We purchased another kayak a mirage adventure 16 this kayak has developed a crack in the same weak point in the hull. There seems to be a serious design flaw in this drive system. The basic plastic boat repair methods described here still represent best practices, but for optimal results use these methods with gflex 655 epoxy on plastics. The elkton outdoors tandem sit on top kayak is built to last.
How to plastic weld a polyethylene kayak kayak repair youtube. Nov 14, 2012 go to the west system website they show how they used gflex to repair a whitewater poly roto molded kayak after chainsawing it in half. The main issue with repairing plastic hulls is that is that most adhesives dont bond very well to the plastic. Saturn deluxe molded foam kayak seat with detachable back packs. A really quick repair job for a hole is to lay tape on the inside of the kayak to cover the hole, then melt a candle on the outside creating a lump of wax over the ruptured area. This weight, coupled with the two molded carry handles, makes the kayak easy to transport. Although quite durable, the hull of a rotomolded canoe or kayak tends to show its wear in the form of minute scratches and abrasions that sometimes build up the surface with tiny curls and spurs of plastic sheared away from that surface.
The first thing you need to do in any plastic repair is to clean the plastic. Hdpe is resistant to repairs utilizing typical adhesives and sealants in most applications. How to assemble and use your own kit for making field repairs to your kayak and other camping gear the major difference between a thing that might go wrong. We typically sell our rental dry suits after they have had two seasons of use and we pressure test them for leaks and patch them before selling. A minimal amount of care in storage and transporting will help the kayak maintain a likenew condition for many years. When dustin hoffman was advised that plastics are the future in the 1967 movie the graduate, none of us at the time had any idea of what was coming. Both are cheap methods that can be accomplished in the field, with the most basic of gear. Polyvances kc welder allows you to create permanent repairs to your cracked kayak or cracked canoe. Patch n repair is easy to use and repairs almost any hard, nonporous surface. Stoops has done a remarkable job in turning that program around and the addition of pelini will only make them better. Thanks to the separate air chambers, the elkton outdoors tandem sitontop kayak should still stay afloat until one reaches the shore, even with a leak. It isnt very likely that youll have a kayak with such a large hole, but whatever the size, heres how to fix it. The weld rod stock is a 10 pack of weld rods in a variety of colors to match most kayaks. If youd like to clean up the appearance, you can sand and paint to match your vessel.
Explore guidelines for how to repair each type damage you may encounter over the lifetime of your boat. The plastic used in constructing our roto molded kayaks is first heated in an oven, and then molded into the appropriate shape. Fixing a plastic polyethylene kayak with a hole in it. How to fix a hole or scratch in your kayak or canoe liveabout. We kayak almost every day ourselves so we know what parts and repair pieces work as. About the only way you can repair these roto moulded or injection moulded hulls is to weld them. Lets take a general look at all the things to consider when engaging in the repair of kayak and canoe paddles materials note. A wide variety of rotomolded paddle board options are available to you, there are 3 suppliers who sells rotomolded paddle board on, mainly located in asia. The best hull material for kayaks sherri kayaks outdoor. This is a typical crack that you might find on the bottom of a kayak. After selecting the proper class of kayak the next most important choice to make is what material the kayak is made of. If it has something to do with a specific model kayak this is the place.
May 09, 2012 rotomolded polyethylene kayaks are pretty easy to repair. The top countries of supplier is united states, from which the percentage of roto molded plastic kayak supply is 1% respectively. Common repair questions for kayaks answered rutabaga. Feb 21, 2020 lets start with the roto molded lowdensity polyethylene construction that makes the kayak damage and uvresistant, and this translates to high durability. Repair tools and supplies repairing your plastic sled hull is not difficult, but requires proper preparation and correct tools and supplies. As long as you stick to flatwater no whitewater your hurricane will be as durable as a rotomolded kayak. The dagger weld rod stock is a 10pack of weld rods available in a variety of colors to match dagger kayak colors. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. Read how to smooth out scratches on a rotomolded kayak and other canoeingkayaking, kayaking tips at s guide outdoors. Theres no point in putting in a lot of cool tools if you dont know how to use them. We have a vision as a club boat and my experience is that sikaflex, grp etc just. Kayak repair recently obtained a hole in the hull of my kayak during a buffalo river excursion. Super prep plastic cleaner will remove contaminants. Plastic kayak patch kit canoe repair kc welder youtube.
These kayaks are usually lighter than a roto molded polyethyle kayak of the same length. I cracked the area around the scupper after the kayak flew off the car at 60mph a totally different story. How to repair scratches in plastic kayaks using ordinary tarp. The kayak can be used on all sorts of waters, but it is recommended to use it on lakes and mild rivers as beginners. Rotomolded polyethylene kayaks are pretty easy to repair. Plastic boat repair kit with gflex thickened epoxy by. Repair kayaks and plastics on the go mold in graphic. Nov 16, 20 after hours of research using every product in his garage. They are slightly cheaper than a fiberglass kayak and a bit more repairable than polyethylene, but not as repairable as fiberglass. The wax sticks really well to the outside of the kayak. Kayak specific questions and discussions are this forums purpose.
These kayaks are usually lighter than a rotomolded polyethyle kayak of the same length. The leak can be easily repaired, as well, using the patch repair kit. Shallow scratches and gouges are sometimes best lived with. Since bondo is polyester resin, which doesnt bond to polyethylene, mixed with powdered talc or some other ground up mineral, which doesnt stick to anything, i cant imagine how youre going to make a decent, longterm repair on a roto molded boat with it. You can weld plastic with either a heat gun or plastic welding iron. Rotomolded kayak care our roto kayaks are made of highdensity linear polyethylene, which is virtually maintenance free. If there is a downside to roto or poly boats, it is that should. Strong, durable, almostindestructible rotomolded polyethylene is the least expensive, but its relatively heavy. Use soap and water to remove any water soluble contaminants. Use to repair small holes from removing hardware or to patch a small crack or deep scratch. Faqs hurricane kayaks lightweight kayaks for fishing. West system gflex 655k plastic boat repair kit west marine. He regularly leads workshops on paddling basics, techniques, and safety.
I had a canoe with one big cold crack repair and it was just fine. A kayak keel guard to protect and repair your plastic kayak. Although quite durable, the hull of a rotomolded canoe or kayak tends to show its wear in the form of minute scratches and abrasions that sometimes build up the. The high performance selfadhesive backing holds tight against water, weather, and vibration.
The kayak is a true sitontop one and offers plenty of room. Plastic boat repair kit with gflex thickened epoxy by west system. Unless quite deep, they are cosmetic in nature and will not impact the integrity of the hull. The perception weld rod kit is a 10pack of weld rods available in a variety of colors to match perception kayak colors. They are made from polyethylene and are compatible with most rotomolded plastic kayaks. Patch n go has been used to help repair rotomolded parts in agricultural and outdoor equipment, toys and kayak manufacturing companies. A wide variety of roto molded kayak options are available to you, there are 670 suppliers who sells roto molded kayak on, mainly located in asia. Since 1968, west marine has grown to over 250 local stores, with knowledgeable associates happy to assist. Here is a detailed step by step photo tutorial on how to repair thermoformed kayaks. If you do see a dent or flat area from improper storage, you can remove it fairly easily.
Function of the hole is to prevent the crack from walking or extending after the repair. Rotomolded kayaks need the least maintenance, but make sure to use a rigid bar sport rack and a kayak cradle to transport and store your kayak on a car. Somewhere out in internet land resides a video where a roto molded. Hot air can pool material so its important to use a highquality heat gun with the proper focusing tip nozzle. These rigid models are made most commonly from rotomolded polyethylene. Hobie forums view topic hull crack in mirage adventure kayak. They are made from polyethylene and are compatible with most roto molded plastic kayaks. Jun 12, 2014 about the only way you can repair these roto moulded or injection moulded hulls is to weld them. Trylon abs plastic is not as impact resistant as polyethylene, but is more abrasion resistant, resists fading in sunlight, and best of all wont oil can on your car rack and warp like polyethylene boats can. If you have some gouges with raised feathers of material around the edges.
Kayak and canoe patch kit advancing polymer repair. Fortunately, it is a material that rarely needs repair, but there will be times. Hobie forums view topic hull crack in mirage adventure. If youre in your kayak when its damaged so severely that a crack is formed, id. It is possible to solder in new material i believe topper actually sell a repair kit but a good polymer stockist may have a suitable rod size. Weld rod stock for dagger kayak repair, 10pack dagger. Rather than just a repair kit, this one can also be used for preventive service, so i like to refer to it as a service kit the items in this kit are generally limited by your knowledge of making general repairs on the fly. For minor dents, put the kayak in the sun with the dent up. Its not a permanent fix, but doesnt require you to carry as much repair gear. All sales are final and no warranty on used equipment except our used dry suits see notes. The polyethylene plastic used to make rotomolded kayaks is notoriously difficult to adhere anything to, so most glues, epoxies, and other.
The vessel may be wellmade, but it is still lightweight at 60lb. Use a plastic cleaner like our part number super prep plastic cleaner to remove any sovlent soluble contaminants. George sayour is an american canoe associationcertified kayak instructor. Decorating round plastic rotomolded boats makers of rotomolded kayaks and boats have seen several designs and innovations come through the sporting goods industry for water sport enthusiasts, but the latest innovations for boat design have reached new levels of fun, simplicity, functionality and accessibility for all ages. After hours of research using every product in his garage. Sep 24, 2014 the basic plastic boat repair methods described here still represent best practices, but for optimal results use these methods with gflex 655 epoxy on plastics. Nov 20, 2009 as a result, they have less drag in the water and feel more like a fiberglass kayak when you are paddling them. The plastic used in constructing our rotomolded kayaks is first heated in an oven, and then molded into the appropriate shape. A good winters repair project is removing scratches from the hull of your favorite plastic watercraft.
You will need to ascertain if it is hdpe or pp first so you use the correct material for the job. There are plenty of youtube videos that show you how to do the repair. How to repair scratches in plastic kayaks using ordinary. Fifty years ago, when fiberglass was still a newfangled miracle material, hardcore wooden boat sailors contemptuously referred to the new boats as clorox bottles. Jul 23, 2019 the kayak is very likely made of hdpe highdensity polyethylene. Elkton outdoors tandem kayak only for short people. Get tips for fixing scratches, holes, and cracks in plastic kayaks and canoes made of hard to repair hdpe. The harmony weld rod stock is a 10 pack of weld rods available in a variety of colors to match perception, dagger, and wilderness systems colors. A wide variety of roto molded plastic kayak options are available to you, there are 502 suppliers who sells roto molded plastic kayak on, mainly located in asia.
If you think there is going to be significant material removal, make a template of the new, reduced edge and replicate it on the other end. Sand the surrounding area and apply a fiberglass patch and epoxy. When you heat the patch it changes from rigid to formable. Short of actually plastic welding, there are a few quick fixes that will keep a rotomolded hull from getting too rough, or for bringing a deformed hull back into round. Plastics with 2 in the recycle symbol are hdpe plastics. Some lasted short time some lasted a little longer but all failed. Use to repair small holes from removing hardware or to patch a small crack. For more severe dents, pour near boiling hot water over a towel on the dent. Best kayaks for beginners top 5 remarkable brands of 2018. Last month we discussed how to detect and patch not. A plastic welders thermoform b gflex rotomold c epoxy resins glass. The boat is then cooled, so it retains its designated design.
If youre hard on your boat or want a kayak you can beach on sand or small pebbles, this. I can still see myself thrusting the tip of my fiberglass paddle into the murky water as i initiated a very unsophisticated and unanticipated brace. You can use any of them to melt onto the kayak for the repair. Tony johnson has come up with a permanent repair for scratches in plastic kayaks. The sudden proliferation of poly boats made from polyurethane or polyethylene has combined with some innovative thinking to create a burgeoning fleet of new dinghies. Kevlar canoes can easily be repaired with simple epoxyresin fills or by using kevlar fabric soaked in epoxy resin to repair larger areas or punctures.
For some reason it is a difficult task especially with something that is going to take abuse on the underside of the kayak. What worked on fiberglass would not hold on roto mold plastic. Kayakshed has parts and repair pieces to help you either repair your kayak or to add deck rigging or even a rudder to your kayak. Another addition that makes this polymer repairing technology a plus, is that it can be color matched to perfectly fit your different parts to achieve the look of not ever having been damaged at all. Weld rod kit for perception kayak repair, 10pack blue. Sterling suggests working both blades on a kayak paddle to equalize balance and uniformity in the overall blade system. In 1975 i watched as the entire whitewater market did a side slip from fiberglass to rotomolded polyethylene in the space of. Kayak and canoe repair kit advancing polymer repair. This product has proven popular with canoe and kayak liveries repairing molded plastic boats, including normal wear and tear on the bottoms near the bow and.
Oct 22, 2019 roto molded kayaks need the least maintenance, but make sure to use a rigid bar sport rack and a kayak cradle to transport and store your kayak on a car. Thermoform repair, carbonlite repair eddyline kayaks. If you want to do a permanent repair there seem to be two options. Used kayaks, used drysuits, used kayak equipment kayak. Boats made of this relatively inexpensive material are incredibly durable and abusetolerant as well as near maintenance free. It is very difficult to perform a structural repair on polyethylene and if the crack is extensive or in a critical location, it may pose a hazard to continue to use the canoe. Enjoy your kayak or canoe and know that the gator kayak keel guard has you fully protected.
Heck we have put a lot of crazy things on kayaks and we are here to help you do the same. No one was hurt and this kayak will be as good as new in one hour. The key is providing direct and constant heat, dors says. Apr 24, 2020 used kayaks, used drysuits, used kayak equipment.
The new kid on the block this article appeared in wavelength magazine in the spring of 2009. Repair of abs plastic boat i thought i saw a plastic repair kit through eastwood or jc whitney or something like that. Whats this mystery technique for repairing polyethylene with bondo. This is to ensure that the heated and mouldable plastic does not temporarily deform. Inflatable boat repair kit, 3 x pvc patch, 1 x 30g glue and 1 x valve wrench 4. The material that many plastic canoes and kayaks are made of is called highdensity polyethylene hdpe, and it is an extremely difficult material to repair. Weld rod stock for dagger kayak repair, 10pack dagger blue. May 26, 2019 george sayour is an american canoe associationcertified kayak instructor.
This product has proven popular with canoe and kayak liveries repairing molded plastic boats, including normal wear and tear on the bottoms near the bow and stern as well as cracks and splits that occur in the hulls. Molded plastic canoes and kayaks are incredibly tough and durable. The plastic will soften slightly and the plastic will return to its original shape. Kevlar canoes can take an impact, but the consequence of that impact could result in cracked gel coat or exposed kevlar on a skin coated canoe. If there is a downside to roto or poly boats, it is that should they be damaged, they are more difficult to repair. The 12 foot kayak is the most suitable variant for people who are kayaking for recreational purposes only. Though our canoes and kayaks are built to withstand years of use and abuse, mishaps can occur and your boat may at some point become damaged and need repair. Material selection is very important because it has a direct impact on both the weight of the kayak and its performance. Heres a fracture from this kayak being pinned against a piling with a lot of water pushing against it. Using the kc welder pro, you can create permanent repairs to your cracked kayak or cracked canoe including. One of the universal truths about polyethylene is that it is difficult to repair. As a result, they have less drag in the water and feel more like a fiberglass kayak when you are paddling them.
The kayak is very likely made of hdpe highdensity polyethylene. Without seeing your boat, my guess is that it sat in the hot summer sun for a bit too long. However, this doesnt mean that scratches, gouges, holes, and cracks in plastic kayaks must go unfixed. With the proper care and maintenance your boat should give you and your family years of enjoyment. Repair kayaks and plastics on the go mold in graphics.
If you are sick of trying to patch your canoe or kayak with products that wont stick. The one significant difference is that the area around the hole should be flame treated before applying the patch by lightly heating with a propane torch or similar. We sanded, heated, cleaned, just about anything and they all failed at some point. Aug 12, 20 5 i have a roto molded kayak with a depression in it. Hobie sent us plastic welding rods, after both hobie and a local dealer travel country refused andor recommended against repair. Occasionally though people damage them and call us for repair recommendations.