Cracked but not Broken: How I Repaired my Carbon Kayak by Coerte Crawford

 Hi, I’m Coerte, and I paddle an Apex Rebound kayak. It’s a great boat, light, fast, and responsive. But like all carbon fiber kayaks, it has one big downside: it can crack.

That’s exactly what happened after I ran a rapid the wrong way and hit a rock. The impact cracked my hull. It wasn’t fun. I was pretty upset, but I also had a repair kit/ and some determination.

So if you ever find yourself in the same situation, here’s how I fixed my carbon kayak and how you can too.

What you will need

A carbon fiber kayak repair kit (I have the apex repair kit, but you can purchase the items separately online)

 (Mine came with two types of carbon cloth—one for the base layer and one for the top layer)
Epoxy resin
Popsicle sticks (for mixing and spreading)
Scissors
A small paintbrush
Sandpaper
Find and Prep the Crack

The step by step guide

 Locate the crack and sand around the damaged area. This helps the epoxy bond better.

1. Cut Your Carbon Fiber Patches
   
    Cut the first piece of carbon cloth just big enough to cover the crack. Then cut a second, slightly larger piece to go over the first.

2. Apply the First Layer

 Mix your epoxy using the popsicle sticks. Apply a thin coat over the cracked area and press down the first carbon fiber patch. Smooth it out and brush more epoxy on top.

3. Let It Dry

 Allow the first layer to fully cure before moving on. Be patient—this part is important.

4. Sand and Add the Second Layer

 Once the first layer is dry, sand the edges smooth. Then apply the second patch over the first, making sure the first layer is fully covered. Brush on more epoxy.

5. Final Dry and Polish

 Let the final layer dry completely. Then sand and polish it until smooth and shiny.

Now I hope you can fix your boat, like I can with mine, and I hope you have an awesome time on the river.