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I have always wondered about why, when I'm paddling, that I need to correct my course consistently back towards the port side. My typical paddle is right,left, right, left, right, left, right right right, left. I've just always assumed I was stonger on my left so was pushing the kayak right. So, I'm sitting here looking at the kayak on the trailer upside down because I was chasing a leak, when I noticed the hull is convex on the right side of the keep and concave on the left side of the keel. Not a lot but enough that it affects the tracking of the hull. I think it creates enough drag to pull the boat to the right. Now that I've noticed it, it is even apparent when the boat is upright. It's not a big deal and I plan on upgrading when I can afford to but I know when I buy my new boat I will be a lot more diligent in the inspection before I paddle away.

That is really odd. Was it left in the sun for long periods of time? A rudder would help but that's going to cost you at least $150. Maybe replace it with a used Prowler 13 or a Tarpon? I see those going for decent prices on Craig's.

Chuck bags of heated dry beans or rice in there and carefully work it out.

it's always in the sun but it's never stored upside down. I have a good heat gun that I worked on it some with but it isn't changing any. I have a feeling it has always been like this at it's always veered right while paddling. I purchased it as a blem and just never looked that close to see what the blem was. It is probably why it always feels tippy to the left though it has never dumped me, at least not yet. It's not going to stop me from going fishing. It also isn't a complaint against Malibu, they make a fine product for the price, it's just an observation on my part as to why I'm always correcting my path.

Bummer, Harry. Are you planning to upgrade to a Hobie?

Not a Hobie but maybe a peddle type of some kind. I tried out a Native Slayer but not for long enough to tell if that is what I want or even if that would be easier on my back. Price is the big problem for me, when you get retired money seems to come harder. Though a good paddle kayak isn't cheap I just need to search and find what works best for me. I really only bought this so my wife would be in the same boat with me but most of the time she would rather be in her own kayak so I don't really need this tandem. I'll keep it for when she wants to fish together but I'll get someone for myself also. I know Hobie makes a good kayak but I see enough people having problems on the water to make me a little shy of them.

I bet that happened from sitting upright in the sun. I left mine on my roof cradles for a few days in San Simeon this last summer and the hull became quite concave just forward of center. No amount of hot water, sun, or physical manipulation has been able to resolve it either. I found a bunch of instances online where people's hulls were deforming from resting on bed extenders in the sun, etc.

I don't doubt that Dave, I'm not blaming anyone, it is what it is and this is the way this boat is stored. You would think both sides would distort but it never works that way with anything. It is just plastic so it isn't bullet proof. I have to look into what other materials are being used for fishing kayaks.