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Oh my goodness, this idea actually worked

Posted on January 18, 2018January 4, 2023 by David

Since removing the deck, I’ve been focusing on the hull. The problem I had was regluing much of the plywood veneer back in place. Using waterproof glue I did not have a problem clamping the loose wood near the shear clamp. However much of the problem was further down the hull where the clamps could simply not reach

I knew tape and wedges would hold the wood in place but it would NOT provide much clamping pressure. Trying to balance weights would be too clumsy. That’s when I had moment of brilliance. Well maybe not brilliance so much as a short period of lucid thinking.

Magnets!

Now this is not an original idea.  Although I cannot recall where I first saw this concept I honestly have never seen it used on kayaks. Nevertheless, I took a trip down to my new favorite tool store (Harbor Freight) and bought a whole bunch of magnets. They sell the magnets in pairs for a dollar each so I bought them out, and then went back a week later and bought more.

These little gems have about an 8lb pull which is ok for what I needed and was willing to spend. I started by regluing a 6″ piece and placing a pair on the inside and outside of the hull. I was able to reposition each pair although sometimes they like to connect to each other and double up (which increased the pull strength).

WARNING-believe it or not, these can pinch your fingers. If you get a whole stack together they seem to gain a life of their own and can be mean. I’m just saying…

 

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