square_nails Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I just got finished watching the video where Jeff beats on the skin to show it's resistance to damage. The thing that I liked was that even after putting a hole in the fabric (with much effort) that it did not want to tear or get any larger even when Jeff was trying to coax it. So in a situation where one was to put a hole in their kayak while away on a trip, after patching the hole you could have confidence that it will not open up and get any worse which would be a great stress relief and let you continue to enjoy the remainder of the trip. What would someone use to patch and seal a polyester skin while away from home? Maybe a small patch of polyester and some epoxy that comes in the two part tubes from the hardware store? Quote
Hirilonde Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 I don't think there is any really good patch for a SoF skin. But I would sew the patch on and seal it with paint. I would then re-skin the boat over the winter. While on a trip I would carry duct tape as a temporary patch to get to the other end. 1 Quote
Kudzu Posted September 28, 2013 Posted September 28, 2013 A little bit of duct tape and something to dry the spot with so it will stick. When you get home, sew on a patch and paint it. Works like a champ. Matter of fact I had a student that didn't listen and we had to patch her boat during the class. Patch worked perfectly. Quote
square_nails Posted September 29, 2013 Author Posted September 29, 2013 Ok, well that sounds simple enough. I guess the duct tape will stand up to the water then. Thanks again. Bruce Quote
Bcone1381 Posted September 29, 2013 Posted September 29, 2013 A fabric patch with Shoe Goo or Goop for dual purpose adhesive and sealant. Quote
square_nails Posted September 30, 2013 Author Posted September 30, 2013 Bcone is "shoe goo" like a repair glue for wellies and do you pick it up at the cobblers? Quote
Hirilonde Posted October 1, 2013 Posted October 1, 2013 A little bit of duct tape and something to dry the spot with so it will stick. If on an overnight trip or longer you will want to carry a first aid kit. Check that it contains a couple alcohol wipes. Alcohol is great for drying out wet surfaces. Wipe the excess water off first, then wipe with alcohol. Or make up an emergency repair kit by winding a few feet of duct tape around a short pencil or such and put it in a baggie with a couple alcohol wipes. Quote
Bcone1381 Posted October 2, 2013 Posted October 2, 2013 Bcone is "shoe goo" like a repair glue for wellies and do you pick it up at the cobblers?Yes, that is the stuff. As I ponder these items for a repair in the field, and if I envision a worse case cold and rainy day, curing of the glue will be an issue to overcome. Shoe goo infohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe_GooGoop infohttp://www.eclecticproducts.com/ag_adhesives_epoxies.htm Quote
Kudzu Posted October 2, 2013 Posted October 2, 2013 If you want to sew a patch and paint it latter, i would stay away from anything but duct tape. Quote
square_nails Posted October 3, 2013 Author Posted October 3, 2013 Right Jeff I see what you mean. Taking into account the residue that might be left behind which could hinder a more permanent repair later. Ok, great , I will have to ponder this some more. Quote
AeroE Posted October 3, 2013 Posted October 3, 2013 Avoid any sealer containing silicone at places where a permanent patch follows. It won't be permanent. Quote
Kudzu Posted October 3, 2013 Posted October 3, 2013 I have paddled these boats A LOT! I have only damaged two and that was in moving shallow water where I shouldn't have been. My buddies plastic boat even got damaged in that one. The second time was again moving water. Constant abrasion rubbing on the bottom of the boat rubbed several small holes. They are small enough to just paint over but again, I damaged it doing something I shouldn't have been doing. Abrasion is your biggest enemy. If you don't drag the boats along bottom or around on the bank, odds are you will never need a repair kit. So don't over think it. Quote
Hirilonde Posted October 3, 2013 Posted October 3, 2013 Avoid any sealer containing silicone at places where a permanent patch follows. It won't be permanent. Take this comment as gospel and one of the most important tips about bedding and sealants there is. Silicone is pure evil!!!! Quote
txruckus Posted October 9, 2013 Posted October 9, 2013 I never leave home or get on the water with out my roll of black or white Gorilla Tape by the makers of Gorilla Glue! It has worked better for me then your average Silver duct tape to the point where it is an almost permenant fix for small holes and cuts in the skin. Just make sure the area is dry when you apply it and you will practicly have to reskin the boat just to get it off. The manufacturer just released clear Gorrilla Tape and recomends it for marine use http://www.gorillatough.com/index.php?page=clear-tape. Could be a nice alternative if you dont want an obvious patch on your nicely painted skin boat. Quote
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