My Kayak is Leaking

A leaky kayak can be the cause of an unintentional accident or failure to properly maintain it, such as dragging it or leaving it exposed in the sun for extended periods of time. If not fixed, a continuing leak can cause damage to the kayak and any equipment stored inside. Products for fixing watercraft leaks help owners of kayaks, and other boating equipment, manage the high costs of professional services. Keep these products on hand for those unanticipated moments when leaks may arise.

Things You'll Need

  • Polyethylene repair kit
  • Spray bottle
  • Bubble solution
  • Sandpaper
  • Propane torch
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Soapy water
  • Putty knife
  • Safety goggles
  • Latex or rubber gloves
  • Cold weld product
Show More

Instructions

  1. Finding the Leak

    • 1
      Saw horses help to elevate the kayak so you can inspect the bottom.

      Place the kayak on a kayak stand or on two saw horses. Mark the areas that are most prone to leaks, such as gashes or scrapes, parting lines around the hull, scupper holes and attachment points for handles and rudders. Spray these areas with bubble solution.

    • 2

      Remove the drain plug. Place an air compressor hose into the plug hole and turn on the compressor. Inspect the potential spots you marked for bubbles, which indicates there is a leak present. Mark the actual leaks and remove all other previous markings if it does not pertain to a leak.

    • 3

      Spray all of the surfaces of the kayak with the bubble solution to check for any other leaks. Repeat step two. Dry off the leaky areas and mark them off.

    Large Cracks and Holes

    • 4

      Use polyethylene plastic for large cracks and holes. Cut to size one piece of the repair plastic to cover the entire damaged area. Fill in the crack or hole with metal shavings as an alternative way of fixing the kayak.

    • 5
      Weld metal shavings into the crack or hole to prevent leaking.

      Roughen up the damaged area using sandpaper, if using the plastic. Use a standard propane torch on a low flame to heat the plastic until it begins to melt and then apply the plastic to the damaged area. Hold the metal shavings with some needle nose pliers and weld it in to the hole to seal the leak if using shavings as a filler.

    • 6

      Fuse the plastic onto the kayak with the torch without overheating and melting the kayak. Rub the area with sandpaper between welds. Let kayak cool and remove excess plastic with sandpaper.

    Small Leaks

    • 7

      Use soapy water to clean the area around the leak. Dry the area once clean. Scrub the leak area with sandpaper to roughen the surface.

    • 8

      Pull on gloves and safety goggles. Lay the cold weld product and putty knife next to the kayak for immediate application once mixed. Mix together the cold weld product components according to the package directions.

    • 9

      Spread the cold weld product in the welding application that the leak needs, such as coats, beads or extruded shape. Let the cold weld dry overnight. Use artificial heat to speed up drying after the product has air dried for at least six hours.