I’m building a ch 17lt and was just wondering how mandatory is it to install the hip braces. I may eventually swap out the foam seat that came with the kit for a happy bottom seat which has the hip braces and didn’t know if they would interfere with the kit braces.
I would put them in or get some thick foam blocks and carve the outside to match the hull and the inside to just let your hips squeeze in. The better fit the more control you have of the boat. You will not appreciate how good the boat is if you do not have some hip control while waiting to get the happy bottom pad.
http://www.oneoceankayaks.com/Wshophtm/kayakseat18a.htm
I had the stock seat, got numbness after sitting 45 minutes or so. Carved a minicell seat and have not had trouble since.