I have a canoe!!!

[luke724]

My brother had a discovery 158 sitting in his backyard and said it hadn't been used in over two years. I went over and picked it up last week, after some extensive cleaning the canoe looks pretty nice. I did find find one small crack (about three inches) on the under side and the the spot is kinda soft. I took it to the Coosa Sat. and Sun., the canoe didn't leak but I am concerned about the small crack. I guess I am going to put some fiberglass resin on it after the spot dries out. I didn't have any problems going through moccasin gap, but the water level was high and maybe I got lucky. Is it safe to go through rapids in a canoe? I know that it likes to hold water. I haven't had the pleasure of flipping it over in the water yet or having to climb into it after flipping. I guess I have to live and learn.

Anyone here have any tips on repairing the hull? I plan to do more trips throughout the summer, so if you guys have any good suggestions about locations besides the Coosa let me know.

[Magic City Matt]

I don't think that model is exactly made for going through rapids but if you are comfortable with it sure. There is a great deal more form and circumstance to open boat whitewater technique then I will ever be fully qualified to comment on. I would check with the guys over at alabamawhitewate r.com. They know a great deal more than I do about these things.

M

[Uncle Wayne]

My brother had a discovery 158 sitting in his backyard and said it hadn't been used in over two years. I went over and picked it up last week, after some extensive cleaning the canoe looks pretty nice. I did find find one small crack (about three inches) on the under side and the the spot is kinda soft.

Anyone here have any tips on repairing the hull?

Matt's advice will get you some good help and I'd call Old Town directly.  They are very PR oriented and want to help customers or at least that's been my experience.  I had the good fortune to visit their manufacturing plant in Old Town, Maine and really enjoyed it.

[Firedog]

DON'T FIBERGLASS!!!!
Get intouch with Mike Warren at Terrapin Outdoor
http://www.canoeshop.net/

Or Lex Brown at Tallapoosa Outfitters
http://www.tallapoosarive...outfitters.com/index.aspx


They make a patch kit for the Old Towne that works great. Or you always have the option of plastic welding. The Discovery series has Cross Link 3 design. There is a foam layer between the inner and outer layers for buoyancy. If the  material is still in place you can also use a small propane torch to heat the plastic being careful not to scorch. Heat the crack and use a smooth piece of steel material and work the two sides back together.
Search for repair practices online and on youtube. Fiberglass won't stay on. It will peel off. There is several repair methods to try with out fiberglass.

Also contact Mark Cumnock at  http://www.kayakwesty.com/
He does plastic repairs.

Check out this video. It shows the use of a heat gun instead of a torch.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/5bos4lfOA3k&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/5bos4lfOA3k&rel=0</a>

Let's go paddlin!!!

[luke724]

Thanks for the info guys.