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Cracked Hull
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=47875
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Author:  CaptainMiKe500 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:34 am ]
Post subject:  Cracked Hull

OK, I have an outfitter. Love it by the way. I have a nasty crack/hole on the bottom of the hull. I tried several epoxies and some spray on rubber stuff. They last about a week then I'm hauling her off the bottom of the sea again.
What should I use to make a permanent repair to the hull.
I have a 3 inch long crack that has an 1/8 inch separation at one point so I will have to actually fill a bit.
The crack is along side the accessory mount and that portion of the hull is quite flexible.

Author:  islandspeed2001 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:27 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

I would suggest you use a plastic weld to repair the crack.

Author:  CaptainMiKe500 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Thanks. Are you talking about a product (JB Weld) or a process (soldering/welding)?
If a product, can you recommend one please?

Author:  CaptainMiKe500 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 8:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

I just looked up 'welding plastic' on the web. Seems Home Depot can sell me a welding gun.
Love Home Depot!!!

The instruction say...
>> The rod will need to be of the same material as the object being welded.

So, what material, specifically, is the hull? So I can get the correct rod.
Thanks

Author:  islandspeed2001 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:54 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Call one of your local kayak dealers and see if they can do the repair for you. Think most of them should be experienced with this type of repair.

Author:  oceantoeverglades [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Hobie sells a welding gun that comes with the plastic sticks in each color for $61.99. It is on page 32 of the new catalog. Most dealers carry them as well. You may want to start with that. It gives easy to follow instructions on how to use it.

Author:  islandspeed2001 [ Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

CaptainMike, where are you located?

Author:  CaptainMiKe500 [ Tue Jun 04, 2013 6:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

I am in beautiful Key West, Fl

Author:  islandspeed2001 [ Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Guess too far away from Jacksonville. We have a guy up here that does wonderful things with the plastic weld thing.

Author:  fishalot [ Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Have you looked at a product called Plastex (http://www.plastex.net/). Don't know if it will work, but when I talked to them, they claimed that it will work on polyethylene and will provide structural support when used with fiberglass fabric. I was going to buy to repair similar issue in my outback, but decided to buy a new PA14 instead of making the repair.

Author:  CaptainMiKe500 [ Fri Jul 12, 2013 5:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Cracked Hull

Actually, using the welding kit I purchased from my Hobie dealer solved the problem. It was simple, permanent and thanks to the color matched plastic, blended right in. It basically works like a hot glue gun, only with Hobie plastic. Just make sure you clean the area well. One other tip, drill a small diameter hole at each end of the crack before welding. That lets you enter a lot more plastic and prevents the crack from spreading.
Thanks to islandspeed2001 & oceantoeverglades for the advice and guidance.

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