Re: [Paddlewise] Plastic Boats - Deux

--- Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

> Derek wrote:
> > How does one assess the viability of an older
> plastic kayak?  If you 
> > have a kayak infront of you, how do you determine
> how brittle it has 
> > become?
> 
> Punch it hard in the open areas and see if it
> rebounds similarly to a new
> one.  If it is at all brittle feeling, reject it. 
> Also look for extreme
> fading, sugetive of overexposure to sunlight. 
> Finally, compare the hull
> and deck to see if one is markedly more faded or
> brittle than the other.

I think if I were to punch a hole in a seller's
merchandise, I'd own it for sure (even if it is junk).
 :P

Your advice is good.  Thankyou.  I have seen sun
fading on boats stored outside, but have not seen
"brittleness" issues yet.  The boats I am thinking of
were yellow and now are almost a washed out tan-white
colour.

How long should a well-cared-for plastic boat last
before it is functionally unsafe for use?  What is a
reasonable lifespan expectation?

Derek


       
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