How to Strip a Kayak

Kayaking is an ideal activity for combining exercise with outdoor recreation. Whether for fishing, floating or traversing heart-pounding rapids, a variety of kayaks are made to suit each type of activity. Over time, kayaks can take a beating from hitting rocks or scraping along shallow river bottoms. The kayak's bottom seam is generally the most affected by damage. Applying a keel strip to a worn kayak seam can fix the damage and make your kayak safe to use again.

Things You'll Need

  • Denatured alcohol
  • 2-inch-wide masking tape
  • 1-inch-wide masking tape
  • Drill with soft flap-brush drum sander
  • Acetone
  • Polyester resin
  • 2-inch-wide fiberglass tape
  • Soft-bristle brush
  • Gel coat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn the kayak upside down. Clean the kayak hull free from any dirt or debris using denatured alcohol.

    • 2

      Apply a 2-inch-wide piece of masking tape running from bow to stern along the center of the kayak's seam (keel line). Trim the tape off at the ends. Ensure that the tape is straight along the keel line.

    • 3

      Apply a 1-inch-wide piece of masking tape parallel to the keel line tape and trim off the ends. Space the tape 1/4 inch from the keel line tape. Repeat this for the other side of the keel line tape, then remove the keel line tape.

    • 4

      Sand down the space between the tape using an electric drill and a soft flap-brush drum. The idea is to slightly abrade the gel coat outlined with the tape. This makes the resin that you'll apply later adhere better to the surface.

    • 5

      Wipe the sanded area free of debris using acetone thoroughly. Ensure that no dust is present.

    • 6

      Apply another 1-inch-wide piece of masking tape on top of the already laid tape outline, overlapping 1/8 inch onto the sanded area. Do this on both pieces of the tape outline from bow to stern.

    • 7

      Mix up 10 ounces of polyester resin. As all of these products will vary, ensure that you follow the container's directions for mixing.

    • 8

      Apply a piece of 2-inch-wide fiberglass tape to the keel line. Apply resin over the tape using a bristle brush. Work from bow to stern, rolling the tape out flat and brushing over it with resin until you reach the stern. Continue applying resin and brushing flat, until the tape sits flat on the keel line.

    • 9

      Remove the top layer of 1-inch-wide masking tape from both sides. As you remove it, pull it across the center of the hull, so that any resin residue collects onto the keel line.

    • 10

      Mix up 16 ounces of gel coat. Follow the directions for mixing per your specific product instructions.

    • 11

      Brush the gel coat into the taped outline, over the curing resin from bow to stern. Remove the remaining tape outline as in step 9. Allow the keel strip to dry for one week before putting the kayak in the water.