How to Fix a Fiberglass Canoe

Fiberglass canoes are used in rough terrain sometimes and commonly get damaged. Fiberglass is a strong and durable material that can almost always be repaired back to the original strength. The most common problems with canoes are cracks and fractures. These problems can easily be fixed with marine fiberglass filler. All the supplies needed to repair a fiberglass canoe can be found at your local marine supply store.

Things You'll Need

• Respirator
• Dye grinder
• Coarse grit sandpaper
• Rags
• Acetone
• Marine fiberglass filler
• Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (hardener)
• Small bucket
• Stir stick
• Putty knife
• Palm sander
• Fine grit sandpaper

Instructions

1. Sand the surface wearing a respirator. Use a dye grinder and sand the crack or fracture until all of the broken fiberglass is removed. This will form a groove in the fiberglass. Gradually taper the edges of the grove. This will give the fiberglass a bigger surface area to bond to.

2. Scuff the area around the repair using coarse grit sandpaper. Scuff at least an extra three inches all the way around the repair.

3. Clean the surface of the repair using a rag and acetone. Remove any dust or grease that may be on the surface.

4. Mix the filler with the hardener following the recommendations on the containers. Use a small bucket and a stir stick to thoroughly mix the filler. Apply the filler to the crack and smooth it out using a putty knife. Let the filler cure until it is hard and cool to the touch.

5. Sand the filler smooth using a palm sander and fine grit sandpaper. The filler should be level with the surrounding fiberglass and look the same as before the crack was there.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a respirator anytime you are working with fiberglass materials.

References

• American Marine Supply
• Aqua Skier