How to Repair a Swifty Kayak

A Swifty kayak is a mere 9 1/2-feet long and only weighs 40 pounds. The Swifty is short and light in relation to the industry standard for kayaks. With a wide flat-bottom hull, it is stable on the water and the dual tracking channels keeps the bow moving in a straight line as the kayaker paddles. The Swifty is made of polyethylene plastic. As a result, the repair of cracks and holes is not a difficult task.

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

      Locate and measure the crack in your Swifty. Sand the area around the crack. Clean the sanded area with a rag and rubbing alcohol. Allow the alcohol to evaporate. Drill a hole at each end of the crack. The holes prevent the crack from spreading farther once the plastic weld cures.

    • 2

      Drill holes on each side of the crack in 3/4-inch intervals, 1/2 inch from the crack. The plastic weld melts into the holes and cures. This prevents the patch from backing away from the crack.

    • 3

      Cut a piece of plastic that is 2 inches longer and 1 inch wider than the crack from the scrap polyethylene. Place the patch over the crack. Pass the heat gun over the plastic. Do not hold the gun in one place for more than two seconds, or the plastic will blister and burn. Once the plastic is soft and gum-like, spread the plastic evenly. No portion of the plastic weld should be more than 1/16-inch thick. Allow the weld to cure.