Boat Building Forum

Find advice on all aspects of building your own kayak, canoe or any lightweight boats

Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
By:Robert N Pruden
Date: 7/29/2009, 3:29 pm
In Response To: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat (John Faas)

I have not built a stripper (yet) but have repaired my own busted up kayaks. You can use a heat gun to gently heat areas where the glass has let go. Personally, I would consider removing all of the old exterior glass and gluing on new glass, unless, of course, the spots are generally small where the glass has let go. I think Bill is right, you probably have mold where the wood is stained black. If there is any rot in the wood, you won't be able to glass it. Test the blackened area out to see how soft the wood has become. If it seems rotten, either repair it by replacing the wood or find a different kayak.

If you choose to remove the glass, sand it gently to get a smooth surface. Test to see if any of the strips are loose. If they are not, you should be good to go. If any are loose, I'd seriously question refurbishing it. You seem to have a fair bit of work to do on it but if you don't mind the work, you should end up with a good kayak.

Hope this helps.

Robert N Pruden

Messages In This Thread

Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
John Faas -- 7/29/2009, 12:22 am
Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
Robert N Pruden -- 7/29/2009, 3:29 pm
Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
Bill Hamm -- 7/29/2009, 11:16 am
Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
Mike Hanks -- 7/31/2009, 11:50 pm
Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
Steve Rasmussen -- 7/29/2009, 9:39 am
Re: Strip: repairing an abused strip boat
Charlie -- 7/29/2009, 1:35 am