Sassafras 12 Pack Canoe: 26-pound Lapstrake Double-Paddle Canoe That You Can Build! (clcboats.com)

Construction will be part of team effort for young people at a boat-oriented training facility, and can be done fairly quickly because of the no-mold construction approach. Most demanding use will be as a pack canoe for moderate trips, including portaging (thus my concern about weight), some light whitewater (I am experienced and foresee no particular difficulty). Will be single blade and double blade propelled.

For various reasons, I've selected the Sassafras as the first boat construction project, although I prefer the lines of the Ashes Solo Day (heavier boat, though, usually). The Sassafras is 25 lbs as supplied, a bit heavier than ideal. My current concepts to reduce weight and meet utility needs:

1. Replace large end decks and sealed compartments with small decks and carrying thwarts. Use floatation bags.
   
2. Inner gunwale scuppered mainly to allow rigging lines to confine floatation and gear (I could drill the sides right below the gunwales, but it's 4 mm ply, so I'd rather not), supplemented by D rings or other attachments for straps for bags and gear.
3. Because this is a symmetric hull (not my ideal), I am considering 2 thwarts, one set for sit on bottom double paddle, the other as a kneeling thwart, the two positions facing each other, simply swapping which end is forward. Rather than a kneeling thwart, I could simply straddle my backpack/gear bag topped by a foam pad for single bladed paddle use.
   
4. I'm mulling over foot braces for double bladed paddle use. I am a strong kayak paddler, use my legs for substantial hip rotation push. Not at all sure how I would fit these. Perhaps a floating system with three D rings.
   
5. Considering investigating S glass to reduce weight.

A concern is trim. I like to adjust trim on the go as conditions change, but I need loads secured. In a canoe, I am used to securing the load forward and moving myself fore and aft to balance it. I could set the Sassafras up with an adjustable seat and backrest, just an adjustable backrest and a foam pad, or count on moving the load for changing trim, which has limits. I'm in an overthinking trap on this one. Suggestions, feedback? Slightly elevated fancy seat allowing single and double paddle use? I am quite a bit stronger with a single paddle kneeling, and would certainly want to do that for any light whitewater (I know this isn't a great boat for moving water - this would be light river use, Class 1, and I used to do up to Class 4 regularly, so I won't be hitting things).

My current plan is to use one of my numerous existing backpacking packs for gear. This isn't ideal for stowing in a boat, but does well for carrying. Dry bag(s) inside. Total weight of all gear and boat usually 60 lbs or under, possibly allowing single trip carries when terrain isn't horribly demanding.

Thanks for any suggestions and feedback.