How to Patch a Hole in a Kayak

Patching a hole in a kayak requires a plastic weld. Plastic welding is the process of heating a piece of polyethylene and melting it over the hole in the kayak. The process is relatively simple. The critical steps of plastic welding are those taken to assure the weld remains attached to the kayak. Additionally, it is imperative that you take precautions to prevent any cracks from spreading. If done properly, a plastic weld can outlive the life of the kayak

Things You'll Need

  • Sand paper
  • Tape measure
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Scrap polyethylene plastic
  • Heat gun
  • Putty knife
  • Carpenter's knife
  • Drill
  • 1/16-inch bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sand around the hole in the kayak. The plastic weld adheres to the kayak better is the plastic under the patch is abraded. Clean the area around the hole with rubbing alcohol. If the alcohol does not clean all the dirt and grit off the kayak, use soap and water and steel wool.

    • 2

      Drill holes at the end of any cracks stemming out from the puncture in the kayak with your drill and bit. Drilling holes in the ends of cracks prevent them from growing after the patch cures. Drill holes around the puncture, one every inch, one inch outside the perimeter of the puncture. The plastic weld melts into these holes and cures. The effect is that of small, plastic screws that bind the patch to the kayak.

    • 3

      Use a carpenter's knife to cut a piece of polyethylene from your scrap piece that is one inch greater in diameter than the puncture. Place the patch over the hole. Heat the outside edge of the patch with the gun. If you hold the gun over one portion of the plastic it will blister and burn. You want the polyethylene to melt but not burn.

    • 4

      Spread the outside edge of the patch over the holes you drilled into the kayak. With the putty knife, once the outside edge of the plastic patch is soft, pull the plastic from just inside the edge outward, away from the center of the patch. Do not touch the center of the heated patch with the putty knife or the weld may collapse into the hole. Allow the patch to cool and cure.