Repairing ABS Plastic Perception Dancer

[torpedo]

Hey all,

I cracked my perception dancer using it as a sled in a couple different spots. What is my best option for attempting to mend it back together? I would like for it to be a functional kayak and sled as opposed to only a sled.


Thanks

Toby

[Cowper]

Answer depends on the vintage of your dancer. Most were made back when Perception was still using cross-link - which is difficult to repair (some say it can't be welded). For a few years before they went out of production, I think they had switched to linear plastic - which can be weld-repaired. If you can figure out which you have, it might change the answers you get.

[Wavesport4]

To Torpedo,
If you find out that your Dancer can be welded, I know the guys at Ozark Mountain Trading Company do a good job at welding. That may be a viable option instead of doing it yourself.

[okieboater]

can you find a serial number on the hull?

send that to Perception and maybe they can advise you

[turboturtle]

If it has a keyhole cockpit theirs a good chance it's a linear plastic, but they offered both during that time. Sending the serial # to Perception is a good idea in this case.
Small cockpit will almost assuredly mean it is a cross link boat.
My $0.02

aka Bob

[torpedo]

I found a serial number that appears to have been etched with a knife or some other tool. It's kind of difficult to read, but I guess I'll send in. Thanks for the ideas. Let me know if there's other ideas.

[okieboater]

that is typical of the earlier kayak serial numbers

hard to read and generally look like some one used a nail to mark the boat.

some times you can put a sheet of paper on the serial number and lightly rub a soft lead pencil (do they make pencils any more) and get a better image of the serial number

[turboturtle]

As a wood butcher, I know they still make pencils!

[Al Donaldson]

Toby:

If the welding idea does not pan out, West G-Flex epoxy and fiberglass or kevlar will work well, as long as the surface prep instructions are followed.

If you go this route, be sure to drill some 3/16" to 1/4" holes at the ends of the crack. That will keep the crack from propagating under the patch.

HTH

Regards,

al

[Shep]

I second Al's suggestion. G-Flex can do pretty amazing things on plastic boats.