====== Repair & Maintenance ====== * Some marine boat repair companies may be willing to do repair work on larger boats such as an OC6. Yacht storage and service companies may also have capable fiberglass\carbon\kevlar repair personnel. If we have a wiki page for your locale, check there to see if any local repair businesses are listed for your area. **DIY Repair of Composites Carbon/Kevlar** {{youtube>Xm2Ezo70vFI?large}} ---- ===== Repair Professionals ===== **Example: ** **[[:bellingham_repair|Bellingham Area Shops]]** Equipment Shops and Professionals should be **listed under the [[:places_surfski|locales]] that they serve**. (We could use more of these shop listings, folks, [[surfskiwiki@gmail.com,dan@surfski.wiki|surfski.wiki email]]) * If you do not have anyone in your area who specifically works on your type of boat,** yacht repair shops** may be **another option**, particularly for straight forward patch and paint jobs. * If you want to increase the likelihood that **everything gets done** to your specifications, it is not a bad idea to **provide a written list/description** of your **repair request(s)** possibly **with photos** for the repair shop that you wind up hiring. * … ---- ===== Other Places To Look For Help (Search for Answers or Ask Your Questions There) ===== ==== User Forums ==== (You may need to register in order to access or be able to post questions) * [[https://forums.paddling.com/|Paddling.com Forums]] * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/991806475357138|Sea Kayak Repair]] facebook group - lots of fiberglass/gel coat info that is useful for surfskis also * [[https://surfski.info/forum/index.html|Surfski.info Forums]] (Rob Mousley, South Africa - large worldwide surfskier following) * [[https://www.westcoastpaddler.com/community/forums/gear-talk.8/|WestCoast Paddler Gear Forum]] * [[https://groups.io/g/Whatcompaddlers|Whatcom Paddlers Forum]] (use [[Whatcompaddlers+subscribe@groups.io|subscribe email link]] to ask to join) ==== Surfski Company Information (Owner Manuals, Online Information, videos etc.) ==== * [[:ski_makers|Surfski Companies]] * To the best of our knowledge many/most new surfskis do not seem to arrive with a lot of information. Maybe there are assumptions made about customer knowledge? Assumption of available wisdom from fellow paddlers? Sometimes surfski companies publish instructional material on their websites but do not keep it available indefinitely (but occasionally **some of the larger dealerships do keep such instructions around longer** than the manufacturers do). But most do not include information like the purpose of pressure relief vents and when not to cover them, how to find leaks or drain water that has gotten into the hull, etc. etc. And sometimes companies in transition (not uncommon, this is a tough, competitive business) either do not have a functioning website or contain very minimal information until their website has been updated. Smaller surfski makers may not have their own website, or possibly only have a facebook page. * **Examples? ** ("manuals" are few and far between) * //(information we have copied to the wiki to insure availability can be somewhat out of date)// * **Epic ** * [[:equipment:manuals:epic_v8plus_manual|Epic Kayaks Surfski Manual]] * [[:equipment:manuals:plastic_v7_manual|Epic Kayaks Manual for V5, V7]]**​​​​ **Epic Plastic Surfskis Manual * [[https://www.youtube.com/@EpicKayaks/videos|Epic Kayaks Youtube Channel]] * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=130dOQvHuWU|Epic Surfski Setup & Adjustment video]] * **Huki **no longer makes boats but continues to keep a website up with tips for boat owners and deals on used boats * [[https://www.huki.com/index.php?page=Ideas|Ideas]] * **NK** * [[https://nordickayaks.com/contact/faq/|FAQ]] some useful info about care and setup here, but mostly not really about the boats themselves * **Stellar** * [[:equipment:manuals:stellar_manual|Stellar Kayaks Surfski Manual]] * … ---- ===== Diagnosis ===== * **Assessment & Repair** * [[https://www.washrider.com/blogs/wrblog/6-signs-your-surfski-kayak-is-not-healthy|Washrider Repair Article]] Diagnosing and fixing really sick boats (6 signs of an unhealthy surfski or kayak) * [[https://youtu.be/KMTljP__2n8|Long Video Alessia Faverio]] leak testing a boat, assessing damage, repairing delaminations and cracks as well as, composite basic * **Beyond DIY?** * Whether some repair is beyond fixing yourself depends on your repair skills and experience, your access to additional expertise, your available time and patience, the degree of repair necessary, and the condition of what remains of your boat. Please keep in mind that major repairs if done inadequately can place you in significant risk (where and when do you paddle the boat in question?). If your boat fails while you are paddling you may lose your boat and in many circumstances your life can also be in danger. Some [[:repair#major_repair|examples of major repair]] below on this page. * [[:split_seams|Split seams]] * [[https://surfski.info/forum/20-epic/20267-when-is-a-ski-unrepairable.html|When is a surfski unrepairable?]] (really, when is it not worth the cost?) surfski.info discussion * … ---- ===== Corrosion ===== Rinse your boats after every use if you paddle in salt water. You may want to rinse after use in fresh water also, particularly if there is a local concern about spreading invasive species. Surfski.info 2024 Comments About **Aluminum/Stainless** Corrosion Vulnerabilities \\ **DavidW:** "..Most of us,especially with older skis, use the **footstrap as a leash attachment point**. I stopped doing that recently after the **rear footstrap** in my double **broke loose** when I was pulling on it (not very hard) to adjust the leg length. The small stainless screws holding the strap to the slide car are short and anchored only into thin aluminium. And stainless and aluminium don't like each other so there's likely some corrosion there to weaken the attachment further."**LaPerouseBay:** "I agree, galvanic corrosion is worth looking after. I also had those tiny screws fail in a gen 1 boat - at the rail slider/strap attachment.I was glad to see Epic switch to plastic rail sliders. The other upgrade to the gen 2 slider is the strap attachment. It's now thru bolted to the footplate.In Epic boats, the tracks are aluminum, fastened to the hull with stainless screws. They anodize the aluminum to help prevent corrosion. If that anodized coating gets scratched where the screw head is, salt water will eventually start the reaction. I add anti seize paste to all the joints and screws in my boats. I've seen a few boats that have heavy corrosion at the rail attachment. Epic sells new tracks if anyone needs them. A gasket between any aluminum/stainless screw is best. Epic has one at the rear of the rail, but not at the front. That's the one i watch closely." \\ ---- ===== DIY (do-it-yourself) ===== Please keep in mind that **no sealer, epoxy, etc. lasts forever** even if unopened. We have heard of some that dried up and were unusable before being sold (how long was that on the shelf?), in which case you should be able to get a refund. But be careful about buying **excess quantities** - that **can be** particularly **expensive and wasteful**. Shelf life will tend to be particularly short once your product has been opened. ==== Drains/Bailers/Leaks ==== ---- === Bailer Leaks/Drainage Problems === * Note that **substandard cockpit drainage** can be **relieved** to some extent **by filling empty cockpit space** to reduce the amount of water that can be taken on in the first place. example in [[:modifications#speedperformance_tweaks|speed/performance modifications]] * **Discussions** * [[https://www.surfski.info/forum/2-announcements/19378-debrito-leak.html|Surfski.info Discussion 10/2018]] with particular information about replacing a DeBrito drain gasket - video, template, material source * [[https://youtu.be/12WSw7enCgo|video DeBrito gasket replacement]] * [[https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/19848-debrito-bailer-unhinged.html?start=0|Another Surfski.info Discussion 5/2020 - De Brito problems and fixes]] * **2022/2023** [[https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/20440-new-nelo-bailer.html|Surfski.info Discussion ]]**New**** Nelo Bailer** (New DeBrito?) * **Parts/Options** * **De****Brito**** Replacements** * [[https://debrito.se/bailer.html|DeBrito.se]] * [[https://www.zss.com.au/product-page/debrito-bailers|ZSS ]][[https://www.zss.com.au/product-page/debrito-bailers|Paddling]]Several versions * There are a number of online retail shops that sell these bailers * [[https://www.surfskiracing.org/2020/11/surf-ski-venturi-bailer-or-eos-insert-or-both/|DeBrito insert]] that turns bailer into Venturi style. Insert can be easily uninstalled also. //**Unfortunately as of 2023 the website and insert as a product are offline.**// Steve Ulrich apparently designed the insert. If you can find him and wail and gnash your teeth, maybe you can talk him into providing one for you (or just include surfski use in your home rental by owner package if Steve wants to visit)? * **Venturi Drains** * [[https://outriggerzone.com/support/replacing-venturi-cover/|Replacing Covers]] * See also [[:modifications#drainage|Drainage Modifications]] * … === Body Leaks === If you have a hull/body leak that causes your surfski to take on water in the inner hull you very probably will start to notice handling problems while you are paddling. It doesn't take a lot of water inside your hull to make sitting upright in your surfski much more difficult. If you are paddling in waves with water in your hull, your surfski will tend to tilt forward or back for extended periods and throw your balance and paddling posture way off. * [[:body_leaks|Finding Body Leaks]] * [[:fixing_body_leaks|DIY Fixing Body Leaks]] * [[:pinhole_body_leaks|Fixing Pinhole Leaks]] * [[:rudder_shaft_leaks|]] * See Also [[:modifications#drainage|Draining Hull ]] (you will need your boat hull dry before repair) === Finding and Fixing OC Leaks === * [[:huki_leaktests|Huki Recommendations]] from Jude Turczynski - several of these recommendations are relevant for surfskis - leaks in rudder tubes and drain hole areas. OC specific - iako receiver leaks. Huki OC specific - sliding seat racks. * … ---- ==== Drying Interior ==== * [[https://www.surfski.info/latest-news/story/1679/tech-tip-drying-out-the-inside-of-a-surfski-hull.html|Surfski.info Article on Drying]] * [[:modifications#drainage|Drainage (cockpit or hull interior) Modifications]] * [[:modifications#hatches_gear_bags|Adding Hatches]] ==== Wash & Polish ==== * [[http://kayakdave.com/2012/06/02/how-to-wash-clean-and-polish-a-composite-kayak/|KayakDave Article]] * See also [[:modifications#speedperformance_tweaks|surface treatments]] in the speed tweaks section on the modifications page * … ==== Surface Damage ==== ---- ==== Minor Repairs ==== * **Gel Coat Repair** * **West Marine** * [[https://youtu.be/BL1-4mWYC6o|Gel Coat Repair Video]] * [[https://metaleash.com/blog/2021/5/22/kahele-gelcoat-scratch-repairs|Gel Coat Scratches Epoxy]] * [[https://www.westmarine.com/evercoat-gelcoat-scratch-patch-white-542613.html|Gel Coat Scratch Patch]] * [[:gelcoat|Whatcom Paddler Discussion 2022]] * Dings and scrapes - [[https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--marine-rx-epoxy-repair-kit-2-oz--13967443|West Marine Repair Filler/Putty]] * Check out [[https://sugru.com/about|Sugru]] * [[:diy_sugru|]] * **Color Matched Paint Mixing** * Typically you can get the formula for mixing the matching color and kind of paint for your surfski or OC model from your boat's maker. * Local auto body or boat repair shops may mix the paint you want or tell you who mixes their paint for them. ==== Intermediate Repair ==== Impact damage, Soft spot * [[https://surfski.info/forum/1-general/19515-what-s-the-best-way-to-fix-this.html|Surfski.info Discussion 2020]] ==== Major Repair ==== * [[:surfski_rebuild_3_30_2020|Major Surfski Rebuild]] * [[https://www.facebook.com/groups/991806475357138|Sea Kayak Repair]] facebook group - lots of fiberglass/gel coat info that is useful for surfskis also * [[https://youtu.be/Uq3X9Y3oEeY|Large Hole Patch Video]] in French, not really a comprehensive how-to, but maybe shows some considerations to keep in mind, also includes the application of a vinyl skin. * **Expanding Foam (Use ONLY if you have access to a forced air respirator - very, very nasty fumes)** * This is what one surfboard repairman uses on some repairs for surfboards and surfskis. * [[https://youtu.be/B8x89mnr61g|Using expanding foam]] (ONE MAJOR POINT MISSING HERE - this kind of foam is very toxic and there is no passive air mask/filter that can protect you from it. One of the wiki admins worked with expanding foam used for insulation and he always used a forced air respirator that pumped clean air into his mask positively pressurizing it) * [[https://youtu.be/m4KsR6bDrfM|Repairing a crunched spec ski nose using expanding foam]] * **Building Your Own Surfski** * Easy Composites [[http://www.talkcomposites.com/5096/Making-a-hole-new-kayak-surfski|Making a surfski - discussion]] * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8ogE0b7UgQ|Building a Retro Surfski]] old style surfski in Australia, strong enough for shorebreak surfing * **Jacob Selander **hybrid woodstrip kayak/surfskis * **Chimera 1** * [[https://youtu.be/wdtt2n68Yuc|Making]] * [[https://youtu.be/JxuPha_J2do|Paddling]] * **Chimera 2** * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dPAnrL6V1Y&list=PLK-rWAT6FR_tci9z5XRaBi7qzXII3GC-b|7 video youtube playlist]] * **Restoration** * For the ambitious/skilled? [[https://youtu.be/PLJTiuvlk48|video]] * **V9 That Flew Off Car Roof Repair** * [[https://youtu.be/1UOIrkpo1sA|Part 1 Video]] * [[https://youtu.be/Uj9sKdvf6Eo|Part 2 Video]] * [[https://youtu.be/YcDPhPxRl2U|Part 3 Video]] * [[https://youtu.be/KsUXANuhiMo|Part 4 Finish]] * … ==== Surface And More Extensive Repair Videos ==== * [[https://www.youtube.com/@boatworkstoday/playlists|Boatworks Youtube Channel]] Fiberglass, Gelcoat, etc. * [[https://www.youtube.com/@easycompositestv|Easy Composites Youtube Channel]] Carbon Composite Repair * [[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMsFC2VfNykUFNoxs7U9OxvZye94svNC8|TotalBoat Youtube Videos]] * … ---- ==== Modifications ==== * See [[:modifications|Modifications]] ==== Paddles ==== * **Carbon Blade Repair ** [[https://youtu.be/haSLHD9ii1k|video]] * **2 Piece Locking Mechanism** * [[:old_epic_paddle_quick_lock|Older Epic Quick Lock (and fixes for slippage)]] * [[:equipment:paddles:2_part_paddle_issues#locking_clamp_slip|Paddle Locking Clamp Slip 2024]] * **2 Piece Alignment Marks Fading** * [[:equipment:paddles:2_part_paddle_issues#alignment_and_length_mark_disappearance|2024 Refreshing Alignment Marks]] * See also [[:modifications#paddles|Changing Paddle Length in Modifications]] * **….** **​​​** ---- We hope you find a paddle lock solution that is //a little less hard edged// than this one: {{:equipment:wingnut.jpg?direct&400x154|wingnut.jpg}} photo: Jonathan Rincon Lopez [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6avZR1wrpJ8|video]] (click on photo to enlarge) ---- ==== Pedals ==== * **Footplate Rubbing Ski** * [[:footplate_rubbing_4_29_2022|Discussion 4/29/2022]] * **Replacing Non-Slip Pad** * [[:footplate_non_slip_pads_7_24_2019|Discussion 7/24/2019]] * **Vega Flex Footplate Bolt** * [[:failed_vega_flex_footplate_bolt|Discussion April 2024]] * … ==== Rudders ==== **Rudders, Steering, Cables etc.** * **Vega** * [[:arc_rudder_line|Arc Rudder Line Break at Back of Pedal]] (assuming the same design for other Vegas, this may be vulnerability for Flex and Vega surfskis also?) * [[https://surfski.info/forum/19-boats/20559-kai-waa-vega-arc.html?start=20#41321|Further Discussion of Arc Back of Pedal Line Wear and Fix on surfski.info]] (Some paddlers also seem to be having luck with thick lubricant like silicon applied to problem spot) * [[:ares_rudder_spring|]] * [[:steering_click|Clicking Noise When Steering]] * **Rudder Lines, Cables** * [[:frozen_rudder_lines|Frozen Rudder Lines (literally frozen from the cold)]] * [[:rudder_cable|Rudder Related Repair (Cables, Housings, Rudders)]] * [[:broken_rudder_cables|Temporary Emergency Broken Cable Fix]] * **Stainless Steel Rudder LInes (Corrosion Prevention, Lubrication)** * [[https://boeshield.com/|Boeshield T-9]] * **Rudder Shaft** * [[:rudder_shaft_leaks|]] * [[:stuck_rudder|]] These guys do an amazing job staying upright and getting to a beach after losing their rudder: {{youtube>Dd6p0juqjCw}} ---- ===== Drysuits ===== * **Local Dive Shops** - can usually either repair or recommend a repair shop * **Most Manufacturers offer repair services for their own gear** * See [[:drysuits#brandssales|Brands]] * **Generic Repair Services (repair multiple brands)** * **USA** * [[https://www.andyandbax.com/|Andy And Bax]] Portland, Oregon * [[https://www.kayakacademy.com/collections/drysuit-repairs|Kayak Academy Drysuit Repair ]] Seattle, Washington * [[https://www.nrs.com/repairs/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0caCBhCIARIsAGAfuMwAaqT3Q89JqlpSesBHY3VK6FY9tJvNPgoYG43CoI3JIg8hAUHqUHYaAi8lEALw_wcB|NRS Repair ]] Moscow, Idaho * **DIY **- if you want to do it yourself. There are how-to videos on NRS and Youtube (lots of them). Replacement gaskets can be ordered from NRS and other sources. \\ From//** The Beverly Hillbillies**// **Cousin Pearl Bodine:** "Jethro, I told you to get rid of them worn-out brakes." **Jethro: **"I did Ma. That's how come we ain't got none." \\