Kayak Repair

[bcguy]

I have a roto molded (ram x) coleman, pelican style 10' kayak that I have dragged across barnacles, oyster beds, rocks etc, etc... the bottom is a mass of scratches. Just wondering if there was a product out there that I could just lather over the bottom of the kayak to help fill to some degree all these scratches. I do not really want to fill all of the cracks with melted poly sticks. Just wondering about a can of resin or something?

.... thanks

[Steve Bean]

Not much will stick to "waxy" plastics. They can be welded thermally. A plastic shop might help. Good luck.

[sailorchic34]

Most plastic kayaks are made from polyethylene (PE). Fantastic material but as mentioned above not a lot will stick to it. Generally you have to use a PE stick and heat to bond/fuse the new plastic to the old. Not an easy job

Tab plastics does sell a two part PE repair glue. Still takes heat to set though

[thinwater]

What is the reason?

Speed? Doesn't seem worthwhile for a short kayak that is displacment speed limitied.

If it is general deterioration, it will not help.

And get a Perception Impulse next time; A nicer choise in the same class. I've got higher-end boats, but the Impulse is a great sail cruiser's kayak.

[xsboats]

You need to determine whether the boat is cross linked or linear PE. The newer cross linked boats cannot be successfully welded. If linear, try the hot air welder sold by Northern Tool in their catalog. I have been repairing my and other people's whitewater kayaks for years and have been really happy with this tool. It also works well repairing the bases of my snow skis.