I just happened to notice this little gouge in my canoe which I believe was from going down the St. Louis River two weeks ago out of Fond Du Lac Campground. I am going to the BW next week for eight days on 7/19 and Im trying to get a second opinion on whether I should try to patch this up before I go.....

It doesn't leak, nor is there even a little bump showing on the inside of the canoe, although, I can't deny it is kind of stressing me out.

Please let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Josh

looks like more than a rock did that....
ouch...hope someone helps you out there. ...I would bet you have to fill that in at least with epoxy or something.
might post this on the canoe forum on these site to get some advice

drbob

I have feeling that you see no damage on the inside because it crushed the foam core, but didn't reach the inner layers of fabric. I would fill this before the trip. The core is closed-cell foam, but water can get between the kevlar and core. Once in its hard to dry out again. Best to just fill it. Its not a structural injury, no glass fabric needed.

There are a number of two part epoxy products at the big box hardware stores and the neighborhood ones as well. Loctite, JBWeld and others. Locktite has a clear(yellowish) one that would blend right in.

They come in two tubes that squeeze out equal amounts on to a flat surface(cardboard works well)and then you stir them together and push/pour it into the hole. Popsicle stick works well if there is not a mixing stick in the package. I would recommend stirring fast, but thorough and getting the stuff in the hole before it starts getting thicker. That way it will flow into all the crevices and seal it up well. An old credit card works well to smooth it off. It will cure enough over night to paddle.

I’d fill it with epoxy. It should do the trick. Should be good to go.

Thanks for the input you guys, And Sedges, thats what I was considering doing versus trying to order some glass/kevlar fabric before I go but I really want to make it look as nice as possible. I was considering maybe having Northwest Canoes in St. Paul check it out but I think what you said is my best bet. And it will save me the stress I've trying learn how to properly put the fabric on before I leave....

Can you send me the link of to some of Loctite epoxy your speaking of? Im very familiar with all the JBwelds but would prefer do have the stuff that blends right in and looks nice. I was just looking at some of the Loctite epoxy and I just want to be sure Im getting the correct one.

Thanks again.

Sedges, I believe this is the stuff that you said would blend in well?


https://express.google.com/u/0/product/16616566305853173095_1161074422487158957_8613692?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=tu_cu&utm_content=eid-lsjeuxoeqt,eid-sgcwhwqgok,eid-ygcnqnyulq&utm_campaign=8613692

If you didn't have time, you could just put a chunk of duct tape over it. You'd have little or no damage doing nothing... We have dings like that all the time. Had a big gash on day one of an eleven day trip once. Duct tape kept us dry... fixed when we got home. That is nothing compared... That said, if you have time the epoxy fix is a good idea.

Yup,

Simple two part five minute epoxy will do the trick. Ace, Menards, Home Depot all sell it. It will cost you about $6.00

Place the canoe so that when you drip the epoxy into the hole it doesn't run out. Put a piece of waxed paper over the hole to help hold the epoxy in place. Wait an hour and pull off the waxed paper. Smooooth- and done!

Tom

nctry: "If you didn't have time, you could just put a chunk of duct tape over it. You'd have little or no damage doing nothing... We have dings like that all the time. Had a big gash on day one of an eleven day trip once. Duct tape kept us dry... fixed when we got home. That is nothing compared... That said, if you have time the epoxy fix is a good idea. "

be careful with duct tape. I thought I would be smart and use Gorilla duct tape on the ends to take the brunt of our landings. I still have glue marks to get off after taking the tape off after a trip …. but I haven't really worked at it with chemicals yet

dr bob