The first recessed handle took like a week to make. I guess I did learn a lot from the first one, as I was able to knock out the 2nd in 1 night. I than had to cut a hole in the front and rear decks to accommodate the recessed handle.
![](https://maximfx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201122_144452-1024x576.jpg)
The shoulder of the handles were routed so that an extra piece of plywood would be able to slide for support. I also cut off the bottom of the block the handle was made from to reduce weight. There’s roughly about 3/8 of an inch thickness at the minimum point of the handle.
I really like the look of them when mounted. I also was worried about how the plywood would look since the edge would be showing when the decks were glued to the hull. Turns out I actually really like how neat that looks too!
![](https://maximfx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201122_144505-576x1024.jpg)
Next time I will probably use plywood to seal the hull and cockpit/tankwell joints instead of epoxy.
The Kayak is now sealed up and ready to be test Paddled. The items left are a lot of sanding and maybe a filler coat of epoxy and more sanding. Polyurethane still has to be applied to protect the epoxy. And I also have to install the flush mount rod holders and cut a hatch in the front.
![](https://maximfx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/20201122_144553-1024x576.jpg)