Kayak Maintenance – Cheap and Easy way to Fix Scratches on Your Kayak

You’ve recently paddled over shallow rocks, dragged your kayak through sand, or had a mishap while unloading the kayaking equipment from your truck – and now you’re staring at unsightly scratches. How do you fix the scuffs on your kayak at home without breaking the bank? Read on for a simple and insanely cheap DIY kayak maintenance trick.

Know Your Kayak

The first step to restoring your kayak to its former glory is understanding what you’re working with. What is the material of your kayak? How deep are the scratches?

Most sit on top kayaks are made from polyethylene (either LPDE or HDPE), which are durable – and fairly easy to repair. While the material is resistant to most sealants and adhesives, it does not mean that it’s immune to wear and tear.

 A well-used kayak typically has a scrape or two as a testament to the adventure you’ve recently experienced. Scratches and scuffs on your kayak are not a pretty sight. Although they often amount to the aesthetic damage, there is something appealing about a smooth and shiny kayak that makes you excited to hit the waters.

Now to the all-important question: How do you fix scratches on your kayak with minimal investment and effort?

DIY Trick to Repair Scratches on Your Kayak

According to an informative video by KayakingCampingFishing, you only need a few items and a simple (yet ingenious) trick to restore your kayak’s shine and smoothness – i.e., restore it from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan.

Equipment/Items

• Fine grade sandpaper (800 to 1000 grit)
• Heat gun (or a quality hair-dryer)
• Dry, clean rug – preferably soft leather
• Kayak wax (optional)

Instructions

1. Run a quick diagnostic of the kayak to determine the level of damage to the hull, including the underside.
2. Clean the kayak to remove any residue, dirt, or particles that may scratch the body further. You can also uninstall the hardware for easier accessibility while getting your hands dirty.
3. Use the fine sandpaper and sand back the scratched surfaces gently. Be careful not to scrub off too much plastic from one area – no one wants an uneven surface. The sanding helps smoothen the hull by removing plastic shavings.
4. Using your heat gun or a hair-dryer, gently heat the scratched surfaces. The heat helps to melt back the sharp lips upon themselves. But be careful not hold the heat gun in one position for too long – as you might melt and deform the plastic. Always keep the gun moving for an even distribution of heat. The tell-a-tale sign of overheating is a change in shape or glossiness in any way. PS: A heat gun with a narrow tip allows for better control by directing heat to a smaller and manageable area.
5. As you run the heat gun, use a dry and clean cloth to wipe the surface and help shape the kayak. It’s advisable to be gentle with this process since going too hard might leave your kayak with undesirable fibers on the surface.
6. Depending on your taste, you can polish off your kayak with wax to enhance the color and protect the hull from UV radiation. This will also give your kayak a nice polish. But keep in mind that waxing is often recommended for composite vessels.
7. The final step is to re-install all the dismantled handles and other hardware – followed by an admiration of your work.

Steer Clear of Damage in the Future

As a kayaker, you’re aware that dents and scratches are more of an occupational hazard – it comes with the sport. While you cannot entirely prevent natural wear and tear or the occasional mishaps, you take a proactive step by not speeding up the process. Below are a few tips to minimize damage and make kayak maintenance easier and cheaper:

• Kayaks get banged on numerous things during transportation, including the top of the car or while dragging them along the shorelines. With this in mind, be cautious when hauling, unloading, loading, and docking your kayak on rocky shores, sandy beaches, and launch ramps. This helps avoid minor scratches and dents.
• Store your kayak properly by avoiding exposure to weather, heat, and mechanical damage, especially during the off-season period.
• Take care while going down rapids or kayaking in areas with stumps and rocks close to the water surface.
• Repair any faulty hardware such as handles or missing screws to minimize the risk of slips and accidents when carrying the kayak.

Final Remarks

A worker is only as good as his tools. So if you’re invested in the thrilling outdoor activity of kayaking, it’s essential to maintain your kayak in pristine condition. This includes running frequent diagnostics before/after a ride and making all the necessary repairs – and it doesn’t have to be expensive or overly complicated. With some simple DIY tricks, as highlighted in this article, you can keep your kayak functional and pretty with minimal hassle.