DaveW:
I have an old T-160 that I got used, and I beat the crap out of it. i was going out last weekend with some friends, and as i was loading the boat on my trailer I had a thought to check the hull along the keel, as I'm always dragging the thing around. I started pressing my index finger along the keel line on the stern and it started to feel soft. In one spot the plastic was so thin I put my finger right through it.
I have never really done this before. It was complete intuition, but I would have been F**ked as we were going pretty far offshore, and I'm sure it would have given out on me. It was like paper thin.
A quick welding job with all the extra plastic i always save put me back in business.
So, if you've got an old boat, don't be as dumb as me. Check the hull along the keel from time to time.
my 2 cents.
Dave
FishingForTheCure:
Good safety check .... another key note is to look for cracks and check for drain plugs (and theur seals/o-rings).
PISCEAN:
great reminder, and I'm glad you caught in the nick of time!
mooch:
Also be weary of buying used kayaks that are faded. It's usually a tell tale sign that it was not stored properly. (Kayaks stored directly under the sun) The plastic turns brittle and at one point the plastic will crack.
Good reminder Dave :smt023 Your age and wisdom is starting to show :smt003 :smt002
Bigfoot:
I want video! Bro, show us rookies the process of welding!!! Glad you found it then and not later! Blue- nice to see you are getting prepped to get out. Looking forward to your report(s)!