Sea Kayak - Maintenance, Storage & Repair

Cleaning:

The following advice will allow you to maintain your kayak in good condition for years to come:

Clean your kayak with fresh water and a mild soap after each outing in order to remove salt, sand and algae.
Rinse the sliders, pedals, footrests and rudder pulley to remove salt, sand and algae.
Clean the rudder or skeg blade with fresh water to prevent salt or algae from tarnishing the colour.
Rinse the shock cords and compartment covers inside and out.
Use Protector 303* to maintain the seals and rubber hatch covers. Apply 303 Protectant several times during the season.
Make sure your kayak is thoroughly dry before storing it in a sealed bag.
On kayaks with skeg, rinse the skeg box to remove any accumulated sand that may block the mechanism.
Rinse the control knob on kayaks with skeg to avoid any accumulation of sand or salt.
Rinse the seat cover to prevent the salt or algae from damaging the material.
Loosen the cover straps to prevent to prevent compressing and deforming rubber seals.

*For more information on 303 Products, check their website: www.303products.com
Note: McNett UV Protectant, or Armorall will also suffice: www.ArmorAll.com

General Maintenance:

Plastic, fibreglass and composite kayaks must be shielded from exposure to sunlight over long periods of time such as during storage. The ultraviolet rays in sunlight will over time fade their colours. When not in use, the kayak should be stored in a shaded, protected location.

In addition, it is recommended that a coat of 303 Protectant be applied over the entire surface of the kayak. Repeat this application several times during the paddling season. The seals, orings and rubber compartment covers can also be sprayed with 303 Protectant to maintain their flexibility and prevent cracking and breakdown of the material.

Check kayak fittings regularly. Ensure that the screws are tight and the o-rings are securely in place.

Storage and Maintenance:

End of Season Check List:

Some light maintenance is recommended to prepare your kayak for winter storage. This will prevent your equipment from deteriating over the winter season due to mold and mildew.

Kayak Hull:

Clean your kayak using mild soap and water.
Drain and dry completely before storing.
Make sure that your kayak is thoroughly dry before packaging in a sealed bag or mold will form.
Inspect the hull and deck and make any necessary repairs.

Rudder and Skeg:

Check your rudder or skeg mechanism.
Clean the rudder blade in fresh water to prevent salt or algae from damaging its finish.
Check your rudder cables.
Rinse the sliders, pedals, footrests and rudder pulley to remove salt and sand.
Check the pedals and footrests to make sure they function properly.

Kayak Equipment:

Check shock cords and replace them if necessary.
Check all screws and o-rings.
Check the silicone seals. Lubricate.
Loosen the compartment covers to prevent compressing and deforming rubber seals.
Check the compartment straps. Clean and dry thoroughly.
Rinse the shock cords and compartment covers inside and out. Dry thoroughly.
Rinse neoprene skirts. Remove salt. Dry thoroughly. Spray neoprene items with 303 Protectant.
Rinse the skeg box to remove any accumulation of sand that could block the mechanism.
Rinse the control knob on kayaks with skeg to avoid accumulation of salt or sand.
Apply a coat of 303 Protectant to your kayak and gaskets.

Kayak Gear:

Check your PFD. Clean and dry thoroughly before storing.
Check your paddles. If it is a two-piece assembly, rinse and disassemble it for winter storage.
Check your pump and paddle float. Clean with mild soap and water.
Clean and dry your floating line.
Clean your wetsuit and other gear. Dry thoroughly. Spray rubber items with 303 Protectant.

Beginning of Season Check List:

Kayak Hull:

Inspect the hull and deck and make any necessary repairs.

Rudder and Skeg:

Check your rudder or skeg mechanism.
Check the pedals and footrests to make sure they function properly.

Kayak Equipment:

Check all screws and o-rings.

Kayak Gear:

Check your PFD.
Check your paddles.
Check your pump and paddle float.

Repairs:

Scratches on the hull of your kayak are inevitable. A boat without scratches has never been used. Here are some tips on dealing with scratches.

Composite and Fibreglass Kayaks.

Scratches do not need to be repaired unless some of the fibre is exposed. Superficial scratches will disappear under a coat of polish. Deep scratches may be coated with Gelcoat Polyester Paint in the same the colour as your kayak. Contact us for information on how to obtain the paint. After a little sanding and polishing, your kayak will look brand new.

Plastic Kayaks.

Scratches are impossible to remove from polyethylene by sanding and polishing. If the hull is deeply gouged or punctured, it will have to be welded with polyethylene. In such a case, we recommend that you contact us for advice.

If a plastic kayak has become deformed, place it in direct sunlight for a few days. Polyethylene is a memory compound that tends to return to its original shape. The gentle heat from the sunshine will likely soften to material and help the plastic return to its manufactured shape.

However, if this process is not successful, it may be because the deformation has been present for too long a time. The following procedure will need to be followed:

Place the kayak upright on foam blocks positioned about 1/3 of the length of the kayak between the bow and stern. The blocks should follow the hull contours as much as possible. The blocks should each have a contact area of about 6 inches.
Pour about 5 gallons of very hot water in through the cockpit opening.
Leave for about 10 minutes.
Then press out the bumps or deformations in the hull with your hands. If necessary to access to the bumps, remove the seat.
Leave the water in the kayak for about two hours in order for it to press down on the hull. Then carefully drain the kayak.

Frontenac Outfitters hopes our Sea Kayak Storage, Maintenance & repair Article
has answered some of your questions!

You can purchase your Sea Kayak Maintenance Supplies by visiting our on-water showroom or you can purchase them online at our Kayak and Canoe Gear web store.