What to skin canoe with

So I wouldn't be wrong adding a layer of 4/6oz fiberglass over it just for some more abrasion resistance? I'm thinking its epoxy fiberglass/kevlar as well. I haven't thought of someone trying to pull a mold off it though. The "skin" I keep referencing only goes up to the gunwales and no further.

I would like to see it last many years for my investment. likely would as is, but would also like it to look good too.

I think ill stick to the plan and hope for the best. peel skin, lightly sand with some 120 grit, clean thoroughly with acetone/paint thinner, put 6oz cloth on, wet out with west marine 105/207 epoxy being careful to keep things smooth and even. Then *possibly* paint at a later time.

 

I thought that was FG. ok so my research doesn't seem to have failed me. and since you're thinking its 4oz I may still go that route. But as fall guy has said to, Im only adding like 3lbs for 6oz and epoxy on the whole thing, so I may do that for a bit of extra re-assurance.

 

If someone tried to splash the hull and failed; it would make some sense. But also may have just been trying to stiffen an ultralight a bit and failed. It doesn't matter.

But it does matter to understand the bond failure. Epoxy and 4 oz glass would not bond well to a shiny, high polished surface, or some wax.

You want to better understand the reasons for the xtra skin. If it was to splash or steal the hull design, then you need to dewax it well and perhaps jist hand sand and an epoxy neat coat may suffice.

otoh, if the person didn't like the ultraliteness of the hull or seeing waves ripple the bottom; they may have done a poor job of adding the 4 oz

but here is the thing, a 4 oz laminate would have never made the hull and so it doesn't make good sense it was being splashed, not to mention it looks loke there is a reverse

get the failed shell removed, you'll likely find it is really a flimsy hull someone wanted to improve and had no clue

 

Which is where the 6oz and epoxy would help if that was the case. just with proper prep.

 

Miny,
You can speculate all day about what happened and why, but you will be surrounded with uncertainty.
Test patches will reveal what sticks and what doesn't, and that's all that counts.
I'm happy you are determined to restore this kayak.
Good luck

 

Determined for sure! just t made the first of 4 custom seat hangers today! they'll give me an extra 2-3" on top of what was originally there from the last guy(2.5") of drop on the seat, that should help alot with the top heavy feeling it had. I had taken the seat out after paddling a while, felt so much better right on the hull. but splitting the difference, custom seat and mounts!