How to Fix a Hole in a Canoe

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:FixHoleCanoe
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Fix a Hole in a Canoe

Introduction

Dangerous rapids and whitewater aren't the only obstacles for a canoe. Many canoes get damaged on their way to the water, usually by falling off a car top. Small holes and leaky seams can easily be fixed by using a variety of methods that work equally well on wood, plastic or aluminum canoes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Field repairs

Steps

1

Step One

Locate the hole. If it isn't obvious, dry off the canoe bottom, put water in the canoe and watch to see where the water escapes.
2

Step Two

Small holes can be temporarily patched with duct tape. For the best adhesion, make sure the repair area and the tape are warm.
3

Step Three

For a leaky seam, try a favorite old-timer's trick: Using a small stick, apply pine pitch along the leak. Pine pitch, the sticky gum found on pine trees, is extremely durable and waterproof.

Permanent repairs

Steps

1

Step One

Dry the canoe thoroughly.
2

Step Two

Remove any dents around the damaged area if possible. Dents in plastic or aluminum canoes are sometimes pushed out from the inside.
3

Step Three

Using a pair of scissors, cut a piece of fiberglass cloth slightly larger than the repair area.
4

Step Four

Mix fiberglass resin and hardener in a paper cup according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir well with a wood strip such as an ice-pop stick.
5

Step Five

Coat the repair area with the resin mixture. Place the fiberglass cloth over the repair area. Saturate the cloth with the mixture. Smooth the cloth with a wood strip to remove any air bubbles caught underneath it.
6

Step Six

Watch for the resin mixture to become firm. Be prepared to trim any excess cloth or mixture with a sharp knife before the repair is fully hardened.
7

Step Seven

Smooth the repair with sandpaper once the mixture has hardened completely. Start with 100-grit paper to remove the roughest sections, then use 220-grit and finally finish with 400-grit.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • A high-quality wooden canoe deserves a repair job that preserves its original beauty. Unless you're an expert woodworker, consider hiring a professional.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Fiberglass Resin And Hardener
  • Small Stick
  • 100-, 220- and 400-grit sandpaper
  • Paper Cup
  • Fiberglass Cloth
  • Duct Tape
  • Scissors
  • Wood Strips
  • Pine Pitch
  • Sharp Knife
Tools: |