v12 cowling

I'm wondering how many people out there are using the removable cowling on their V12. I've had a v12 about a year now. I think I paddles with the cowling once, found it made remounting a little trickier, and then never put it on again. Also, the composite material has a slight warp in it so it doesn't sit perfectly flat. What do people think of their cowling? I suppose I really havent given mine a fair chance...

I never use mine, just seems to get in the way.

I only remove mine when I transport it. While it's hard to quantify, I find it keeps a fair bit of water out when the conditions pick up. I also use tape around the edges to keep it flat. I haven't found it an issue doing a remount.

I cut my cowling "arms" back about 10 cm on each side so as to make remounting just as easy as without it. I also cut a slot in the top and run my gps through it. I can just reach the buttons while seated, which is a plus. Overall, I guess I'm undecided as to whether I like using the cowling or not. Erik

Have had my V12 ultra since mid-July 2011. On flat days I keep the cowling off. On medium to big days, its on, only because it definitely keeps the water overflow to a minimum. Have not had any issues with re-entry with the cowling in place. The non-perfect fit is a non-issue, as it is not really for looks, though some would say it accentuates the feature-lines of the deck. The velcro is becoming hairy-looking, so it may need to be replaced soon. After each session, I pull the cowling off and rinse everything with fresh water. I also seem to collect fewer mullet (small, 6 - 10 inch long fish) with the cowling in place, which then modifies my snacking habits.
I have my Garmin 310xt strapped to my foot strap, as I do not wish the expensive little bugger to possibly get bashed with the paddle in big stuff if it were mounted on the cowling.

Doug at SagaKayak.com wrote: I also seem to collect fewer mullet (small, 6 - 10 inch long fish) with the cowling in place, which then modifies my snacking habits.

Hmmmm... mullet snacks for energy boosts during racing - would save the weight of bringing energy gels or other food. Now if only you could get them to jump into your mouth on command...

I just wish they had of used a couple of stainless thumbscrews to mount it.
No fear of it flying off on the roof and don't have to do the dodgy as hell looking tape it down.