[alanw]

Hey Curt I'm about the same age/size as you and also a sorta bad knee which makes standing up hard from so low of a seat. A tow rope attached to the front to pull on while standing helps alot but I really don't get up.

I agree with the forward rod holders being kind of a far reach but I checked it out and if they were any closer you would hit them with your paddle.

And yes it's definetly a wet ride. It leaks through the side hatches. I've removed them to inspect and there's no evidence of water leaking under where the screws and gaskets are (which you could seal up with goop). I think it's leaking from around the hatch lid itself. The lids don't close properly on their gaskets and you can't goop them or you wouldn't be able to open the hatches.