Straightening a kayak hull

Article By Burt Revell

Hi Shorty,

I picked up a couple of Pungo 120 Superlight (41 lbs) kayaks recently. One of them had an indentation in the hull and Hobie had a YouTube video of how to straighten one.

1. Make a template of the hull shape in the area where it needs to be straightened.
2. Cut plywood to the template shape and make a little house out of the plywood.
3. Set the house on a bucket and lower the kayak over the house so there is pressure on the hull.
4. Bring a lot of water to almost boiling.
5. Slowly pour the water over the section to be straightened (you may need to push down a bit on the kayak and move it over the house.)
6. Don't be in a rush to take it off the house. Let it cool over a period of time.
7. Admire your work then get in and go kayaking.

Burt