Kevlar users/maintainers,
Last fall I bought a B-19 and it has a sizeable chunk of the stern skid plate missing.
Kevlar is in good shape, no leaks, no damage.
What do you think is the best approach to this repair?
I have used fiberglass to make paddles, but never have I worked with kevlar.
Many thanks to all who have contributed to BWCA.com.
-Barnabee

Brian
I would fill it with fiberglass and cover it with some strips of glass. Skid plates are made of Kevlar felt which don’t have any real strength to them. I have had them chip and crack.
Carl

Better to work with fiberglass than kevlar. The weight savings of kevlar hulls is largely achieved through reduction in resin used. Kevlar surface bonds with resin and it doesn't "wet through"- this means that when you sand through the resin the fibers are exposed and fray- very tough to get a good result.

I'd give Northstar a call. Chances are Bear himself will answer and give you guidance. They have a resin repair kit that would probably work, though it's not necessarily an external skid plate replacement. Best to just see what Bear recommends.