Repair Crack in Hull

[Duster_BB]

Have a 1.5" crack on the bottom side of one of my kayaks.

Any idea how best to repair?

Seems like plastic welding would work well, but never done it before.

[Duster_BB]

Just did more research. Really like the looks of the plastic welder.

Would a regular soldering iron do just fine? If not, any specific brands of plastic welder I should get? Some are like $30 on Amazon.

[SWFinatic]

Duster I don’t have any experience using a plastic welder but I am a hobbyist welder. If I were going to buy one I would buy one with the highest wattage possible. I’m sure they all get hot but with welding penetration is key. The welder needs to get more than just the surface hot.

I do think you’re on the right track in terms of the method of repair.

Practice a lot (for several days at least) before you make the repair.

[Neumie]

In the past I've always done my plastic welding with a heat gun and various flat metal pieces, like a putty knife. I need to do some plastic welding on my Search 15, so I may invest in a plastic welder as my "newest" kayak is already 12 years old and this is something I'll have to start doing now.

Whichever route you go, make sure you drill stop the cracks.

[Duster_BB]

Thx fellas. Will post an update once I do it.