Crack in tiny plastic boat

[GrinningBarrett]

Hello Gentlemen,
I am hesitant to post after I saw you rip-up this guy who had claimed to be in the business and had asked for help.
Here's my problem. I am a complete amateur who just got a very cheap, plastic one-man boat so I can get on the lake and fish. It has a 12" crack that has been previously been patched yet still leaks. I simply want to ask what material, (epoxy, resin, etc..) I should try to use and fix it. It's a real jalopy but ,to me, it might as well be a yacht. I have lots of time and little money but I am easy to teach and would appreciate any help you fine people could give me. The boat is a "One man Crow" made by a small company in North Carolina, U.S.A.
http://www.eagleplasticsonline.com/one-man-crow-boat.htm
I hope I have not wasted your time but, if can point me to the proper technique, I will be eternally grateful.
Thank You,
Barrett C. in Nashville(fisherman)

[Kay9]

People that have ligitmate problems, or idea's will find this place very accomdating.

Now as to your problem. ABS is tough to repair. Here is a site that has some products that might help: http://www.weldguru.com/plasticrepair.html

If the hole isnt serious, and your funds are very low, you might be able to get away with some type of Plastic Tape, that wont melt ABS. I would suggest talking to your local automotive store about an ABS patch material. A lot of cars nowdays have ABS bumpers.

Remember that most solvents will melt ABS.

K9

And welcome to the forums.

[GrinningBarrett]

Your help is greatly appreciated. If you ever find yourself in Nashville, I will buy you a dinner.
Thanks,
Barrett C.

[Kay9]

lol....Thanks....its not nessacary (sp?). I hope it helps, and gets you back on the water.

K9

[charmc]

Hi, Barrett,

Welcome aboard. Don't worry or be hesitant. The ripping some folks gave the guy you mentioned arose from a few professionals questioning his statements that he was one, since they thought he was asking a question that was too basic. Amateurs are generally treated well here.

This company makes repair kits for plastic boats and canoes: http://www.malcomheatguns.com Total cost will run about $500. with shipping.

If that's too costly, there are ways to repair the damage at a lower cost. The key problem, as you're probably aware, is that the area will flex as you get into and out of the boat. There are plastic "glues", actually volatile
solvents, that work by dissolving the ABS and then allowing it to reharden as the solvent evaporates. Spreading the ABS around to fill in the crack while it is soft will seal the crack, but you should reinforce the repaired area to prevent redamage. Here are some links that may help with details:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/cm/repairkits.html

http://www.malcomheatguns.com/accessory.php?id=14 Malcom will sell just the ABS "welding rod" and you can heat it yourself.

http://wiki.vfrworld.com/index.php/Plastic_Repair

Good luck!

[charmc]

Kay9,

Nice going! You got in some good advice while I was researching my sources. :)

[Kay9]

Sneaky isnt I ;)

K9

[Kay9]

My search engine is faster then yours.....www.dogpile.com

[charmc]

Mine is bigger than yours ... www.google.com :D :D

[Kay9]

This I wont dispute. I fear you might just be able to prove that fact...:)

[charmc]

Unfortunately, I was only bragging about search engine size ... :(