Repairing and maintaining your kayak

The hardest part of a repair to the surface of a coloured fibre glass boat is matching the colour shade. Even "factory colours" don't match exactly after a boat has been in the sun for a few

If the leak isn't obvious you need to increase the pressure in the boat to force air out of the leak. You can do this by taping a large plastic bag around the hatch rim of the suspect

This repair can be necessary is a hatch has been damaged, usually this happens when there has been an impact on rocks or with another kayak. 

What you need

• Sikaflex

When to repair your gel coat?

When to repair gel coat: Scuffs and surface scratches can look unsightly, and small ones may polish out with a soft woollen buffer and some marine

From the inside:

• Sand the area around the hole. Remove any dust and clean the surface using acetone.
• Cut out 4 pieces of chopped strand mat that overlap

• Always leave boats in storage with hatch covers removed.
• Always store out of direct sunlight and ideally under cover.
• Always sponge your kayak dry, as kayaks will

In an ideal world, specially designed kayak carriers like J bars or shaped cradles would be used. These can be expensive, however, and are not strictly necessary if you follow the instructions

We do not manufacture a kayak rudder system ourselves, however we install 2 systems as custom options. Below you will find links to the instruction leaflets for both

Unfortunately, as cockpit rims sit proud of the kayak deck, they can be prone to damage. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to replace or refit them. Sea Kayaking UK can supply new rims

What You Need:

• Allen key set
• Hand router
• Acetone
• Adequate safety equipment
• 40 grit sandpaper
• Wax
• Gel and

Some earlier Kari-Tek plastic skeg boxes have come partially loose from there glass composite surrounding and started to leak.

These instructions are for fixing the leak and making the