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Kayak Leak Detection and Repair
Hobie kayaks are made from very durable PVC but may, on
occasion, require minor repairs. Repairs are easily done with
your included patch kit. Read the following paragraphs for
leak detection and repair tips.
Air Leak Detection
If you are losing air pressure, not caused by colder tempera-
tures, check the boat for leaks, starting with the valves. A
leaking valve is rare, but if you do find a leak we can send
you a replacement valve. To locate a leak, we recommend
mixing soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray around the
valve. If you see bubbles forming, check your valve seating
and base and be sure the valve insert is screwed tight. If you
continue to have problems it's probably time to order new
valves. Replacement of the whole valve can be done with a
simple tool that comes with the replacement valve.
If the boat is losing air and all the valves are good, you prob-
ably have a small puncture. Small punctures can be repaired
easily and permanently. Spray around the inside and outside
of the hull until air bubbles mark the position of the leak. If
you do not find air bubbles, inflate the boat to maximum air
pressure and try to listen to find the leak. If you can nar-
row the area down, return with a spray bottle to identify the
source of the leak.
Punctures less than 1/8"in size can be repaired simply with-
out a patch. Deflate your boat, then clean and dry the area
to be repaired. Apply a small drop of glue to cover the punc-
ture, and let dry 12 hours. If you need to get on the water
sooner, let dry 30 minutes and then inflate the boat, inflating
the compartment with the repair only 3/4 full. This repair
might not be permanent so add a drop again at a later time
to make it permanent.
Small Repairs
Your boat comes with a repair kit as standard equipment. If
you no longer have your repair kit, you can order a new one
from your dealer. Cut a piece of repair material large enough
to overlap the damaged area by approximately 1/2", and
round off the edges. Apply glue to the under side of the patch
and around the area to be repaired. Too much glue will inter-
fere with a proper repair. Allow adhesive to become tacky
for 2-4 minutes, and then place patch on the damaged area.
Use a weight to apply 3-5 lbs. of pressure for 12 hours. After
patch has dried, apply glue around the edges for a complete
seal (dry for 4 hours).
Large or Difficult Repairs
If you have a difficult repair, give our office a call and we will
advise you on the best way to repair it.