Repairing a Plastic Canoe (Old Town Tripper)
- Step 1: Make the Crack Bigger… What!?!? Enlarging the crack with a chisel Yes, you actually need to enlarge the damaged...
- Step 2: Torch It! Repair kit, fiberglass cloth, and torch Applying a quick pass of heat with a torch will help the epoxy...
- Step 3: Prep the Fiberglass (4) strips of fiberglass – (2) for inside, (2) for...
- Step 9: Go fishing!
How do you fix a crack in a plastic canoe?
After the area is generally roughed out, use some 60 grit sand paper on the area to “smooth” out the entire repair area and evenly “rough-up” the area to help the epoxy bond to the plastic. You need to do the same basic process on both sides of the crack – inside and outside the canoe.
Why are plastic canoes so difficult to repair?
The material that many plastic canoes and kayaks are made of is called high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and it is an extremely difficult material to repair. The same chemical properties that make your boat extremely flexible and durable also prevent other materials from bonding to it.
How to tape a kayak or canoe?
With your fingers (or a spoon), press down HARD so that the tape really sticks to the kayak plastic. ALL THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE DONE ON THE INSIDE OF THE KAYAK OR CANOE. At this stage, we have applied a strip of fabric tape to the heated plastic of the kayak.
How do you heat treat a kayak or canoe?
Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the kayak (or canoe) plastic so that it is hot to the touch. If you are using a powerful heat gun, be very careful not to heat the plastic too much. ALL THE FOLLOWING STEPS ARE DONE ON THE INSIDE OF THE KAYAK OR CANOE. Apply a layer of fabric tape to the heated area of the kayak or canoe.
Can a plastic kayak be patched?
Using a small drill bit, put a small hole at each end of the crack so it doesn't spread. Plastic weld the crack to complete the repair. You will need a plastic welding kit with HDPE welding rods and it works in a similar fashion to a glue gun. Plastic can also be repaired with a lighter or torch and plastic remnants.
Can you patch a hole on a canoe?
0:406:27DIY Kayak Fix: How To Repair A Hole In Your Kayak With Plastic WeldingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll we're going to do is cover up the holes with the first layer we're going to put some wire meshMoreAll we're going to do is cover up the holes with the first layer we're going to put some wire mesh down and we're going to give that a little bit more integrity onto the hole just make it strong.
How do you restore a plastic canoe?
0:0219:23Plastic Kayak Repair / Restore - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're basically reconditioning the surface. We're not wanting to take any plastic off this boat anyMoreWe're basically reconditioning the surface. We're not wanting to take any plastic off this boat any more than just what we need to to reestablish kind of a shine to the boat.
What do you use to patch a canoe?
DEEP GOUGES: Repair adhesive (part #1332.2300). A 2-part epoxy putty to fill in gouges and cuts that do not go through the boat. BREAKS/CUTS/PUNCTURES: Polyethylene/Royalex repair kit (part #1331.0641). Contains a 2-part polyurethane resin system, nylon cloth, sand paper, brush, and instructions.
How do you repair a hole in plastic?
A makeshift cement from super glue and baking soda can fill small holes in a pinch. Larger holes in plastic can be filled with melted plastic or epoxy. No matter which method you use, you'll be able to plug the hole and pretend it never even existed.
How do you fix a hole in a plastic boat?
0:113:53how to fix a Polyurethane plastic boat (G-FLEX) #DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere's everything you're going to need you're going to need a drill with a small drill bit you'reMoreHere's everything you're going to need you're going to need a drill with a small drill bit you're going to need g flex resin. And hardener you can get this to ace hardware a piece of cardboard.
Can you fiberglass a plastic canoe?
Multiple layers of light fiberglass fabric are best. Two layers of 4 oz fiberglass (or four layers of 2 oz) are applied to the inside of the hull and one layer of 4 oz (or two layers of 2 oz) are applied to the outside of the break to complete a repair for canoes and kayaks.
What kind of plastic are canoes made of?
0:342:16Overview of the different types of construction used in canoesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis canoe is of three layer construction which utilizes three layers of polyethylene plastic thisMoreThis canoe is of three layer construction which utilizes three layers of polyethylene plastic this material is very durable and inexpensive typically you will find this canoe in recreational. And
How do you epoxy a canoe?
1:154:32Applying a Fiberglass Epoxy Seal (Ep 10 - Cedar Strip Canoe Build)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou work the epoxy around with a squeegee to help it soak in. I spread towards the closer in first.MoreYou work the epoxy around with a squeegee to help it soak in. I spread towards the closer in first. I work to the very end cut the excess fiberglass off and then wet at the end as best I can.
How do you fix cracks in polyethylene?
Polyethylene has a low melting point and a lighter is usually sufficient to kick the material to a liquid state. Simply drip the new material over the top of the crack and for about ¼” beyond each end of the crack. Then repeat on the opposite side of the hull.
How do you fix a hole in polyethylene?
0:061:24REPAIRING holes in polyethylene or poly propylene plastic ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just filling that hole with it. So just keep both sides molten. And just keep adding plastic. InMoreAnd just filling that hole with it. So just keep both sides molten. And just keep adding plastic. In here you can see it's starting to really fill up and then once you get the right amount of plastic.
How do you fix polypropylene?
Polypropylene glue is the best glue to use. The only way to successfully bond the plastic is to use hot melt glue that's made of polypropylene. Apply a small drop of the glue onto 1 surface and then press it firmly against the surface you want to connect it to. Hold them together until they fully set.
How do you repair a hole in a fiberglass canoe?
1:4410:17Fiberglass Canoe Repair | Canoe Restoration Segment 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd clean out the outside and a and patch it there and for that we'll be using the fiberglass matMoreAnd clean out the outside and a and patch it there and for that we'll be using the fiberglass mat which is what was used on the outside here.
How do you fix a hole in an ABS canoe?
3:496:36Repairing a Hole in a Canoe. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the putty does come with its own instructions it's designed to repair cracks scuffs and holes inMoreSo the putty does come with its own instructions it's designed to repair cracks scuffs and holes in canoes kayaks of the watercraft. Works and the great thing is it works on damp surfaces.
How do you repair a canoe hull?
0:355:50Composite Canoe Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst then a piece of material to match your particular type of canoe. This is a piece of aramid.MoreFirst then a piece of material to match your particular type of canoe. This is a piece of aramid. Here then a piece of peel ply which goes over at the end.
Will epoxy stick to a kayak?
Commonly, plastic canoes and kayaks are made from polyethylene or polypropylene. These low surface energy plastics are hard to bond to, making repairs difficult because the plastic surface inhibits the ability to spread an epoxy adhesive and wet out the surface.
How to repair a kayak?
Heat the repair area. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to heat the kayak (or canoe) plastic so that it is hot to the touch. If you are using a powerful heat gun, be very careful not to heat the plastic too much. Ask Question.
How to know where a crack is in a kayak?
We need to know where the crack is, from inside the kayak or canoe.#N#This can be tricky, so use a pin to poke through the hull so you can mark the hole using a marker pen.#N#When you have marked the holes, you will then know where the ends of the crack are.
What do you need to make a duct tape?
You will need: A drill with a very fine drill-bit. A reel of fabric tape - this is also known as duct tape, cloth tape or gaffer tape. It's a flexible self-adhesive tape reinforced with a cloth mesh. It's quite cheap and easily available. A hair dryer or hot air gun. A marker pen.
How long does it take to repair a crack in a car?
It takes about 20 minutes to repair a crack.
What is a fiberglass canoe made of?
I know how to work with fiberglass. However, this canoe is made of a plastic material called polyethylene. That’s good… and bad. The good is that this makes it a more durable canoe for the usual bumps and bangs on rocks and such when you are paddling around. The bad is that this makes the repair a bit more challenging.
How to smooth out plastic repair?
After the area is generally roughed out, use some 60 grit sand paper on the area to “smooth ” out the entire repair area and evenly “rough-up” the area to help the epoxy bond to the plastic.
How long does it take for epoxy to cure?
Once the epoxy is mixed you will have about 45 minutes to apply it before it starts to cure.
How to stop a crack in a wall from extending?
First, drill a small hole at the end of the crack. This stops the crack from extending any further.
Can you paint plastic?
But if you wanted to paint it, any flexible paint that is designed for plastic would work just fine .
Can you sand a fiberglass canoe?
Spend a little extra time on the exterior of the canoe to make the surface as smooth as possible. Also make sure that the fiberglass is fully embedded in the epoxy. This stuff is really difficult to sand smooth after it has cured.
How to fix a cracked boat hull?
Welding Plastic. Wash the hull around the damaged area with soap and water to remove dirt and grime, and then towel dry. Use plastic cleaner solvent to remove grease or other solvent soluble contaminants. Align the edges if the boat is cracked. You can hold it in place by duct taping the damaged place from behind.
How to repair a crack in a plastic weld?
Widen the area to be repaired using the teardrop-shaped grinder head on a Dremel (r) Moto-Tool. Grind a smooth "V" down the length of the crack or smooth the edges around the hole so that the plastic weld will flow smoothly across the width of the repair. You can also do it with the angled point of the KC Welder (r), but it can be easy to burn through this way. The Dremel (r) is somewhat more controllable.
How to weld hull plastic?
Lay the tip of the plastic welder over the top of the plastic rod. Move the rod back and forth over the plastic welding rod until it heats to the melting point. Keep working, making smooth strokes, until the plastic melts smoothly into the surrounding plastic. Keep working until the heat from the welder tip heats the surrounding plastic. Use the tip of the welder to "stir" the melted rod with any melted hull plastic to give the plastic time to bond and cross-link. Give the rod time to intermix at the boundary area between the original plastic and the repair.
What to wear when working with a KC welder?
Wear safety glasses when working with the KC welder, sander and Dremel tool. Writer Bio. Tom King published his first paid story in 1976. His book, "Going for the Green: An Insider's Guide to Raising Money With Charity Golf," was published in 2008.
Can you fix a cracked hull with duct tape?
For a temporary repair to keep water out until you paddle home, you can't go wrong with good old duct tape. To permanently repair a punctured or cracked hull, the only real cure is a plastic weld job.
Can you repair a cracked hull?
Fortunately, modern plastics remember their shape, and if you apply heat with a hair dryer or a carefully applied torch to a fairly moderate dent, the hull should pop back into shape. For a temporary repair to keep water out until you paddle home, you can't go wrong with good old duct tape. To permanently repair a punctured or cracked hull, the only real cure is a plastic weld job.
Does overheating weaken hulls?
Overheating will weaken the hull. Underheating will not allow the repair to bond with the hull material
How to repair a canoe?
Duct tape can make a surprisingly durable repair. To strengthen the bond between the tape and the boat, consider the following: 1 Both canoe and tape must be completely dry, or the tape won’t stick at all. 2 A boat that has warmed in the sun first will form a stronger bond 3 A metal spoon can be heated with a lighter and then rubbed on the tape to melt the glue and further strengthen the bond with the boat
What is a good canoe repair kit?
A good canoe repair kit can prevent everything from sleepless, mosquito-infested nights to risky and expensive evacuations. But even the most well-stocked repair kit won’t do any good if it’s too heavy or large to keep close at hand.
What is roofing tape?
Roofing tape is a step up from duct tape. Used to patch leaky roofs, it is much thicker and stickier than duct tape, and very flexible. It is more tolerant to damp or cool conditions than duct tape, but a warm, dry canoe will still produce the best results. Find it in 4-8 inch rolls in the hardware store.
What is a tandem whitewater canoe made of?
Canoes are made of many different materials, and each requires different repair techniques. Most modern tandem whitewater canoes are made of a type of plastic called ABS. Different forms of this highly versatile plastic are laminated to make the strong, flexible material used in whitewater canoes.
Why does ABS foam crack?
Cracks, if not quickly repaired, expose the foam core to water; if absorbed, the water breaks down the bond between layers of ABS, causing the hull of the boat to delaminate.
What is a seam seal?
Seam seal: For leaky seams, patching small holes in sleeping pads, drybags, or anything nylon, or for sealing the edges of large patches, or hand sewn repairs
What to use to replace seat bolts on canoe?
A few nails (a hot nail can punch holes in a canoe to sew up a large tear) Safety pins, buttons, any other replacement parts (pack clips and zipper pulls can be a good addition) Extra string and shock cord: You can always use extra string and rope.
How to repair a gouge on a kayak?
In this case your only hope is to use other parts of the boat to repair the damage. You can simply melt some bits of the boat and use the melted plastic to cover and patch the gouges. You can use a lighter to melt and a knife to simply transfer the melted bits onto the gash. If you don’t want to sacrifice any other parts of the boat, you can buy HDPE welding rods from a kayaking shop. You can also utilize some milk cartons that are made from HDPE to melt and mend your boat with.
What is the material used in kayaks?
The material that goes into making most plastic kayaks and canoes is called high density polyethylene or HDPE. The same chemical properties that contributed towards the making of a kayak prevent it from bonding with other material, making HDPE a really difficult material to repair.
Why do kayaks get scratches?
Kayaks can get these scratches, some deep others not so much, from hitting rocks in shallow water, being launched from a beach, or while transporting them from one storage point to another. Most of the scratches that end up simply peeling off the outer plastic coating are nothing to be concerned about. You can simply use a knife and shave off the lingering particles to keep it all smooth.
How to cover holes in boat deck?
If these screws get loose and lose their place, a hole is left behind and water can then enter into the boat through that hole. You can use duct tape to cover these small holes. However, you may need to periodically change these dressings to make sure the water doesn’t find a way through them, as duct tape will lose its adhesiveness after a while.
Can you restore a kayaking boat?
Although it might not seem that challenging, repairing a kayaking boat is a demanding job, and at times it is simply not possible to restore the boat to its original glory. It all comes down the basic make-up of the boat.
Can you take a kayak in the water?
The kayak must not be taken in the water and paddled until it has been properly checked and all the cracks lurking under its belly are dealt with adequately. It is better to let the professionals deal with such a serious issue, but if you are unable to find an expert you can perform the job yourself with some care. Drill carefully on either side of the crack, as this will prevent the crack from spreading and will stop it in its tracks.
How to polarize a boat?
To polarize you will need a hand-held propane torch. The torch will have a flame about 3 inches long. Inside will be a smaller, brighter blue flame. This smaller flame must contact the hull in the area to be bonded. Simply wave the flame across the hull like you were painting it with a small brush.
How to get dents out of boat hull?
CAUTION: Do not over-heat. The surface should not become too hot to touch. Apply heat by alternating the heat source inside and outside. This will slowly warm the area. Pressure should be applied from inside to aid the material in returning to its shape. With severe dents exact original shape may not be obtainable.
What is in a resin kit?
Kit contains a 2-part polyurethane resin system , nylon cloth, sand paper, brush, and instructions. Repairs of this nature normally require a patch both inside and outside of the hull. The patch will be applied very much like fiberglass, however this resin is superior in that it is very durable as well as flexible.
What is a gelcoat repair kit?
DEEP GOUGES: A gelcoat repair kit can be found online from various vendors that contains colored gelcoat, hardener, sandpaper, polishing compound, and instructions. Use to fill in gouges, chips, breaks in the gelcoat.
Can Old Town repair kayaks?
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. In the event of a problem, we recommend you contact your local Old Town dealer for the appropriate repair kit or parts. Many of these same dealers may be able to repair the boat for you or give you assistance in getting started in the right direction. A listing of additional repair shops is also available by writing or calling the factory. Following is a basic overview of the recommended repair options available for Old Town products.
Do you need to polarize polyethylene?
All polyethylene hulls need to be polarized prior to any attempted repair or bonding. No material will permanently bond to polyethylene as it is before polarizing. You must first be sure the area is roughened with sand paper and clean. To polarize you will need a hand-held propane torch.
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