Scuppper Woes

[yaknar]

I got out on the river the weekend. Had an average day, caught average size fish, had an eagle follow me down the river for awhile, rained on me for about 30 min...all in all an enjoyable day on the river. But when I got to my take out I couldn't pick the back of the kayak up to put in the back of the truck. At first I thought it was just old age but then I realized the kayak had about 4 gal of water in it. So when I got home I filled it with water and waited. The diagnosis is the scupper hole by the seat is leaking. Kayak is 9 year old. I did do a little rocking over a couple of shallow rifles. Looks like it's where the seal is in the hole. The top on the scupper hole is 1 1/4 inch and the bottom of the hole is 3/4 inch. I have been googling polyethylene adhesives, epoxy, flextape, goop. Not a lot sticks to polyethylene. I can't get to the scupper from the inside. Can't heat it the hole is too small. I thought about putting a piece of pvc in the scupper and glue, caulk, or just fill the hole with something..... scupper plug from the bottom....or just call the kayak repairman......Still a great day on the river, released them all and hope to get out again soon....

[stinger160]

sounds like you are a regular on the James.  I'm planning to float soon.   Any advice you'd give me?  I'm primarily fishing.  need a shuttle and a place to stay for a night or two.  suggestions?

[Gavin]

That stinks, you will have to plastic weld that. Would call up Ocean Kayak and see it they can supply some color match polyethylene and offer advice to repair it. Think Wilderness Systems sells poly welding rods, but they might not be a good color match. Good luck.

 

[Flysmallie]

There is glue that will repair it but it's not cost effective to buy the product plus an applicator gun. You used to be able to get one time use applicators but most of these companies discontinued those due to shelf life. I'll do some digging.

 

[Daryk Campbell Sr]

There is a product called "seal all".  It is sold in parts stores and hardware stores.  I believe it does work with polyethylene.  

[Flysmallie]

I would use this.

http://www.westsystem.com/plastic-boat-repair-kit/

 

 

[BilletHead]

         I think Ben and his chainsaw could fix it for you,

  Good research there Ronnie!

BilletHead

[yaknar]

stinger160, you should check out Hootontown Canoe Rental or James River Outfitter web site. Thanks everyone for your input. The scupper hole takes an extra small plug, so there's little or no room to melt or heat anything...and Seal All info sheet said it wont bond to polyethylene....so it looks like G/Flex 655-8 is the winner. I also thought I could cut out a round piece of plastic and bound it to the underside of the kayak at the scupper hole. After I repair I will let you know how it worked, with pictures of course.

[jdmidwest]

Plastic weld should work.  It is an epoxy type stick you mash together to make a putty.  Then fill the hole with the putty and let it harden.  About 5 bucks at hardware or Autozone.  I keep a Water weld stick in the jet boat bag in case of a tear on the river.  Works same way but hardens in water.

[stinger160]

thanks yaknar i'll check withthem