How to Repair Holes & Seal a Kayak

Sometimes minor damage may occur to your kayak from rocks, debris or other hazards. A hole in a kayak can cause water to seep in and ruin a nice day on the water. With a welding rod and a few other tools, you can fix cracks and holes in your kayak in a short amount of time. The materials you need can be found at the hardware store, at kayak supply stores or online.

Things You'll Need

  • Welding rod
  • Gloves
  • Rasp or surform scrapper
  • Wire cutters
  • Plastic polyethylene weld rod
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Instructions

  1. Small Holes

    • 1

      Pre-heat one end of the welding rod. You want it to be at a visible melt where the rod is limp.

    • 2

      Put the rod into the hole and slowly twist the rod. You should continue to heat the rod at the other end above the boat.

    • 3

      Continue to twist the rod until it fills the hole completely.

    • 4

      Cut off the excess rod with wire cutters.

    • 5

      Take your gloved hands and smooth out the area where you fixed the hole.

    Cracks

    • 6

      Warm the first quarter inch of your welding rod to a visible melt with the heat gun. The rod should be limp when ready.

    • 7

      Place the welding rod onto the plastic, about a quarter- to half-inch in front of the crack. Make sure to angle it away from where you will place the heat gun.

    • 8

      Point the nozzle towards the base of the welding rod. You should be holding the end of the heat gun one to two inches from the plastic to apply heat to the boat and melt the rod.

    • 9

      Push the welding rod slowly towards the crack. You will see a bead of plastic in front of the welding rod as it pushes into the crack.

    • 10

      Fill the crack until it is completely closed, making sure the weld extends a quarter- to a half-inch beyond the length of the crack.

    • 11

      Cut the excess weld off with wire cutters.

    • 12

      Take your gloved hands and smooth out the area where you fixed the crack.

    • 13

      Let cool. Flatten down the weld using a rasp or Surform.