Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: PeteC on June 29, 2010, 11:04:53 pm

Title: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: PeteC on June 29, 2010, 11:04:53 pm

I've had a Coleman 16' scanoe that I bought new in 1980. It's still a good boat,and I use it regularly ,but I have troubles with patches staying put. I've tried the recommended method of heating to treat the "Ram X" plastic to accept Epoxy,but have only had limited success. Have any of you ever found a sure-fire method of fixing leaks in these canoes? Thanks for any input.. God Bless

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: El Destructo on June 29, 2010, 11:27:14 pm

Pete....Coleman canoes are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE)..... the same stuff that is used for making ice chests and 55-gallon chemical drums....and the Notorious Gallon Milk Jug...These contain an Oily Substance and are almost always next to Impossible to patch....I have patched HDPE once with a Pipe Slodering Iron and pieces of a Milk Jug for the sake of a better word....Welding Rods...I heated the HDPE up tp the point of melting...while pushing the Milk Jug strips against the Hot Iron...and welded the crack up....and it held ...looked like crap...but held water....I hate to say it...but an 80's model Coleman HDPE Canoe...should be pretty UV Damaged by now...your bets bet may be a Metal Patch and rivets....or a new Canoe.......... ;D.......good luck and God bless

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: youngbowyer33 on June 30, 2010, 12:52:37 am

lots and lots of duct tape ;D

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: zenmonkeyman on June 30, 2010, 01:25:56 am

Cut a big hole and bolt on a Lexan patch, then enjoy watching the fishes swim by.  ;)

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: cracker on June 30, 2010, 07:59:14 am

I've used the same tactic as El D it works be careful not to melt through. Ron

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: mullet on June 30, 2010, 09:03:54 am

 Pete, go to a Kayak store. The one near me has a patch kit for the Poly kayaks. You actually weld it in place with a small torch. It has a fibre mesh screen material that helps it to bond.

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: PeteC on June 30, 2010, 04:27:22 pm

Thanks for the info fellas. I'll see if I can find one of the patch kits where they sell kayaks Eddie.Thanks again all. God Bless

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: mullet on June 30, 2010, 11:40:51 pm

 Pete, if you can't find one let me know and I'll see if the store near me does and send it to you.

Title: Re: Coleman canoe repair
Post by: Eric Krewson on July 01, 2010, 02:04:13 pm

JB Weld ! They even have a marine version.