As Beaufort is a travel companion in his duties as my support system, I've had to make some provision for accommodations in various ways. 
   The Jeep was an easy adjustment,

as the rear seat came out for adequate space and formed the perfect, enclosed "playpen" for our journeys together. 
   I have also pulled into my shop the skiff that, when the restoration is completed, will allow us travel over much of Cobscook Bay, which is right up on our back yard.
   But the challenge has been the 17 foot Kayaq that I'm building for us, especially as it is designed to operate with a rowing "engine" rather than the usual double paddles.

I have been specific in the provision of not only the forward facing oaring engine device, but allowing for normal paddle maneuvers as well.
   The difficulties are in the nature of the craft itself, which require stability, ease of movement and maneuvering, and still have the cargo capacity of it's heritage with the low profile necessary to allow reduced windage - in other words, a low enough profile to lessen the action of the wind over the vessel's structure.
   Then fit in a dog, enabling him to enter and exit freely, while maintaining the stability and watertight integrity of the kayaq - and still allow him to breathe...all while spending several hours together at sea...you get the picture.
   The solution as far as positioning goes cannot be aft of the cockpit, as the strength of the framing would be compromised in the fabrication of an opening in a vessel this small. And as the balance is critical, the solution could only be in the forward area of the cockpit, just ahead of where I am positioned in the oaring seat.

There is the space and buoyancy required, with an interesting variation in the covering design and framing allowing his own "port" forward of mine, but entering through the same cockpit and allowing him both the comfort of a roomy berth, and the ventilation through my working area.
   It will prove challenging to provide him with the opening in a way that not only allows me the freedom to work, but protects the watertight integrity of the vessel, as I must incorporate these features into the entire cockpit arrangement. I have to work through the challenges of sealing around the oaring engine, so the solution must coordinate both areas effectively and still keep his berth ventilated and dry in a heavy seaway. A bit of a challenge, to be sure - especially as most often the weather refuses to cooperate...but what to do as we finish her, giving us time to get it right?
   Maybe we will just cruise together on the Royal Enfield for awhile, and visit family while he gets used to the idea...after all, the view is great from the sidecar - and there's a lot to be said for good restaurants along the way.
   

                                                 Woof!