I have an idea...

So I'm in my shop this morning, thinking about poking a hole in my kayak with a big ol rock on accident when I'm out in the ocean.  I have a pencil torch that has a no flame heating tip on it that I use to fix baits that have tears or are separated.  I was wondering if keeping a pencil torch and a few pieces of plastic sheet might be used to repair the hole or crack and limp back to shore. I guess you would have to be around something where you could pull your yak out of the water to work on it? Any thoughts?

I think it would totally work, but yeah you would have to dry the area of the repair. You could do this by setting the damaged yak across 2 other boats I suppose. For an expedition type trip it would be worth considering bringing the tools.

I have done emergency repairs to fiberglass kayaks in the field using duct tape and epoxy, but never while on the water. It would make for a rad Macguyver story!
I think unless you are actively crashing into rocks your chances of punching a hole in a plastic kayak are very slim. More likely would be a stress crack or pinhole leak near a scupper.

....Other things might puncture the hull though , so my recommendation would be to have some secondary flotation on board and a buddy within hailing distance.

I'm more worried about the "things" than the rocks.  I carry a nice big chunck of plumbers putty.  I figure I would stuff it in the hole and try to flatten it out on both sides of the hole. 

I'm more worried about the "things" than the rocks.  I carry a nice big chunck of plumbers putty.  I figure I would stuff it in the hole and try to flatten it out on both sides of the hole.

That's a good idea!

they sell wet/dry butyle lined aluminum Duct tape... I've used this on the keel for rub protection. Just tear off a piece and slap, mold it in place. (lDyna mat for car stereo is same stuff) Hangs on to plastic hull and seals, no problem.... I Usually carry some when OTW.

how about some of Al's favorite....DUCT SEAL?

http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=duct-seal&div=5&l1=accessories

I like the putty idea... more for an emergency seal to at least slow the inflow of water.  By mashing it through a hole and mushrooming it on both sides it would probably work pretty well in the short term. 

I carry plumbers putty in my kit also. I tested and it does hold onto wet plastic -- should at least help you get back to shore in a pinch.

I carry plumbers putty in my kit also. I tested and it does hold onto wet plastic -- should at least help you get back to shore in a pinch.

I carry the stinky stuff too.

Fixed a severely leaking ski boat once with a tampon & some duct tape.  I'd say that the boat would better be fixed with duct tape or the vinyl material that custom lettering & graphics are made from.  The key is to dry the surface like you mentioned.  That may mean capsizing the kayak to make an underwater repair.

Good topic & thoughts!

I carry a pair of goggles.  Sometimes also a pair of zoomers . . .

Fixed a severely leaking ski boat once with a tampon & some duct tape. 

incredible!