I lowered the deck 1 1/2 inches on one of my Point Bennetts, and it made it a much better trick roller. The trade off was much less foot room and not enough volume to carry camping gear. The unusual deck on my Black Skimmer resolved the foot room issue . I agree about the tracking. The PB general handles well without a skeg, but there are times when one would help. It looks like you are really enjoying your Black Pearl. I haven't paddled one yet but the design has beautiful lines.

: Hey Duane:

: Glad to see that you chimed in on this post. I am thinking of
: putting my Point Bennett "under the knife" this
: winter!! I am thinking of removing the deck and dropping it
: about an 1" or so - particularly in the back deck region.
: When I replace the deck, I am going with strip because the
: materials are cheaper and easier to find around here than marine
: ply. I may go with a more rounded deck. I was never happy with
: the size and finish of my cockpit and coaming so I will
: resize/reshape and go with a built-up glass coaming. I did not
: like the padeyes I used either so I am going to go with Maroske
: fittings. While I'm at it, I think I may throw in a skeg as
: well. It's not unmanageable without the skeg but sometimes I do
: wish I had one - and this will be the time.

: It's going to be a bit of work but I think I'll be very happy with
: the result!!

: Cheers,

: Sean