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!
Full Answer
What do you need to repair a damaged canoe?
These are the most common items needed in fixing a damaged canoe. Of course, you will need a portable welding machine, mostly if your canoe is made of either fiberglass or aluminum. And last but not least, you should always have a stock of canoe repair parts at hand.
How to fix a damaged canoe seat?
You might need to use a screwdriver or small chisel if the seat was hand caned. You will remove the old cane or seat and will put it on the top of the new canoe seat. Mark with the marker and cut it then you got your old measurement. If you target to fix the seat in the rest accurately then, will try not to destroy the channel.
How do you use Old Town Canoe filler?
When canvas is installed, fill with Old Town Canoe Filler, a special preparation made for this purpose. When filler is dry sand smooth and prime with a coat of Primer Undercoat tinted with the finish color desired. Finish with a coat of Old Town Canoe Enamel.
What to do with old canvas canoe hulls?
When the canvas covering can no longer be kept watertight by painting and patching, and the hull is still sound, it is economical to remove the old canvas and stretch a new covering over the hull. The work is not intricate and will make the canoe as good as new. Remove the stem bands, rub rails and keel thus exposing all fastenings.
Can you repair an Old Town canoe?
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.
Can a polyethylene canoe be repaired?
0:146:06Plastic Canoe/Kayak Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost plastic canoes and kayaks are made out of high-density polyethylene HDPE. Which is veryMoreMost plastic canoes and kayaks are made out of high-density polyethylene HDPE. Which is very resistant to adhesives. So just including a patch.
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.
How do you repair an old 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 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 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.
Are Old Town canoes any good?
The Full Review: I have found the Penobscot series from Old Town to be excellent all-around tandem touring canoes at an excellent price. There are a lot of fancy high-end canoes, but the Old Town Penobscot holds its own. This boat is an all-around flat water/moving water canoe that offers great versatility.
What year was my Old Town canoe made?
How do I trace the history of my Old Town canoe? Call Old Town Canoe Co. at (207) 827-5514 or (800) 343-1555 and request to speak to Customer Service, or email customer service. Your serial number will be required, which is typically located at the stern end of the canoe.
How do I identify an Old Town canoe?
Old Town marked their canoes with a simple sequential serial number scheme. Canoes will be found marked on the inboard upper face of the stem. The serial number is four, five or six digits, a space, and then the length of the canoe.
Can a fiberglass canoe be repaired?
If your fiberglass canoe has seen better days then it can be helpful to know how to fix it. Repairing it yourself can often be less expensive than having professionals do it for you. Plus, if you know how to repair a canoe, you can even benefit from buying a used canoe and fixing it up to look like it's brand new.
How long do fiberglass canoes last?
Fiberglass boats can be sound and seaworthy for up to fifty years or more. Fiberglass is very durable, and with proper maintenance and care, fiberglass boats can last for many decades.
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 a hole in a polyethylene kayak?
0:436:27DIY 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 fix a hole in a plastic canoe?
3:086:03Keel Repair - Coleman Canoe (HPDE) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna be mixing the plastic Ponder Part A and Part B and applying it to the inside of the canoe.MoreI'm gonna be mixing the plastic Ponder Part A and Part B and applying it to the inside of the canoe. All. Right so I would say that's mixed thoroughly. So now that the inside and outside will cleaned
How do you fix a cracked canoe?
2:387:17How To Fix A Cracked Canoe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the canoe. The ones are pretty good boys where that repair was there's a big crack yeah it wasMoreIn the canoe. The ones are pretty good boys where that repair was there's a big crack yeah it was cracked there wasn't a hole so. It's going to stay weak. And we can't just cover it with fiberglass
How do you fix a crack in a plastic kayak?
0:139:01How To Fix A Crack in a Kayak [Plastic Welding] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAway is to drill holes on either end of the crack to stop it from spreading so i'll go ahead andMoreAway is to drill holes on either end of the crack to stop it from spreading so i'll go ahead and show you how i would do. That and this crack's actually spread all the way to here.
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 fix a crack in a wall?
First, drill a small hole at the end of the crack. This stops the crack from extending any further. Then use a chisel (or other tool) to scrape away material around the crack and bevel the edges at least 1/2″ on either side of the crack.
Can you sand a canoe after epoxy?
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. After epoxy and fiberglass – inside.
Canoe Repair: Kevlar, Royalex, Fiberglass, ABS Canoes
We’ve compiled some tips and links to get you started on some of the most common canoe repairs. Just remember—a call or visit to the manufacturer’s web site is always a good place to start.
Repainting Gelcoat Canoes
Painting a gelcoat isn’t as simple as picking out your color and going to town—it’s best to use a one-part polyurethane marine paint, available at most marine stores. You can also apply a gelcoat with a color finish mixed in.
Canoe Repairs on the Trail
Of course, gashes, nicks and scrapes rarely happen close to home, and many a paddler has made fine use of duct tape for on-the-water repairs. Davidson recommends bringing a CanoeFix Patch instead. Heat activated, it adheres to aluminum, Royalex, fiberglass, Kevlar and gelcoat canoes.
Patching a Hole
Even with the best of care, accidents happen. Patching a hole doesn’t have to be as complicated as you might think.
DIY Cedar Strip Canoe Repair
The cedar core of a cedar strip canoe is strengthened by layers of epoxy. Repairing a hole means first replacing the cedar strips in the area of damage, and then glassing the hull. Because of the simplicity of the canoe’s design, it’s a project you can take on at home.
Step 1: Clean The Broken Seat
You will need to clean all the old spline or cane as soon as possible. You don’t have to polish like that. You might need to use a screwdriver or small chisel if the seat was hand caned.
Step 2: Go For The Whole Seat
You will remove the old cane or seat and will put it on the top of the new canoe seat. Mark with the marker and cut it then you got your old measurement.
Step 4: Use The Water
You have to put the new cane and spline in the water and need to keep soaking for some time. Water will soften the cane webbing and spline. Once they become soft, they will remove from the bucket.
Step 5: Draw The Diagram
You have to draw the diagram to fix the seat. Because It is much easier to look at the chart during work.
Step 6: Time To Fix The Cane
The cane will set on the seat frame. Before fixing, you should apply titebond glue around the slot. So it becomes easy to fit the rod. After using glue, the cane should fit well.
Step 7: Set The Spline
The spline has different sizes. You have to take a spline and measure it with the old one. Then place it into the glove of the frame with the help of a hammer. You will see that some of the cane is sticking out. You will use the knife to cut the excess webbing carefully.
Step 8: Finishing The Work
Following the diagram, you will make the new canoe seat. After repairing, you can use a sponge and water to clean any extra glue. Let the canoe seat for 24 hours before using a new canoe seat.
Step 1: Inspect the Craft for Damage
The next day a proper inspection proved that this $20 canoe was worth the money paid. Large cracks, holes, and a completely broken thwart and yoke were tokens of the work I had ahead of me.
Step 2: Make It Worse, Before It Can Get Better
After 3 hours of sanding I had gone through 3-1/3 sheets of sandpaper, and killed my orbital sander. The canoe was still very, very blue.
Step 3: Patchy Patchy
Before I got started on the more concerning holes in the hull and wanted to attempt repairing the thwart, yoke and deck.
Step 4: "There's a Hole in My Bucket..."
Once the canoe was completed sanded down, and the residue washed, dusted, wiped, dried off I moved the canoe indoors to avoid bugs and pollen get stuck to the sticky stuff. You also want to be sure your project won't be rained on or get too hot.
Step 5: Make It Perty
Gel coat is of course the best option for a finish. Gel coat is what is applied when the canoe is first moulded. Applying it after the fact as a repair is a more difficult and delicate process that requires expertise and a lot of elbow grease to prevent an "orange peel" effect.
