If you’re a kayaker, then you know that it’s important to keep your equipment in good condition. Drill holes in a plastic kayak can cause leaks and force you to constantly bail out water.
How to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak? one of the most common methods is using polyester resin. So, keeping in mind all of your needs and requirements, we’ll tell you how to do it.
Note: There are lots of methods to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak to follow all the methods you must have a kayak repair kit.
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Reasons For Holes in Plastic Kayaks:
There can be several reasons behind drill holes in plastic kayaks. The most common reason is to attach a water bottle holder or any other accessory. However, you must know that this method will not last long and will cause more problems than it solves.
Moreover, a drill hole that has a sharp edge can cut the bottom of your boat. Sharp edges caused by drilling holes in plastic kayaks will cause you to constantly bail out water from your kayak, and it can also render your boat unusable.
How to Repair Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak?
There are several methods of repairing drill holes in a plastic kayak, but using polyester resin is the most reliable one. We cannot deny that there are other methods available that you can try, but they are unreliable and do not promise good results.
Method 1. Repairing Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak with Epoxy
The first method to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak is using epoxy. You must know that it can be difficult to handle because you’ll have to mix both components at the same time without getting any on your hands.
So, how does this method work?
1. First, you must clean the area around the hole.
2. Next, get some epoxy and spread it on both sides of the drill hole with a putty knife.
3. Let it dry overnight before applying more coats if necessary.
There are several drawbacks to this method as well which you should know about.
First, the repair job is usually visible after it’s done.
It’s difficult to find the right shade of paint that matches the original color of your kayak, so it is best to use a darker shade.
Furthermore, this method cannot repair holes in the hull of your boat.
The epoxy will stick well to both sides of the hole but it will not attach them together. That’s why this method is not used to repair holes in the hull of your kayak.
Method 2. Repair Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak with Elmer’s Glue
Elmer’s glue can be an effective way to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak if you’re looking for a cheap and easy solution.
All you have to do is apply a thin layer of glue around the hole, let it dry for an hour, and sand the area.
However, it’s possible that the epoxy won’t stick well with your kayak plastic material. Another drawback is that this method does not work with holes in the bottom of your boat because the water pressure will cause popping out of the seal – just like cork screws on bottle openers.
Method 3. Repairing Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak With Marine Goop
This method is often used by kayakers who are new or lack experience with repairing drill holes in plastic kayaks. This solution is suitable if you want to avoid using chemicals that can be harmful to your health if you get them on your skin.
You must know that this method is not suitable for larger holes, but can be an excellent solution if you need to repair several small drill holes in plastic kayaks. You must also know that marine goop will dry into a sticky mess if it’s exposed to the sun or gets wet.
To prevent this, apply some contrasting color paint before using marine goop on your kayak.
Method 4. Repair Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak with Dolphinite Polyester Resin
This method of repairing drill holes in plastic kayaks with dolphinite polyester resin is by far the most popular choice among professional kayakers because it has long-lasting results and causes no damage to the plastic material on your kayak.
It is, however, a difficult method to perform even for experienced kayakers.
1. You first have to mix resin and hardener before applying it with a putty knife or a paintbrush.
2. After that, you’ll need about an hour of waiting time before sanding the hole smooth and applying another coat if needed.
3. Even though this is not as dangerous as using epoxy, you still need to put on protective gloves and safety goggles.
Another drawback is that dolphinite polyester resin is expensive and professional repair kits come in small quantities which means you will either need to buy several repair kits or share them among friends who like kayaking too – but they must know that this method requires patience and skill.
Method 5. Repair Drill Holes In a Plastic Kayak with Plasti Dip
Plastic Dip can be considered as one of the most interesting solutions because it’s easy to use even for beginners, can easily fix several holes at once, and dries within minutes.
However, you must know that Plasti Dip will not work on holes in the bottom of your kayak because it will fall off. The process is also messy and difficult to perform for holes larger than a half-inch.
In other words, this method should be used for quick patches only to avoid dealing with chemicals that may damage the plastic on your kayak. It’s also important to mention that Plasti Dip comes in various colors and many kayakers use it as a final touch to make their equipment more colorful or personal.
Above you get the top 5 methods of how to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak. Following these steps will help you get the job done without too much trouble and frustration.
Tips for Preventing Future Damage In Plastic Kayak:
Once you repair the holes in your kayak, it’s important to take some steps to prevent future damage.
As mentioned above, the most common cause of drill holes in plastic kayaks is hitting hard objects that can easily be avoided by performing these four simple steps:
- Always watch for submerged logs, stumps, rocks, and other obstacles when kayaking.
- Reduce speed while passing through dense areas, especially when kayaking in new places.
- Never turn around abruptly when you see an obstacle on the surface of the water.
- Keep a sharp eye out for fish jumping which can cause serious damage to your boat if it hits it from underneath or above!
These are some of the most important tips for preventing future damage to your kayak. Always remember that having a good knowledge of what you’re doing while kayaking is one of the most effective ways to perform small repairs without professional tools and materials which can be very expensive.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s important to know your limits when kayaking and to never try a repair method that you’re not familiar with. If a hole in a plastic kayak is too large for one of the materials mentioned above to fix, then it’s time to think about getting a pro.
We hope that now you are well aware of how to repair drill holes in a plastic kayak and what should you do to prevent future damages.
FAQs
Can Plastic kayaks be repaired?
Yes, they can be repaired using the methods mentioned above.
How long does it take to repair a drill hole in a plastic kayak?
It depends on the method you choose and your experience with this task. If it’s your first time trying something like this, expect to spend an hour or two before achieving desired results.
Can I use epoxy to fix a plastic kayak?
Yes, you can. However, be careful with this method because epoxy is toxic and should only be used by experienced professionals. If you’re not familiar with epoxy or do not have the required equipment, it’s best to avoid this solution.
Can you repair a plastic kayak?
We can certainly try! In most cases, we can patch up small holes or tears with some plastic welding. However, if the damage is too extensive, you might need to consider getting a new kayak.