Close-up of a roll of duct tapeEvery paddler who cares about his or her boat should know how to patch it, both after a trip and out on the water. Canoes and kayaks are expensive and take quite a lot of abuse. Holes, cracks and tears are bound to happen.
When you get home after a trip, you’ve got quite a few options for patching, but while you’re paddling you’ve only got what’s available at your fingertips. Here are a few patch options for when you need to get home, and when you’re already there.
ADHESIVES
The classic, the myth, the legend itself: Duct tape can actually be of use in many scenarios on a trip. If your boat has developed a crack, start by taking a knife or similarly sharp tool and poking holes at either end of the crack to keep it from growing. After that, layer strips of duct tape on the outside and inside of the boat, being sure to overlap the strips. Heating the tape with a lighter before you head out can ensure durability. A more permanent patch can be made at home by steadily heating up the strips one at a time with a heat gun or blow dryer, and firmly pressing the heated tape into the crack.
A lesser known, but equally strong fix, bituthene is widely available as a roofing agent. Bituthene uses tar as an adhesive and is seriously strong, but a little less wieldy and versatile than duct tape. Bringing both along on a trip never hurt.