This page outlines how to repair
a hole in a carbon fiber kayak hull. This repair process is outlined
because the recommended way to repair all types of carbon fiber damage
(whether already a hole or merely cracks or chips) is to cut away the
damaged material and repair the resulting hole.
If the damage you want to repair is a crack or chip and you
don't
want to cut away the damaged material, the instructions below can be
adapted for performing a "patch" repair, rather than a "hole" repair.
Specific instructions for doing this are not covered on this website,
however, because it creates an inferior repair.
If you have a damaged boat, before you start repairing you should
ensure you know exactly what material it is made from (click
here for
details) and you should make sure you have assessed the damage to
decide which type of repair to do. (click
here for details).
Materials:
Scissors
Sandpaper
Vacuum Cleaner
Cleaning alcohol or acetone
Carbon fiber cloth
Sturdy cardboard
Plastic wrap (cling wrap)
Duct Tape
Epoxy Resin
Disposable paint brush
Step 1: Clean up the break:
a) Cut away any jagged or
damaged sections of carbon fiber using scissors.
Step 2: Prepare the break for
repair:
a) Roughen the edges of the
break by sanding the damaged area
b) Sand up to 2 inches (6
centimeters) around the damage on the surface you will be working
on. To repair a hole you will be working on the inside if possible.
c) Vacuum the area to get rid
of loose fibers and dirt.
d) Clean the surface around the
broken area with alcohol or acetone
Step 3: Cut out the dry carbon
fiber:
a) You need to cut out enough
layers to make your repair the same thickness as the boat (usually
about 3 or 4 layers).
b) Cut out one patch the size
of the hole and the others progressively larger. The largest should be
about 2 inches (6 centimeters) wider than the hole.
Step 4: Create a backing for
the repair:
This backing will provide the surface to hold the carbon fiber in place
while you repair.
a) Cut a piece of cardboard
about 3 inches (7.5 centimeters) larger than the hole.
b) Bend it to the shape of the
missing hull area.
c) If possible you will be
repairing from the inside of your kayak so the backing will need to
match the shape
of the outside of your boat.
d) Cover the cardboard in
plastic wrap. This will allow the backing to lift away from the repair
when dry.
e) Tape the backing securely
over the hole. If you are working from the inside (which is better)
tape it to the outside and vice versa if you have to work from the
outside. See image below:
Step 5: Mix the epoxy according
to the manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure you don't mix too much. It dries fairly quickly and you don't
need a huge amount.
Step 6: Wet out the carbon
fiber.
a) Work on a disposable surface
like an old piece of wood or a piece of cardboard.
b) Use the paint brush to soak
the carbon fiber in epoxy.
c) Wait for the epoxy to slowly
saturate the carbon fiber to use less epoxy.
d) Encourage the epoxy to soak
into the carbon fiber by poking it with the tip of the brush.
Step 7: Apply the carbon fiber
to the hull, starting with the smallest piece that is the size of the
hole and moving to the largest piece.
a) Place the each layer of
fabric one at a time on the area to be repaired. See diagram below.
b) Gently smooth out each layer
with the brush. Work from the inside of the patch to the outside,
coaxing the bubbles to the edge.
Step 8: Spread plastic wrap
over the finished repair and leave it to dry. Leave the "backing" on
the other side.
This is done to help create a smooth surface once it is dry and to help
avoid nasty fibers sticking out of the repaired area.
Step 9: Once everything has
dried you can remove the "backing" and the plastic wrap and sand the
outside for smoothness.
Step 10: If you want to, you
can gelcoat the outside of the repair for aesthetics. See
Gelcoat
Repair for instructions.
Source: kayakforum.com
For specific link click here