TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Yesterday, I had a very traumatic experience with ticks. If you have any tick advice, please pop over to that link and share. I also managed to puncture a hole in the hull of my kayak. When I put in at the second pond (out of 3), I noticed I was taking on some water. Huh. Emptied it out, thought it was just a weird coincidence, but in pond #3 I quickly realized I better evacuate, because water was glug-glug-glugging and I was sitting very low, very fast.

I was able to get out and empty, then hike back, but do any of you have any suggestions for repairing a hole about the size of a quarter in a plastic kayak hull? I have some thoughts... but any tips would be appreciated.

I have to get this fixed in a week or so, because I have to get back to these bass ASAP. They were unblemished, unbothered and willing to hit topwater.

Thanks!

Noticed a little water...


Noticed a LOT OF WATER...


"There's your problem!"


Unblemished bass in a hard-to-reach pond

SoTxJoe Loc: Rockdale, Texas

Not a kayak expert, but i have a little bit of experience repairing weathered polyethylene. If you find the hole, there are some chemical plastic "welding" compounds that should bond well to polyethylene, but it might not look so pretty. If it's a crack along a corner edge, it might be time to get a new kayak.

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Any repellent w Deet is good for ticks. I used to go to many remote spots and would spray legs, boots and around my waistline. It’s poison so never put it in my skin. Very affective.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

I have been using the attached product for decades with any marine repair and I would highly recommend it. If the hole is in a flat spot, I would cut a thin piece of plastic (like from an anti-freeze bottle or similar) and adhere it to both the inside and outside of the hole. The version I use is white, but I think it comes in a few different colors like gray and black too. It is a 2 part flexible epoxy that is 100% water proof for submersion.

If your hole is where a significant bump or mold form is present, and you need to go over an unusual shape, I wonder if an RV roof tape might work. That stuff has a tenacious grip and is water proof and flexible. The bottom side has a sticky rubbery film that once applied is almost impossible to get off! Again, I would place a small piece on both sides of the area. Maybe even put a bead of silicone around the actual tape edge after putting it in place.

These ideas come to mind right away. Hope it helps!

Good luck when you go back after those bass!

I get this product at a West Marine store, but I'm sure that it could be ordered on line too.

Bigmark Loc: Lower Alabama

If you have ticks that bad, you better watch out for the chiggers. You won't know you have them until a few days later and they itch like crazy. Them little B@$!%*& like to go for "warm area's). Tuck pants in your boots and spray all over outside with good bug repellant like Off w/Deet.If you srpay it on your skin it may burn.

Bigmark

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Got it - thanks boys - all very helpful!!

Rdnkjp Loc: Hardy, Va

You might want to look at Flex Seal. It comes in a spray can. If the hole is larger they make Flex Seal tape. Maybe tape it then spray the can version over it.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

For a permanent fix, though you can not get it done in a week, contact the maker and get some plastic welding sticks of the same material as the kayak. Look on the internet for welding plastic. If the plastic broke from being brittle, get a new yak. All that fancy stuff in a Hobbie is nice, but a lightweight yak can be bought on Craigslist for pennies on the dollar. A nice yak can be bought at Walmart for very cheap as well. My preerance is a sit on top as air floatation is alot lighter than foam if I have to portage any distance.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Lots of good info here.

67fb

I was able to fix this hole with this kit.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

I keep about a foot of this in my kayak bag. I've haven't had to use it on my kayak but it worked well on my buddy's inflatable (still holding for 3rd year) and on my pool (on 4th year). Sticks well even if the surface isn't completely dry. They claim that it can be used underwater but I haven't tried it.

Patch covering 1" slit (grandsons knife throwing accident) 1st piece was too small -- couldn't get it off so I covered with 2nd

TheMinimalistFisherman Loc: Northern Illinois

Thanks again for all the info fellas! I went with a fiberglass patch and covered that with some epoxy around the edges to smooth it out and hopefully extend the life of the patch - however, if I still keep having issues I'll look into plastic welding (lots of guys recommended that) or replacement - but only if necessary.

I'll test it out today and just stay right close to shore.

Wish me luck!