How to Repair a Hobie Kayak

Repairing a Hobie kayak -- which employs a Hobie propulsion system -- is like fixing most any other kayak. Of course, appropriate kayak care (keeping it out of the sun when not in use, rinsing and drying off saltwater from the kayak's surface) can usually prevent the need for repairs in the first place. Still, when a crack or a hole develops, it's good to know what to do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Sandpaper
Rag
Repair plastic
Propane torch

Step 1

Sand the damaged area. The goal is to remove any protruding bits from the cracked or damaged surface of the kayak.

Step 2

Wipe away dust and other sediment left over by the sandpaper process, using a rag.

Step 3

Lay repair plastic over the crack or hole. Repair plastic is available at many hardware stores, and at any boating or kayak store. If the crack is especially narrow, you may want to obtain the repair plastic in strips, or even cut it into strips yourself.

Step 4

Heat the repair plastic using the propane torch. The plastic will melt, bonding itself to the Hobie kayak's surface -- and covering the damaged area completely, effectively sealing any holes or cracks. Be careful during this step not to direction the torch over the kayak's surface; you want to melt the plastic, not the Hobie kayak.

Step 5

Allow the melted repair plastic to cool, solidifying the bond. This may take several hours.

Step 6

Smooth the now-cool repair plastic using plastic, better shaping it to fit the surface of the Hobie kayak. When finished, use a rag to wipe away any sandpaper dust.

Tips & Warnings

Check manufacturer's instructions -- and warranty information -- when dealing with problems associated with the Hobie kayak's propulsion system or pedaling mechanism. These are best taken care of by the manufacturer or a licensed dealer.

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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