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Strip: hull repair
By:Tom Donnelly
Date: 9/23/2011, 2:13 pm

Hey pros -

I've got a problem with the hull on my Redfish Silver kayak. There's a spot (~24L" x 6w") in the center of the hull, underneath the seat, where it loolks like the glass has started to separate, or "bubble". I can see the glass underneath the finish, it's more yellow-ish, and that area is raised a bit (1/32"). Don't know what its from, or if it'll spread. I'm thinking of repairing it. But wonder if it's worth it for now.

I haven't done any touch-ups or coatings since I built it ~5 yrs ago, so the rest of the hull has a few minor scratches also.

If I took the finish off and got down to the glass I presume I would be taking that section of the glass out and replacing it.

So my questions are:

If I repair a section in the middle of the hull how do I take that section of the glass out without compromising the rest of the hull?

What's the process for taking it out safely and cleanly?

Will it be "simple" enough to overlap the new/old section of the glass and feather out the epoxy finish?

Also, what's normal repair for scratches in the hull? Is it sanding them out with xtra fine paper and just adding another coat of varnish?

I have pics available if I can figure out how to attach them.

Thanks for any input.

Tom

Messages In This Thread

Strip: hull repair
Tom Donnelly -- 9/23/2011, 2:13 pm
Re: Strip: hull repair
Bill Hamm -- 9/23/2011, 3:41 pm