JEM Watercraft

Would it be a good or bad idea to add a deck and aft seat similar to what the Grand River design has, which would also serve as floatation chambers?

What were your reasons Matt for taking the deck and aft seat out of the Muskoka? I think you mention in the Muskoka's writeup that it is a descendant of your Grand River design.

I've seen canoes wherein inflated bags were secured fore and aft in lieu of fixed floatation chambers. I'm new to this so any advice would be most appreciated.

They weren't included mostly to save weight. Muskoka is a pretty big canoe.

Flotation: Wood floats! But you could also achieve this via float bags, poured foam, etc.