I recently was shipped a new kevlar kayak. At the stern (both sides) and bow (one side) there are visible "cuts" just under the seal -- maybe .5 to 2 mm below the seal. One is at least 3 inches long. There's also one just above the seal at the stern (only looking very closely is it detectable, because its so close to the seal). They weren't initially noticeable (with the boat below eye level), but when I put the boat on a rack at eye level, they were quickly spotted. Is this normal? I've seen very few glass boats, and never have I inspected one so closely. Is this a crack in the gel coat? Should this boat be returned (not a problem, except that in every other respect I want to use it)? It has not been put in the water yet. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Scott wrote, "I recently was shipped a new kevlar kayak. At the stern (both sides) and bow (one side) there are visible "cuts" just under the seal -- maybe .5 to 2 mm below the seal. One is at least 3 inches long......" Sorry about the damage, Scott --- but you didn't have it shipped via Reverend Bob's Freight Forwarders by any chance, did you? Jack Martin *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
----- Original Message ----- From: Scott Preston <srp_at_oswego.edu> To: <PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net> Sent: Wednesday, August 02, 2000 12:25 PM Subject: [Paddlewise] cracks? > I recently was shipped a new kevlar kayak. At the stern (both sides) and bow Hi Scott, About 5 yrs ago I ordered a Kevlar/ Carbon Fibre Kayak from one of the better British builders. It paddled fine and maintained its shape as long as I was paddling it or it was hung in the slings in the garage. If I camped out, it got a flat spot where the hull met the ground. After several months the flat spot became concave. Fortunately I had bought it from a great outfitter who, get this....... Volunteered to take it back, and order any other boat I wanted. I ordered a Kevlar/carbon fibre Nekki Arluk 1.9 and have been in love with it for all these years. Stress cracks don't improve with age. Gelcoat that is applied too thick will cause spider cracks eventually. May I suggest you notify your outfitter immediately, then use it to see what happens..... Maybe nothing will happen, and it will be a great boat. Patri *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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