looie wrote in news
pjfe098d7m1gmnmhr1er2gh6t5ivcgimk@
4ax.com:
On Sat, 03 Jul 2004 21:02:59 GMT, bb wrote:
Just bought a new CD Scirocco (plastic) today. It's my first kayak.
As we were loading it on the truck I noticed a deflection in the hull
about the size of the palm of my hand. The salesman, who I've talked
to a good bit and seems to be an honest guy, assured me that was
normal from sitting on the rack in the wharehoue. He said by the time
I got home the heat from the sun would no doubt have it back to
normal. Well, I got home and it's still there. I left it out in the
sun for a few hours and it hasn't gone back to normal. I'm beginning
to think maybe I was sold a blem.
I'm sure a lot of you have had more experience with these plastic
kayaks. What's up? Is the deflection normal from sitting on the rack,
Yes. The rack should have had supports shaped to the hull, or webbing
to support the kayak. Flat racks, including car roof racks, will "oil
can" deform the hull.
Deflections in the hull is only normal on kayaks constructed of inferior
plastic. I've seen a bunch of rental Prijon boats that sit on racks all the
time (when they're not being paddled) and they don't have deflections in the
hull, even after a couple of seasons.
Personally, I would take the Scirroco back and ask for a new boat that
didn't have deflections in the hull. While a small deflection may not
affect the performance much there isn't any reason why someone should have
to keep a brand new boat that has such a flaw.
and should I expect it to go back to a normal shape?
No.
Not necessarily true. Filling up a plastic bag with hot water and laying it
on the deflection can take out the dent. Some people advocate using a hair
dryer to heat up the area but you've got to be very careful applying too
much heat.