Canoe saddle

[keithcausey]

I just purchased a Recon canoe factory outfilled with a South Fork saddle system. I intend to install a bulkhead saddle. Anyone interested in buying the South Fork saddle for $100 plus shipping? Keith Causey

[Shep]

Definitely post a review once you've gotten it on the water! I've been wondering about that boat.

Thanks,
Shep

[clarion]

Location?

[keithcausey]

The South Fork saddle system is located in Auburn, AL. I need to get advice about removal of the factory saddle. I suppose a heat gun would help with releasing the glue used to attach the various parts.

[Todhunter]

If they used weldwood, gentle heat application and acetone will do it. Just don't get too frisky or you'll pull off the inner vinyl layer.

[keithcausey]

Thanks for that tip! Keith

[ezwater]

Careful with acetone. Excess may pool and go through the vinyl layer to soften and egg-scramble the ABS layer and the foam underneath. Acetone did it on my boat.

I don't know whether acetone is a good solvent for contact cement. I would prefer to skip solvents and cut the saddle loose with a thin, flexible machete or saw blade.

The inside vinyl layer is really only sun protection. A more aggressive approach might be to use a sharp chisel held at a low angle, and skim off the vinyl from the surface of the ABS.

I go through Auburn often on the way from Atlanta to Nawlins and back. Let me know if I could stop and help for an hour or so.

[Todhunter]

Agreed - acetone should be used sparingly. Heat the patch gently with a heat gun, then grab the edge with pliers and gently pull, while having someone pour a small amount of acetone between the patch and boat. All the acetone should boil off from the heat, or you are using too much acetone. It usually takes a few iterations of this to get the patch all the way off, since the acetone cools the patch down. If you have used too much acetone, mop it up quickly. Good luck.

[keithcausey]

Thank all of you for your knowledge and advice. I am having nice results with a heat gun that has an attachemnt similar to a putty knife that slides under the edge of the item as the heat softens the glue. Have not resorted to acetone for fear of damage to the interior layer of othe ABS. In my original post I asked if anyone was interested in buying this saddle when I get it totally removed. I checked on the internet and this saddle and all the trimmings retails for nearly $400. I got no firm response so I guess I will raise the selling price to $200 plus shipping. Thanks again, Keith