How To Repair Royalex Canoe? Is it possible to repair it?? ? It can usually be repaired quite easily by taping on the outside of a small vessel using cardboard tape or wax paper, then adding fiber cloth, Royalex resin, and then layer more layers until the gap is about 3 inches wide.
Full Answer
How do you fix a cracked Royalex canoe?
Stan running tape over freshly glued cracks in the Royalex canoe to prevent the glue from running and keep it relatively smooth when cured. Note: Use of simple spring clamp to keep the top edge of the Royalex aligned. (Always wear gloves when handling uncured epoxy—Ed.)
What kind of repair kit do you use on a Royalex?
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). Though this kit was originally developed for repairing Discovery canoes, it works equally well on our Royalex hulls.
How do you fix dents and scratches on Royalex?
Repair of dents and deep scratches involves filling with Royalex® repair resin. Repair resin is a puttylike 2-part resin that cures to a hard finish. Some sanding will be required as well. Repairing tears or cracks requires multiple layers of Kevlar® cloth laid in and covered by the repair resin.
How do you repair a damaged Royalex Hull?
Using a torch on Royalex will melt the outside skin. 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.
Can you repair a Royalex canoe?
CAN IT BE REPAIRED? Unless it's big the hole can be fixed pretty easily by taping a piece of cardboard with a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap on the outside of the hull and then building up the gap with layers of fiberglass cloth and Royalex® resin.
Why is Royalex discontinued?
In 2013, plastics company PolyOne, of Avon Lake, Ohio purchased Spartech, and decided to shut down Royalex production due to its low volume. The last sheets of Royalex were shipped from the factory in December, 2013. Production will be shut down in April 2014.
How do you take care of a Royalex canoe?
A UV-resistant spray like 303 Protectant will make your canoe shine. Spray it on at least once per season to shield the hull from fading due to sunlight exposure, and to hide scratches and keep it more supple.
How do you get a dent out of a Royalex canoe?
Heat the hull material, keeping the heat gun moving at all times. There's a fine line between heating enough to remove the dent, and heating too much, which can damage the vinyl skin and/or foam core. In general, you'll have to apply the heat for 1-3 minutes, until the hull feels pliable.
Does Old Town still make Royalex canoes?
The End of the Royalex Canoe. In early August, PolyOne in Avon Lake, Ohio announced that it is closing its plants and ceasing production of Royalex, one of the most revolutionary materials to come to the canoeing world since birch bark.
Is Royalex a good canoe material?
The best canoe material for whitewater paddling is Royalex or TuffStuff, while the best material for wilderness trips is carbon fiber or kevlar. The best material for looks and authenticity is wood, while plastic is the best for light use and recreation.
How long do Royalex canoes last?
My opinion is, if you want a Royalex canoe you can depend on when banging around in rapids, you should get a new one, and after maybe 15 years, think about whether you're paddling stuff so hard that you should replace the boat.
Can you wax a Royalex canoe?
To beautify, we suggest a vinyl protectant product such as Armor All®, 303 Products or Pledge. These are safe for use on any of our Polyethylene, Superlinear, Royalex® and Fiberglass canoes or kayaks. We do not recommend waxing your hull with a paste wax, such as most car waxes.
What paint can I use on Royalex?
Epoxy paint is fine but costs a lot. I have used latex house paint with good success. The problem with Royalex is going to be adhesion. You must resign yourself to the fact that it will easily scrape off.
Can you repair T formex?
Can I repair my T-Formex canoe? Yes, although your T-formex canoe is very durable you may have hit that rock coming down the river one too many times and now you have a small dent in your bow.
How do you reshape a canoe?
Another way to address this is to place the canoe right side up, making sure the area of the hull to be reshaped is not firmly against ground or floor. Fill some flexible bags with very hot water and place them on the area to be reshaped. The heat and the weight of the water can help reform the hull to proper shape.
What material are Old Town canoes made of?
Old Town canoes are made with single- or three-layer polyethylene. The Saranac models use single-layer polyethylene, with the layer shaped into place by thermoforming. All other current models are three-layer polyethylene.
Which canoe material is best?
Best Canoe MaterialRocky beaches and rough waters – Aluminum and hard plastics.Calm and smooth waters – pretty much any of the plastics, aluminum and wood will get the job done.For fast paddling – Fiberglass, lightweight plastics, and Kevlar canoes.For frequent portaging – use Kevlar or other lightweight composites.More items...
What is the Old Town canoe made out of?
Constructed of wood and canvas. 1966 Breakthrough R&D in fiberglass canoes wins Old Town the Grand Prize of the Society of Plastic Industries Reinforced Plastic Division. Selected for originality of application, design, utility, moldability and appearance.
Are Kevlar canoes durable?
If you're new to canoes, you've come at the right time. Kevlar and other aramids have revolutionized paddling, making canoes much lighter and easier to carry while still retaining some durability. They are perfect for taking backcountry trips on lakes and calm rivers, and also shine when being loaded onto a car.
How much does a Kevlar canoe weight?
around 45 to 50 poundsHow much does a Kevlar canoe weigh? Kevlar canoes weigh about 20% less than fiberglass canoes, at around 45 to 50 pounds for a 15′ 2-person Kevlar canoe. Kevlar canoes are perfect flatwater tripping boats, with extremely high efficiency and very low weight that makes them easy to portage.
How Can I Minimize The Chances For Cold Cracks?
Royalex is susceptible to shrinkage when exposed to freezing temperatures. A sheering fracture (cold cracking) is a potential hazard if you live in...
If I Store My Boat Outdoors, Do I Need to Worry About UV Damage?
Not if the vinyl skin is intact. Over time there will occur some color fading but this can be prevented by periodic treatments of a UV protectant s...
Is Temperature A Threat to Royalex Canoes?
Yes and no. Very extreme heat can deform the canoe but the temperatures must be very high and very sustained. This is usually not a problem unless...
Isn't Royalex Indestructible? Why Would It Need A Repair?
ABS Royalex® is an incredibly durable material but it is not indestructible. Back when Royalex® started to show up in canoes, it was nothing short...
Is Repairing Royalex Difficult?
Not particularly. Royalex® repair often consists of restoring damage caused by an accumulation of wear and tear and this type of repair is not diff...
I've Got Some Dents and Creases on The Outside of My Hull. Do I Need to Repair these?
Probably not, especially if the outer skin is not cut or missing. Flip your boat over and look inside the hull. If you don't see a corresponding cr...
I've Punched A Hole in My Boat. Can It Be repaired?
Unless it's big the hole can be fixed pretty easily by taping a piece of cardboard with a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap on the outside of the...
Can I Get A Deformed Canoe Back Into shape?
You may need to build a "jig" to reshape the canoe to its original form. This can be done with duct tape, cardboard, and wood as well as any other...
I Installed Some Whitewater Outfitting in My Boat, and Later Noticed That The Hull Is Kind of Spongy Under The Knee Pads. What's Up?
Probably what's happened is due to the adhesive or the amount of adhesive you used. Contact cement in particular emits styrene as it cures and if t...
What is a cold crack on a Royalex canoe?
Paddlers living in colder regions or in areas subject to rapid temperature fluctuations have learned that Royalex® canoes can be subject to what are called cold cracks. Cold cracks occurred when temperatures reached the teens or lower and/or there was a rapid temperature swing of 20-30 degrees in a few hours.
What is Royalex repair?
Royalex® repair often consists of restoring damage caused by an accumulation of wear and tear and this type of repair is not difficult or complex. It does get more challenging if you're intent on repairing a boat that has been wrapped or severely distorted to the point where the hull has torn.
How to restore UV protection on a canoe?
While the canoe is still structurally intact, it is wise to restore that layer of UV protection to your hull. If the ABS has not been too deeply scratched or gouged a simple, albeit temporary, solution is to simply paint over the exposed layers. Most canoe manufacturer's provide color matched ABS Touchup paint You can expect to have to paint again in the future as the paint is abraded away. A more permanent option to consider if the wear is concentrated at the ends of the boat and the underlying layers are in good shape is to install a skid plate kit.
How to repair a gunwale?
Repair consists of removing the gunwale, aligning the hull parts and reinforcing the interior hull with Royalex® repair resin and cloth. Cosmetic repair of the hull exterior is accomplished by slightly widening the crack and filling with repair resin.
What is the best resin for repairing dents?
Repair of dents and deep scratches involves filling with Royalex® repair resin. Repair resin is a puttylike 2-part resin that cures to a hard finish. Some sanding will be required as well. Repairing tears or cracks requires multiple layers of Kevlar® cloth laid in and covered by the repair resin. Fiberglass cloth can also be used but the inherent flexibility of Kevlar® better matches that of Royalex®. Structural repair is generally done on the interior of the hull.
How many cracks can you see in a paddling pole?
In severe cases, one could encounter a series of 6 to 8 or more cracks originating at a succession of attachment points.
What is the outer layer of Royalex?
The outer (and inner) layers of a Royalex® hull is vinyl. There're there to provide UV protection for the underlying ABS plastic layers that in turn surround the foam core. The ABS layers are quite susceptible to UV degradation. The vinyl layers block that potential damage.
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.
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.
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.
Where to contact Jerry Stelmok?
FOR ALL REPAIR NEEDS: Contact Jerry Stelmok at Island Falls Canoe (207) 564-7612.
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.
How to use kevlar in a G Flex?
Lay kevlar into the g-flex and brush or squeegee it in. Probably 2 or 3 layers of kevlar - if there are hollows, add extra layers first to bring them up to level. Always apply resin first and lay the kevlar into into, don't lay down dry kevlar and try to push resin through it.
How long to wait to remove peelply from boat?
Wait 24 hours and carefully lift the peel ply but one of the dry corners, check that the kevlar stays stuck to the boat and then rip the peelply off to leave a smooth finish. Having practiced on the inside, turn the boat over and repeat on the outside.
Can you use skid plate resin on plastic canoes?
Normal skid plate kits would work aswell but would likely have standard epoxy in them not the partially flexible resin that is best for plastic canoes, their main benefit is you get everything in one set. If you are going the repair it would work out cheaper to buy the Matt seperately as you already have resin and lots of spare mixing pots of resin (I ended up eating lots of yogaut to source the pots.. )
Can you replace ABS with kevlar?
You can replace the structural ABS layers with kevlar, laminated with g-flex, inside and out. Since kevlar laminate is more UV resistant than ABS, it doesn't need an outer layer. As for colour, kevlar skid plates on the outside are a normal feature of many Royalex canoes, and kevlar on the inside isn't very visible.
Does epoxy resin last longer?
No experience of this product, but I think the consensus is that epoxy resins typically last much longer than the manufacturers stated shelf life. They can chrystalise out in cold weather (whether in date or not), but that can be reversed by standing the containers in hot water. Post. Oct 28, 2020 #30.
Does vinegar clean epoxy?
Vinegar will clean epoxy out of brushes quite well but I just use the cheapest cellulose thinners (gun wash) from the local automotive paint place
Can you take a temporary mould from the opposite end of a hull?
For symetrical hulls it is often possible to take a temporary mould from the opposite end, and use this to keep the repair "fair".
