Subject: wooden kayak repair
Date: Fri, 4 October 2013Hello,
I would like to repair the hull of this wooden plywood kayak that I made about 18 years ago. It has been in storage in our garage for many years and has minor leaks around the bottom edges. I recall that I used fiberglass for the seams, but do not remember specifics about the product. Which of your products would be best for this project? Do you recommend that I sand before applying the epoxy or polyurethane? I would appreciate any advice you could give. Thank you.
-Janet
Janet,
Am I correct in assuming that the leakage is at the seam where the bottom meets the sides? Can you see breaks or checks in the fiberglass seam tape where the water is getting in? Are the leaks substantial or just seepage? Is there any softness to the plywood?
Doc
Date: Sat, 5 October 2013
Hi Doc,
Yes, the leaks are where the bottom meets the sides.. It is just seepage. The seam tape seems ok, but it appears to have little cracks in the glue.There is no softness to the plywood. The kayak is quite sturdy.
-Janet
Janet,
Well, the simplest method of stopping the seepage would be a coat of paint along the seam. Wouldn't last forever, but would get you going. Secondly, you could remove the paint from the taped seam, wipe the surface down well with lacquer thinner, and then re-coat the seam with our Layup & Laminating Resin. After the resin has cured, sand lightly to give the surface some "tooth", and then paint. Thirdly, you could include new fiberglass tape down the seam bedded in the L&L Resin. Finally, for the ultimate-forever repair, you would remove the old tape that is bedded in polyester resin and put down new tape with our L&L Epoxy Resin. Our L&L Resin is that much stronger and more durable than a polyester fiberglass resin.
Doc
Date: Wed, 23 October 2013
Hello Doc,
I applied the layup and laminating resin and it worked wonderfully! I had ordered two units and only needed one (I still have 1/3 of the bottles for touchup, if necessary). Would I be able to return the second order (both bottles are still in the plastic bag, unopened)? I understand that there is a 10 percent restocking charge. Please advise.
Thank you.
JanetReturn instructions were sent -- please see our policies page for information on returns