SNM are multisport kayak repair specialists for composite fabrics and epoxy resins in Auckland. We will fix your kayak, paddle, helmet and other componentry as perfectly as we can. Regularly checking, maintaining, and repairing your composite kayak is crucial for several important reasons, including safety, performance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.
Users and rocks are the usual reason for damaged and broken boats, with common repairs being:
- Smashed noses/bows (structural failure)
- ‘River rash’, general scratches and wear and tear (slows down your boat and makes it look tired)
- Holes and severe cracks (leaks and structural failure)
- Dents (deformities and structural vulnerability)
- Paddle damage: chipped blades, hairy edges, bent or broken
- Helmet holes and cracks (must be repaired!)
Ensuring the safety of your kayaking experience is paramount. Regular kayak inspections and maintenance help identify any potential issues or carbon fiber damage that may compromise the kayak’s structural integrity. Composite kayaks are susceptible to fatigue, cracks, kevlar delamination or other forms of damage leading to stability problems or structural failure while on the water. By getting your composite kayak checked in Auckland and promptly addressing any necessary repairs, you minimize the risk of accidents or equipment failure, keeping yourself and others safe during your paddling adventures.
SNM Composite Kayak Repair services include:
- General epoxy and composite fixes
- Touch-ups and cosmetic repairs
- Winterize (repair it after summer racing and have it in storage race-ready)
- Resurfacing of kayak hulls and decks
- Checking rudder lines and foot components
- Drink and pump systems
- Retrofitting after market seats
- Insurance Assessments
As one of Aucklands leading canoe and kayak composite fabric and resin repair experts, we repair small boats, paddles, helmets and other carbon fiber componentry to as good as new. The best times to get your composite equipment checked is in winter and before the month of September when kayaking season kicks-off. Maintaining your composite kayak also enhances its performance. Over time, kevlar wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and usage can impact the kayak’s efficiency and maneuverability. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting fittings, ensures that the kayak operates at its best. Additionally, fine-tuning components like footrests, rudders, or skegs can optimize your paddling experience, allowing for better control, speed, and agility on the water.
What will we do for you?
- Regain structural integrity and strength
- Seal holes and cracks with gel coat finishes
- Fiber glass, carbon fiber, kevlar and epoxy
- Your repairs will be done with matching fabrics
By investing in the regular care and repair of your composite kayak, you extend its lifespan. These carbon fiber watercraft are significant financial investments, and proper maintenance can help protect that investment. Small kevlar issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate into more severe damage, potentially rendering the kayak irreparable. By proactively checking and repairing your kayak in Auckland, you mitigate the risk of costly and avoidable replacements, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy your kayak for years to come. Moreover, regular maintenance and repair contribute to environmental sustainability. By taking care of your kayak, you reduce the need for new manufacturing, minimizing the consumption of raw materials and energy associated with production. Repairing rather than replacing helps reduce composite waste and promotes a circular economy within the outdoor industry.
Maintenance of kayaks, paddles and composites
- When not using your equipment, keep it undercover out of sunlight.
- Always wash your kit with water.
- Open hatches to dry the kayak
- Remove neoprene hatches so the stretch and fit is not lost
- Spray rust with CRC, WD40 etc.
- Lubricate moving parts with Silicon Spray
In terms of cost-effectiveness, addressing minor composite repairs and maintenance tasks in a timely manner is generally more affordable than dealing with extensive kevlar damage or replacement. Ignoring small issues can lead to more significant problems that require costly carbon fiber repairs or even a new kayak altogether. Our Auckland kayak repairs regularly check, maintain and repair your composite kayak, saving you money in the long run and ensuring your investment continues to provide value and enjoyment.
Some things to note:
- Epoxy, polyester and vinylester resins are different and used to their corresponding repairs
- Gelcoats sre very hard resins used to protect the outer surface of kayaks.
Getting your composite kayak checked, maintained, and repaired is essential for safety, performance, longevity, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Regular care and attention ensure that your kayak remains in optimal condition, allowing you to have safe and enjoyable paddling experiences for years to come while minimizing your environmental impact and saving money on potential future repairs or replacements
