Kayaks are made for different purposes, like recreational, sea touring, ocean tourism, etc. These need special care and maintenance for long term use. If you don’t look after them properly, they may suffer oil canning and other such issues.
Initially, you can fix these dents utilizing DIY solutions. But if you don’t look after your mini boat for longer, you may need parts replacement to fix such issues. Let’s see what exactly is kayak oil canning, what are its major causes, and how to repair it yourself.
What Is Kayak Oil Canning?
Oil canning on a kayak is the indentation in its hull occurring due to improper storage, manufacturing defects, and aging. These situations will lead to certain dents resulting in inward curves. So, the whole back of your kayak will not be flat and will be pressed inwards.
Kayak oil canning occurs when you tie your yak very tight on a rack or store on the bottom of its hull. You must know that the bottom side of the kayaks are more susceptible to damage as compared to its walls. It’s due to the fact that the bottom side is thinner than the sides of yak.
Does Oil Canning Mean Dent?
Yes, oil canning in kayaks or vessels means dent, depression, or bump in their hull parts. Such dents or depressions will keep moving in and out as the kayak moves on the water.
Why Does Oil Canning Happen? 4 Main Reasons
Oil canning in kayak can occur due to multiple reasons and diagnosing the core reason is important to fix the issue. Here are the most prominent causes for such a disorder;
1. Improper Storage or Transport
Kayak oil canning may result if don’t store your kayak properly or store it under pressure. Also, dragging the vessel may cause the issue.
2. Impact Damage
If you use your kayak more frequently, it will be exposed to the water pressure permanently. It will also cause the canning.
3. Manufacturing Defects
Poor material or improper manufacturing of the also be a culprit for kayak oil canning.
4. Age and Wear
Over the time, the kayak hull material becomes thinner. So, it may be exposed to the pressure, depression, and bumps.
What are the Effects of Kayak Oil Canning? 8 Effects
Oil canning affects the quality and structure of the vessel that may cause the following issues;
1. Reduced Stability
When the kayak hull suffers from dents and depressions, its roof will not be stabilized. So, its stability will suffer a lot during the operation.
2. Reduced Buoyancy
The canning may affect the vessel’s floating ability due to reduced stability.
3. It Looks Bad
Disturbed structure of the kayak will affect its aesthetic appeal and overall appearance. So, it may look odd.
4. Reduced Efficiency
Improper balance and stability of the boat makes it less reliable. So, such a convince can’t fit every situation.
5. Reduced Maneuverability
A kayak suffering from oil canning will be hard to move, control, and steer. All this will reduce your control, making your ride risky.
6. Weakened Hull
The canning results when the hull’s plastic layer weakens. So, it will reduce the age of your kayak hull.
7. Creates Drag
The oil canning occasionally forms drag spots on the kayak surface.
8. Reduces the Value of Your Kayak
All the above listed effects of the kayak oil canning will reduce its value.
How to Prevent?
Proper care and maintain of your kayak will eliminate many other issues along with the oil canning. Here are some preventive tips to avoid such odd affects;
- Store your kayak in a place that features consistent temperature. It will prevent the warping issues that mostly results from extreme temperatures.
- Transport your kayak carefully and ensure it flexes normally during transportation.
- Be careful when paddling in shallow water and use the boat just for intended purposes.
- Inspect your kayak regularly and fix the any issue quickly you find it.
Steps On How To Repair The Oil Canning Issue (DIY Methods)
What You’ll Need
- Proper sunshine
- A hairdryer
- Moderately hot water
- A sucker
Step 1: Turn Your Kayak Or Canoe Upside Down
As you’ll be carrying out all the fixtures on the hull-side of the vessel. So, turn its upside down. Remember to carry out all the procedure in an open area featuring efficient sunlight.
Step 2: Use The Sun
Let your kayak rest in the consistent sunshine for two hours with its upside down. Examine the hull, if it’s soften after the said time, it’s okay. Otherwise, leave it for another half hour.
Step 3: Nature Does The Trick
Nature will start doing its trick after two or three hours and the dents will start disappearing within this time. Leave the kayak as such for maximum time until the whole dents disappear.
Step 4: Pop The Dents Out Yourself
If the sunshine doesn’t heal the dents, use a sucker and push the dents outside. If the dents are facing outside the hull, push them with your hands.
Step 5: Use A Hairdryer
If the climate is not so hot to heat the hull of your kayak, you can utilize a hairdryer to warm and soften the hull sheet. Rest of the procedure will be identical to the above.
Step 6: Pour In Hot Water
If you don’t have a hairdryer, hot water can do magic for youm pour hot water on the hull and push the dent with hand to fix it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oil canning on a kayak refers to the dents on its hull. These dents occur due to certain issues like poor transportation, improper storage, defective manufacturing, and aged kayak. However, you can fix and prevent the issue by following the above guidelines. This way you can restore the functionality of your kayak without calling a technician.
FAQs
Why is it called oil canning?
Oil canning is gets its name with its resemblance to the oil can that also gets depressed under pressure. As the plastic kayak and other materials also undergo the same circumstances, so the phenomenon is called oil canning.
Is oil canning normal?
Yes, oil canning is an inherent property of the cold-rolled metal panel and plastic. But it causes different issues, especially in kayaks. So, keep an eye on it and fix it by using any of the sunshine, hot water, or hairdryer methods.
What is the life expectancy of a plastic kayak?
A plastic kayak will serve you for almost 6-12 years if you properly look after it. Oil canning is most common happening with such a boat, so ensure you treat it properly according to the recommendations.