Freeport 12/11

[karstopo]

Launched at 12:30. Water was low, green and rising. Almost immediately saw some redfish feeding along a shoreline. Outright missed the first little bunch, was too quick on the hookset with the second school, and had success on the third little pod of fish. Might have moved fifty yards between the three opportunities.

But, the very promising day of fishing ended right about the time I took photos of the fish because I suddenly noticed a lot of water in the hull of my Commander. Somehow, I had a significant leak. By the time I got back to the launch I had about five gallons in the kayak.

Found the crack up near the bow when I got home. I repaired the crack, I hope.

[deptrai]

I have a KC plastic welder if you need to use one.

[karstopo]

I have a KC plastic welder if you need to use one.

Thank you. I think my repair is going to work.

I sacrificed a bit of the kayak, cut some nonessential piece from behind the bench seat and used that material to weld to the cracked area. Used a butane triple flame cigar lighter to heat up the plastic on the hull and the piece and a hori hori knife to spread and weld the semi-molten plastic. Seems to have stuck.

I’m going to test the kayak out likely on an easy, close to the launch fishing spot. Taking along waders and boots just in case. A baler too. Going to pair down the gear I take just in case. Something hydrophobic to stuff in the hole to greatly slow any leak should the crack reappear. It’s a plan. Thought about getting a bilge pump, but decided against that.

[motoyak]

Ive had success with Gator patch or similar UV activated reinforced fiberglass. Even if your weld holds, the Gator stuff reinforces the area and looks alot better

[karstopo]

I ordered some, thanks for the heads up!

[motoyak]

I was getting bad wear on my tail so I tied the patch stuff before it wore through. Little pricey for what it is but it works great. The 1st lasted a season then just barely started showing the original plastic so I bought more and stuck it over top. Its a one shot deal so prep surface as directed. Heres a link to the same stuff a little cheaper than Gator Guard...
https://www.rapidfix.com/rapidfix-uv-fi ... -6121936es

Something to be aware of...I didn't feather the edges and every once in a while, my line gets hooked on the patch. Almost always when the fish run under the boat. They say its sandable so I may do that at some time....naw

[karstopo]

I’m excited to use the patch. The nose of the bow on my kayak is pretty beat up and thin and the 3” x 6” patch should just cover the worst of it. I’ll read the directions and follow them.

I have had fish hang up on the oyster rash on the underside of my kayak. This kayak is fourteen or so. I fish waters that are chock full of live oysters. My “if I had to get a slot red to save my life” spot is a minefield of oysters. This plastic boat has taken a beating.

I was looking at the current kayaks and I am more than sad the WS Commander line up is long gone. The Commander checked all my boxes. 72 pounds, light enough for even this 62 yo man to manage. Most of these modern fishing while standing kayaks weigh considerably more than that. Stand up and fish stability, standing while fishing is a non-negotiable must have. I don’t sit and fish, almost never anyhow. I don’t sit and fish out of boats either. The Commander is also reasonably fast and easy to stay straight, no rudder necessary. A clean, clutter free deck is a must also. Don’t want anything to snag fly line on.

If I can keep the water out by patching and/or welding I can continue to enjoy my Commander for the rest of my life.

[TexasJim]

Yeah, karst, it's a shame Wilderness has stopped making the good paddling and fishing yaks. The new Tarpons are a joke. When someone comes out with a "new and improved" item: 1 They left off the useful things. 2 They added features you didn't want or need. 3 It weighs more. 4 It costs a lot more.
A Winter Texan friend just bought a used ATAK 14, all tricked out, rear-mounted troller, with trailer. Great fishing machine. Heavy, but he's big guy. We took him out on a maiden voyage yesterday in AP. He caught a couple of short Reds and was very happy.
Looks like some nice weather coming next week down here. I got a keeper black & trout. Another neighbor got two reds, two blacks & a trout. Overcast, cool day with a couple of short rain showers. I'll be keeping my Viking. Can't stand in it, but at my age(79) I don't have any business standing in a kayak. That's what my flats skiff is for. Catch 'em up! Jim in Rockport

[motoyak]

I’m excited to use the patch. The nose of the bow on my kayak is pretty beat up and thin and the 3” x 6” patch should just cover the worst of it. I’ll read the directions and follow them.

If I can keep the water out by patching and/or welding I can continue to enjoy my Commander for the rest of my life.

Did you get it stuck on? Your thoughts on the product if so...
I know the weather is not contusive to messing with a kayak but was just wondering

[karstopo]

I’m excited to use the patch. The nose of the bow on my kayak is pretty beat up and thin and the 3” x 6” patch should just cover the worst of it. I’ll read the directions and follow them.

If I can keep the water out by patching and/or welding I can continue to enjoy my Commander for the rest of my life.

Did you get it stuck on? Your thoughts on the product if so...
I know the weather is not contusive to messing with a kayak but was just wondering

Yes, love the product! Thanks for the tip!

Haven’t gotten to get out on the water just yet, but the patch appears to have bonded well and there are no more leaks, the kayak was partially filled with water and the water didn’t leak out.

[motoyak]

Good! I was equally impressed with the product. Didn't think Id find anything to adhere to kayak plastic (polyethylene?)