This is more of a TIP than a review but I'll give my PROS/CONS at the end.
The Hurricane Phoenix 160 is made of TRYLON (ABS PLASTIC) This plastic is very brittle and very fragile.
I developed a simple way to fix cracks and splits although I go extra and cover the patch with wire mesh.
If you contact Hurricane they will send you a piece or pieces of their TRYLON plastic.
Here is my solution for a keel crack. I cut off small pieces of the plastic and put them in a sealed glass jar with ACETONE which breaks it down to a liquid over night (More plastic = Thicker result). I call it (LIQUID PLASTIC) With a small brush, I paint it into the crack and tape it shut and leave it for a couple hours, What I do extra is I use a Weller wood burning kit (The flat round tip) and melt a strip of aluminum window screen 2 inches wide into the plastic over the crack then paint several coats of the liquid plastic over the mesh. Surprisingly, it dries/hardens almost instantly allowing for more coats as needed. I also elevate the opposite end of the kayak and pour LIQUID PLASTIC (More Acetone = thinner solution) inside along the keel for added inside support.
For a flat surface crack (ON THE INSIDE) To seal and hold the crack, I use AC Aluminum duct tape (Has a rubbery coating on one side) You have to peel the plastic off the adhesive to use it. Get the outside surface as flat as possible. Do the same wire mesh method and coat as needed try to set the repair horizontally (Flat) to let gravity level out your liquid plastic.
NOTE: If you have easy access to the inside of the crack, melt the wire mesh on the inside instead of the outside for a nicer finish. Carefully fill the outside with the LIQUID PLASTIC sanding with very fine sandpaper between coats. make final coat very thin for a shiny finish. (No aluminum tape needed)
REVIEW:
PROS:
The Phoenix 160 is a beautiful kayak and will draw attention!
Handles are well placed
Light weight for easy portage
2 Recessed Scotty rod holder mounts (Not sure if factory)
Foam inserts (In the hull) beneath the seat for added support.
Large oval front hatch for hull storage.
CONS:
The recessed pad eyes because some clips wont hook into the pad eye.
The thin EVA foam anti-slip seat pad deteriorates over time
The scupper system could be a potential sink hazard if something knocks the hose off on the inside of the hull. Would have to be a hard hit though.
The small rear hatch that is hard to open and pretty useless aside from being able to reach in with one arm.
Poor quality deck rigging that has deteriorated over time
Hurricane has no info that I could find on their website about the Phoenix 160.
If you want to see my restoration video and how I repair the crack(s)
In case paddling.com doesn't allow links... search you tube for "Kayak Restoration Hurricane Phoenix 160"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyjiEUU-ak
Thank you paddling.com for an awesome and informative website!
