel) bow and stern decks 30b and 32b. The principles of the present invention may, however, be applied to other kayaks having different deck configurations. Each of the kayaks 22a and 22b defines a cockpit opening 34.

#The cockpit systems 20a and 20b each comprise a coaming assembly 40 and a transition member 42a,b. The coaming assembly 40 extends around the cockpit opening 34. The transition members 42a and 42b are arranged behind the coaming assemblies 40a and 40b, respectively.