Kayaks are small boats designed for one or two riders. These vessels can be used for touring quiet tributaries, shooting the rapids and even fishing. With their light fiberglass or carbon-fiber bodies, kayaks are often subject to damage from collisions or contact with sharp objects. If you find a hole in your kayak, repair it properly to ensure the vessel is completely sealed and watertight. You'll make your kayak seaworthy again in just a few hours.
Step 1
Cut away loose sections of the kayak from the hole. Use a utility knife to remove damaged or splintered sections.
Step 2
Apply a heavy-duty clear plastic tape over the entire hole on the outside of the kayak. This tape will hold the patching materials in place while they dry, but can be removed afterward without damage to the boat's finish.
Step 3
Use your utility knife to cut sections of fiberglass tape. Your first piece should be about 3 inches larger than the hole in your kayak. Make the next piece slightly smaller. Continue this process until you have a stack of fiberglass tape pieces that is as thick as the wall of the kayak.
Step 4
Mix the hardener and epoxy from your repair kit on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard. Your kit should come with a disposable stirring stick, or you can use a putty knife or similar object to blend these ingredients thoroughly. Refer to the instructions on your repair kit to determine the exact ratio of hardener and epoxy.
Step 5
Lay the largest piece of fiberglass tape into the epoxy mix and move it around until it is completely saturated. Lay this piece of fiberglass over the hole in your boat, working from the inside of the kayak. Use your epoxy stirring stick or your gloved fingers to press the tape against the wall of the kayak. Epoxy dries roughly 10 minutes after it's mixed, so work quickly.
Step 6
Repeat Step 6 to layer the remaining pieces of tape over the hole, working in order from largest to smallest.
Step 7
Cover the patched section with a piece of plastic food-storage wrap. Use your clear, heavy-duty tape around the edges of the plastic wrap to hold it in place against the wall of the kayak.
Step 8
Allow the patch to dry according to the instructions and duration on the package. When the epoxy is dry, remove the plastic wrap from the inside of the kayak as well as the heavy-duty tape on the inside and outside of the boat.
Step 9
Sand both the inside and outside walls of the kayak with a fine-grit sandpaper until the patched area is smooth and even.
Tips and Warnings
- This combination of fiberglass tape and epoxy creates a watertight seal that makes it safe to take your kayak back out on the water. If you wish to restore the paint on your kayak, you'll need a marine gelcoat, available at most boating stores. Mix the gelcoat pigments to match your kayak and apply this finish according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Complete this project outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Use a respirator to avoid potentially harmful fumes from the epoxy mix. Wear gloves to protect your hands while you work.
Things You'll Need
- Rubber gloves
- Respirator
- Heavy-duty clear tape
- Utility knife
- Fiberglass tape
- Epoxy repair kit
- Plastic wrap
- Sandpaper
- Marine gelcoat kit
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