: A boat has to be SERIOUSLY bent in order to misbehave badly. Mt first S&G
: wound up warped by about 1/2" at the stern, but it still tracks like
: a train. If it looks right, it probably is. If you look in the archives at
: Chesapeake Light Craft there are dozens of threads through the years that
: pretty much echo the same opinion. Paddling skill, wind, waves and other
: extraneous factors have much more effect on tracking than minor
: abnormalities in hull shape.

Oh yeah, and paddling skill is another major factor. Did we mention paddling skill? If you haven't paddled before, the boat is going to drive you crazy, and you'll be convinced that the keel is twisted like a pretzel. Rest assured, it's your paddling skill. When it becomes more fully developed, no problems. A lot of times, if you're right handed, your boat will turn to the left--your right arm is simply stronger. Your skill will develop, paddle strokes will balance out, and you'll be assured that it wasn't your boat.

:Rest easy, go for it and enjoy.

Just enjoy the process and get the boat in the water!

Shawn