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Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
By:JohnAbercrombie
Date: 6/16/2014, 9:08 pm
In Response To: Re: Material: Composite kayak repair. (Dan Thaler)

This was brought to me by someone who wants to patch it up and not spend a lot of money doing it.

My approach if the 'someone' is anybody but a good friend who would do a (big) favor for me if he could, is to estimate the # of hours of work that the job will take me. Multiply that number by my best guess as to the hourly wage that 'customer' earns, or use the hourly labor rate at auto dealer repair shops in my area. Add the materials (including shop supplies) cost. Tell the 'customer' the number.

My plan at the moment is to reinforce the cracks with kevlar from the inside and grind away the cracks on the outside and patch with epoxy and some glass as needed.

Have you worked with Kevlar before? Personally, I hate the stuff, but you may have the tools (special shears?) and expertise to deal with it. BTW, be careful with breathing protection if you are grinding carbon fiber.

I'll most likely paint over the repair and match the color as close as possible.

Are you going to remove the gelcoat 'repairs' that seem to show in the pics? I find that it's usually easier to paint the whole hull (deck is more work with hardware and logos) than trying to match the color, but that adds time and materials cost.

BTW, if you are doing a real 'quick and dirty' repair, I'd consider having the customer sign a waiver (cosmetic repair for display only, not seaworthy, blah, blah....).

Messages In This Thread

Material: Composite kayak repair.
Dan Thaler -- 6/15/2014, 6:45 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/15/2014, 10:31 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Mike Bielski -- 6/16/2014, 1:43 am
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Jay Babina -- 6/16/2014, 7:46 am
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Bill Hamm -- 6/16/2014, 4:04 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
A. Edie -- 6/16/2014, 5:39 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Dan Thaler -- 6/16/2014, 7:00 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/16/2014, 9:08 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
JohnAbercrombie -- 6/16/2014, 9:15 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Dan Thaler -- 6/16/2014, 10:04 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Etienne Muller -- 6/17/2014, 3:34 am
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Robert Horstmann -- 6/17/2014, 10:07 am
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
John Roberts -- 6/17/2014, 6:52 pm
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
Dan Thaler -- 6/20/2014, 6:01 am
Re: Material: Composite kayak repair.
A. Edie -- 6/17/2014, 11:01 am