DIY: Overhaul A Kayak for Getting Kids on the Water Fishing, Part 1: Repairing Oyster Rash and Removing Rust

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On my last trip out what the kids to catch sandbass, we had success, but it was abundantly clear that my kids had outgrown riding in my Wilderness Systems Commander 120. We made it work with them on the captain’s perch and me in the low seat, but it was much more crowded than when they were younger.

My solution? Find an older model tandem on the used market and rig it for my needs. I was lucky enough to find some folks getting rid of a first generation Native Ultimate 14.5. Here is what I was dealing with:

The Good

• Spray Skirt on Bow
• Upgraded Rudder Kit
• Seat fabric in great condition

The Bad

• No track system
• Worn out shock cord throughout the rigging
• Mediocre Rod Mounts (and generally poor layout of accessories for my style of fishing)
• Good bit of rust and rash from the salt
• Poor drainage design

This post is part I of a multi-part series focused on how I overhauled the kayak. I broke it down and every step can be applied to any kayak you may be converting for fishing.

This first post focuses on removing oyster rash and rust to restore the hull to tip-top shape.

Materials Needed

• Bar Keeper’s Friend
• Fiberglass Pen
• Benzomatic Propane Torch
• Spoon

Step 1: Clean the Bottom of the Hull

Wash down the bottom of the hull to get as much dirt off as you can. This will make for a cleaner repair.

Step 2: Heat Up and Repair the Gouges

Using a propane torch, heat up the hull while keeping the torch moving. Using a spoon, lubricated with saliva, work the gouge closed and smooth it out.

Step 3: Remove Large Rust Stains

Wet down the large rust stains and sprinkle Bar Keeper’s Friend on them. Scrub the rust off with a coarse cloth or a brillo pad.

Step 4: Remove Rust Stains in Hard to Reach Places

For hard to reach rust (such as rust around a screw), wet the area and remove the rust with a fiberglass pen. Once the rust is loosened, scrub it down with Bar Keeper’s Friend.

Stay Tuned: Part II – Installing Flush-Mount Rocket Launchers for Trolling

In part II, I’ll show you how I replaced the standard flush mount rod holders with Scotty Rocket Launchers for trolling.