Plastic Welding/Keel Repair advice

[jnbwolf]

Lesson learned - Do not even drag the front of your kayak when letting down off the truck bed. Over the three years that I have owned by kayak, I have almost caused a hole in the front of the keel. Somehow I haven't even noticed until this weekend.

Here is where I need some advice. I am leaving on Thursday Morning for a trip to the coast where I will be kayaking all day Saturday (weather permitting). I need a quick fix, but do not want to mess my yak up any further or cause more timely repairs for the cost of this quick fix.

Options on the table...

G Flex Epoxy(west marine) or Plastic Welding (Harbor Freight)

I dont know if I can get the same HDPE plastic welding rods in time and I have zero experience in plastic welding. Can I use what HF has for welding rods?

I have heard good things about the G Flex Epoxy, but dont want to cause a bigger issue if I fix it correctly later.

Thoughts?

[jnbwolf]

Pics from phone....

[jimp]

I would do a test float to see if the scuff spot is leaking (you may already know yes/no). If it's not leaking, or is manageable, do nothing until after your trip, then fix it. I've seen a few utube videos on how to do patch work, so just google it and go from there. GL

[NIMROD]

I'm not sure what it's made of but saw a video on Youtube . I used the ice maker tubing and a big flat screw driver heated to repair a canoe .

[jnbwolf]

It Is not leaking, but is very close. I can see light through the "soft spot" .

[bfish]

Gflex the inside now. The Gflex won't hold an abrasion hole together, but it will keep the hole from leaking. It will also keep the hold from pulling open further.

If needed, you can weld the outside later. No need for welding strips. 5-gallon bucket lids are easy to come by and melt well. Also plastic toddler playground equipment works well too (playskool brand).

[doggone]

Clean it good and take some of this and put on it.

Loctite 431348 Multi Purpose Repair Putty, 2 oz. - Tile Epoxy Adhesives - Amazon.com

If you want to later you can sand it off and fix it however you want . Prep the surface right and follow directions.The trick is the right mechanical bond between the two surfaces.

Work good enough for a quick repair.

A dremel tool with a little cutter tool and or sand wheel will take it off later if you want to do something else. May not need too.

[fiveeyes]

Just had a thought..how about that keel guard stuff that the 'glitter boat boys' use..i hear that it is real good..