How to Repair a Patch-N-Go Kayak

Major damage to a kayak--whether the development of an out-and-out hole or a barely visible crack--can typically be prevented by proper maintainence. This includes keeping the kayak out of the harmful rays of the sun when not in use and properly rinsing the kayak off, then drying, after spending time in salt water. Sometimes, despite one's best maintainence efforts, damage can occur. One solution is to turn your kayak into the Patch-N-Go variety.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sandpaper
Cotton swab
Rubbing alcohol
Patch-N-Go patch
Squeegee

Step 1

Sand the damaged area of the kayak with sandpaper to remove all protrusions and create a more or less smooth, flat surface.

Step 2

Clean the freshly-sanded surface of the damaged area of the kayak. To accomplish this dip a cotton swab in some rubbing alcohol and rub around the damaged spot. The goal here is to remove dirt, dust and sediment of all kinds.

Step 3

Allow the alcohol to evaporate on its own. This may take half an hour or more.

Step 4

Peel the patch partially from its protective cover. Place the edge of the patch's sticky side at least one inch from the crack or hole.

Step 5

Apply the rest of the Patch-N-Go patch, peeling off the protective cover as you do so. The patch should be flat and smooth and cover the damaged area with at least an inch of extra patch on all sides.

Step 6

Strengthen the patch's bond to the kayak by rubbing the entire surface of the patch heartily with a squeegee.

Tips & Warnings

Do not "test" the strength of the patch by attempting to peel it back, especially within the first few minutes of application. This may destroy the bond the patch has developed with the kayak's surface.

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

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