So I know this isn’t “surfcraft” though it is surf-related… and I know its cheaper to just buy a new paddle, but we’re looking for more ways to make money off repairs if they are cheap enough for us that we can provide a good rate to customers at the shop.
Right now what we’re trying to figure is the best way to repair a split SUP paddle made of PVC
They’re pretty cheap so the repair has to be cheap to be worthwhile for the customers. We tried epoxy and a glass patch which gives us the flexibility and strength, but the epoxy doesn’t bond perfectly to the PVC so we want to try a new option. I read somewhere that you can “solvent-weld” PVC using acetone? Basically it melts the PVC back to mush and it re-bonds together as one piece… anyone have experience with this or know the best way to go about doing it? Sorry, no pic of the paddle in question, just the link to the model on the Naish site
Hate to burst your bubble, but I tried making my own sup paddles using pvc(thick wall (sch 40) with fiberglass & carbon fiber/ with epoxy and I had nothing but problems, I read about the bonding issue at West Epoxy’s site and what you use is pvc pipe cleaner to soften it up and give it some “tooth” for the epoxy to stick to. The problem I had is the pvc is too flexible and as soon as you stress the paddle by leaning your weight( like when you dip the paddle in the water during a turn and use your body weight to help your turn) the shaft would flex and the fiberglass/ carbon would shear/snap on the convex side of the arching shaft. The heaviest wrap I did was using unidirectional carbon wide enough to wrap around the circumference 4 times, and then 6 oz s-glass wrapped around an additional 2 times using fiberglass Hawaii epoxy and then vacuum bagging it. The paddles were so heavy and brittle, that I finally went out and bought a fiberglass Kialoa paddle and haven’t looked back. I even built one using the fiberglass shaft from the $30 tree trimmer pole I bought at Home Depot that worked o.k(actually , it was a little too stiff for paddling in the surf), but it was pretty heavy as well.
I realize you trying to starrt something new her, but realize that the shafts on the paddles that you buy are made using a “pre-peg” material that is cured under heat and pressure. I just don’t think it would “pan-out” financially when new paddles are only a few hundred dollars unless you have equipment to do pre-peg.
Just one guys opinion her from my experience. Good Luck.
I repaired my C4 fiberglass shaft with glassed and gel coated High density foam core blade that broke horizontally on about 3 inches down the blade. I didn’t even realize it was a foam core. I put a 4" carbon fiber tape(5.7oz) on each side(2 pieces of cloth tape) of the blade extending 8" up the shaft. I vacuumed bagged it and it works fine. Since you have a cheap aluminum shaft you can use 1 piece tube sewn cloth and run it down the shaft and cut the sewn tube for a front and back paddle flap. Vacuum bag it. Consider adding a HD foam or plastic or wood spine on the front side of the blade when you vacuum bag it.
I broke my paddle about a mile off shore and it made me realize that having cheap arse equipement is foolish. Like the other poster, I bought a high quality paddle and it was night and day difference. Performed way better and I feel a bit more confident in the paddle not failing when I am off shore. To fix it correctly would not be worth it for the owner. $60 dollar repair for a $149(retail) paddle. I would have them take it back to the place of purchase and they will probably replace it for free. They paid 60 bucks or less for it.
I now have the cheapo and repaired paddles for the visitors and beginners who are playing around learning how to SUP. Me and my family have better quality, better performing and more reliable paddles.
PVC and other kinds of plastics are repaired by useing a special welder . www.wegenerwelding.com Harbor freight also sells a plastic welder. Some kayak rental companies do there repairs with these welders. It takes a good deal of practice to learn to plastic weld. It is my personal opinion that the PVC paddle broke for a reason and will only brake again . I would not waste time and money repairing a plastic paddle. Buy a good paddle , take care of it properly and become a real paddler.
we’re looking for more ways to make money off repairs if they are cheap
enough for us that we can provide a good rate to customers at the
shop. So I guess you can make money doing repairs on cheap , made in china junk but that says something about your low personal values.
Wouldn’t you rather take pride in what you do and what you sell in your shop ! I make high end wood SUP paddles that are expensive and if some one wants one they have to convince me that they are worthy of owning one! If they brake it I make them a new one for free. I don’t do repair work on other peoples junk ! My shop does one of a kind , one at a time woodworking for people who care !! Made in the USA by a real craftsman ! I sleep good at night !!! Life is not about just makeing some money!
For us this repair is more aimed at rental shops - they’ve been wanting a good way to fix these cheap paddles if possible to avoid having to buy a new one every time someone rents one and cracks it on the side of a rock or something. The split is in the blade itself, so nothing else needs to happen other than a solid structural bond. We’re gonna give the PVC welding cement a shot and see how it goes.