[Paddlewise] New Kayak - Leaking Bulkheads

I've just purchased my first kayak, a high end, Kevlar bottom, skeg only,
expensive model from a well known and reputable manufacturer, ( I'll
identify them in a later message once I receive some advice from list
members).

 

I picked it up yesterday and took it out for my first paddle today and
complimented myself of the choice of model which has the characteristics
I've been looking for.

 

However - it leaks.   

 

I first noticed this upon setting it up this morning.   I had left it on my
truck rack with an open cockpit and there was a light rain last night, not
much but enough to put a cup full or two of water in the cockpit.  When I
opened the box, stern, and day hatches, I found a noticeable amount of water
in each of them and they has been dry when I pick up the boat yesterday.

 

I carefully dried each of the storage areas, stored my gear, and took an
enjoyable 2 hour paddle in mild conditions.  Upon returning to shore, the
cockpit has a cup full or two of water which resulted from my entering and
exiting the boat.  However the storage compartments once again had a
noticeable amount water sloshing in the bottom.  I haven't had the time to
diagnose the exact cause yet but suspect that the bulwarks between the
cockpit and storage areas is not properly sealed.

 

I've been kayaking for the last 10+ years using rental boats several time a
year and like to do 3-7 day camping excursions, so a dry storage area, (even
though all my gears is packed in waterproof containers) is important to me.
I've found that with rental boats, some leak a little and some don't, but
I've never had much control of what I was given.

 

My questions to this list are:

 

1)       How common is this problem found in a new kayak ?

2)       Would you fix the problem yourself ? ( I assume that this is
doable)

3)       Would you return the kayak and demand that the supplier correct the
problem ?

4)       Would you return the kayak and demand another or a refund?

 

/Elden
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