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Repair of Nylon skin? (Read 675 times)

S_Dak Builder build, sail, paddle: kayaks Posts: 33 Gender:	Repair of Nylon skin? Jan 16^th, 2010, 9:15pm In my earlier research of skin on frame kayaks, one source claimed they were easy to fix. That was true with the original Black Dog fabric. I was wondering 1) how to repair the new balistic nylon skin and 2) what I would need in my repair kit.
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S_Dak

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Re: Repair of Nylon skin?
Reply #1 - Jan 18^th, 2010, 8:58am

After a web search I found a Blackdog 'blog' posting for a repair kit.
http://blackdogkayaks.blogspot.com/2008/08/skin-on-frame-repair-kits.html
This is the first I heard about a Blackdog blog.

Pieces of fabric are suggested to patch a hole. With the nylon skin that would not be waterproof in its original condition. So aqua seal would be used or GOOP to waterproof it I guess.

Bruce

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jeffb Builder Posts: 84	Re: Repair of Nylon skin? Reply #2 - Jan 18^th, 2010, 10:48am If you search the archives at http://www.qajaqusa.org/forums.shtml you'll find lots of suggestions for patching methods.
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Joel F.

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Re: Repair of Nylon skin?
Reply #3 - Jan 20^th, 2010, 11:43am

You'll also find that post on our blog as an article in the Qajaq USA newsletter. Cool

The reference to fabric patches is mainly for the old PVC skin you were using. However, you can sew in ballistic nylon patches and then seal them with GOOP or Aquaseal spread over the surface of the patch to waterproof it. That would get you home where you could make a more permanent repair.

On my nylon/urethane skinned kayak, and probably on my PVC skinned kayaks, I would still probably just slap some duct tape over the hole, inside and out, and paddle home.

Joel F.
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Black Dog Kayaks

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S_Dak

Builder

build, sail, paddle:
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Posts: 33
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Re: Repair of Nylon skin?
Reply #4 - Jan 20^th, 2010, 8:57pm

When I had to patch my old PVC skin in the field, it was humid, and overcast. My hands and lots else were wet. I could not dry my hands or the patch area well with my wet suit. The gorilla tape did not stick worth a darn on the wet PVC. My friend had a dry cloth, which we used as a towel. I would suggest adding 1) a dry wash cloth in a ziplock bag (inside a dry bag) for a small towel and 2) some alcohol (to dry the patch area, not to raise spirits).

Could you elaborate on the more permanent repair back at the shop? Sew/glue a nylon patch and then more urathane?

Bruce

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Joel F.

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Re: Repair of Nylon skin?
Reply #5 - Jan 20^th, 2010, 9:32pm

Yup. You may have to wait up to a couple of weeks for it to cure properly, though, depending on what you're using. Holes I've had in my skin have been 1/2 inch or less and I just glube some GOOP onto the hole and smush it a little bit with my thumb then wait for it to cure.

Good idea on the dry cloth. Like I say in the article, add what you think you need, and use your imagination to think up possible repair scenarios and other items.

Joel F.
Owner
Black Dog Kayaks

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jeffb Builder Posts: 84	Re: Repair of Nylon skin? Reply #6 - Feb 12^th, 2010, 1:10pm Here's a nice description, with pictures, of how to sew up a hole in a skinboat: http://www.capefalconkayak.com/repair.html
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Joel F.

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Re: Repair of Nylon skin?
Reply #7 - Feb 16^th, 2010, 10:59am

Brian's site is always interesting and he's a great photographer.

Here's a quote that speaks volumes, "The chances of you putting a hole in your skin on frame kayak while paddling are probably equivalent to your chances of getting attacked by a shark."

The Kayak4aKure guys broke some stringers while training, but, after years of being very hard on my SOF kayaks, I have yet to put a full on hole in the skin. Minor friction repairs may be needed if you allow sand and gravel to get into your kayak, but I haven't had any of those either since I've been using a sea sock.

Joel F.
Owner
Black Dog Kayaks

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