Can I add a layer to a fiberglass kayak

[billv999]

I have a fiberglass sea kayak. I love the boat but it is built for light weight and I keep punching holes in it when I go out in the rocks in the ocean.
Is is possable to add a layer of fiberglass or kevlar to the inside of the hull to make it stronger?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Can I add a layer to a fiberglass kayak

Yes.

I've done it and it's not difficult, but there is one issue and that's getting access to the hull. On mine I needed to cut it in half a the seam so I could reach the entire hull, I'll need to do this to my other kayak as well now, someone (not me) drove over one end of it, crushing it.

 

[Blue Mesa]

Re: Can I add a layer to a fiberglass kayak

Composite sea kayaks are typically not only lighter, but faster and better handling boats than roto-molded plastic sea kayaks. They track well, and are superior craft all around for touring. Most people that spend a lot of time in rock gardens, or surfing, which is a lot of fun, use a much more durable, and about half the price, plastic boat. You probably already know all that, I'm just saying rather than make a nice composite boat heavier, but likely still not strong enough for that kind of abuse, maybe you could find a used plastic kayak for your rock trips.

just a thought.