Care & Maintenance

Rotomolded Kayak Care

Our Polyethylene roto molded kayaks are made of high-density linear material, which is virtually maintenance free. A minimal amount of care in cleaning, storage and transporting will help the kayak maintain a like-new condition for many years. 
Caution! Polyethylene will become more flexible when in warm conditions such as a hot, sunny day. Do not leave your kayak in direct sunlight strapped tightly to a roof rack for a series of days, it is possible to temporarily deform at the weight bearing points. Use a rigid bar sport rack in addition to a “kayak cradle” to disperse the weight. 

Composite Kayak care

Composite kayaks, made of a fiberglass or carbon laminate, require a small amount of additional care over rotomolded kayaks. Some sections will be more flexible than others. Scratches or superficial damage can be buffed with rubbing compound and followed with a polishing compound. Gel coat repair kits are also available at kayak special shops. Hard impacts to composite kayaks may result in structural damage, so inspect your hull after a collision. Inspect the interior of the hull at the location corresponding to the impact. Look for fine white lines mirroring any damage on the outside of the hull. This may indicate a resin fracture. In some cases this may require a composite repair kit. Contact your dealer for more information regarding repairs. Caution! Keep your kayak away from direct sunlight & heat, with temperature under 50°C. High temperature may damage kayak resin.

Cleaning

Rinse out and wash the inside (particularly the cockpit) and the outside of your kayak after every use. This will prevent sand, food waste, beach scum and general debris/dirt from destroying (fouling) your kayak. Usually just a freshwater rinse works well. This is very important after paddling in salt water, especially if your boat is outfitted with a rudder system. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the rudder, rudder cables, and footbraces with fresh water to remove salt residue. Sanding or use of an abrasive rubbing compound is not recommended. To keep your kayak shining and minimize the long-term degradation caused by UV exposure, use an ultraviolet protectant.

Storage

When storing your kayak protect it from sunlight, freezing cold and temperature over 50°C. This will significantly lengthen its useful life. If it is stored outside, keep it up-side-down, cover it with a hanged tarp or simply store in a shady place. This keeps the kayak dry and in the long termis best for your kayak by slowing down water ingress into the laminate. If you store for a longer period of time, take off the hatch covers. Note that condensation, trapping moisture between the tarp (or transport bag) and the kayak’s gelcoat, may lead to osmosis of the gelcoat so airflow important. When storing your kayak on a rack or cradles, support it under or near the bulkheads. The best solution to storing your kayak is to keep it inside a garage or shed. This generally reduces moisture in and around the kayak, and shades it from UV light. Contact you dealer for information if you need to perform other maintenance.

Transportation on a car

Caution! Improper transportation of your kayak can easily cause damage. A quality roof rack with specialized kayak carriers is a small price to pay for protecting your kayak and car. Check that the car’s rated roof load is approved for the weight of the kayak (see the car’s manual). Use load carriers approved for the weight of the kayak. Keep within the speed limits for carrying loads on the roof and use strap-bands sufficiently strong and of good quality. A composite kayak is usually carried deck up and hull down because the hull is built stiffer than the deck.

Caution! Avoid over tightening your strap-bands. Warning! Never transport a loaded kayak on your roof rack. The hull may not support the extra weight.

Repairs and modification

Contact your dealer for more information regarding repairs and modifications.

Danger! Never modify your kayak in any way. Do not sand, drill, fill or remove parts. An improperly modified kayak could fail and cause you to loose control.

Caution! Any modification to your kayak or components means, that your kayak no longer meets our specifications and therefore voids your warranty.

Warning:

Avoid dragging kayak across the ground to prolong its life and maintain its look and performance. Two people, utilizing the carrying handles, is the best way to transport the boat. Alternately, you can transport using a kayak cart.