How to: Convert your Hurricane Track Seat to a Velcro Seat

The below instructions apply if you need to:

  • Replace the track seat on your Version 1 Hurricane canoe
    • We discontinued the track seat system once we introduced the Version 2 Hurricane with adjustable Velcro seat, but the added comfort of our upgraded foam seat cushion is worth the effort in converting your Version 1 Hurricane over.

If you have a Version 2 or 3 Hurricane and need to apply a new velcro strip or replace the foam seat, you can follow the instructions here.

Not sure which version you have? Check out our guide here.

_____

What is needed:

  • Screwdriver
  • Soap & water
  • Citrus cleaner (if desired)
  • Sandpaper or sanding block (recommended)
  • Your canoe
  • Replacement Hurricane seat and included velcro strip to install
  • Small paintbrush, popsicle stick, etc to apply glue
  • Stable work area for seat cushion and canoe
  • Newspaper, tarp, or an old beach towel to protect work surface while applying glue

After testing just about every adhesive out there, we recommend using Barge All-Purpose Cement Rubber or E6000 Adhesive to replace the velcro on your canoe or on your seat cushion.

   

You should be able to find either brand at your local hardware store, if you live in a more remote area it is also easy to find online.

Some notes that may help you choose between one or the other:

  • Barge Cement Rubber Pros: Dries fast, ~ 10-15 mins, recommended to leave it for a full day to cure if possible
  • Barge Cement Rubber Cons: Can be a little tricky to work with if you’ve never used it before, be sure to read all directions
  • E6000 Pros: Easy to work with
  • E6000 Cons: Takes longer to dry – it is important to let it sit for 3 full days (ideally with a weight pressing down on it)

_____

Step 1: Remove the old seat and track with a screwdriver

  • You can discard or see if there is anyone at your club who is on the hunt for one.
  • The screw holes are capped off, so you don’t need to worry about water leaking into the canoe once you replace it.

Step 2: Clean your surface(s)

  • Probably the most important step in the process is to make sure any surfaces that you are applying adhesive to are clean and dry. Any salt, dirt, dust or sand will prevent the adhesive from making a nice bond.
  • Wash thoroughly with soap & water. If the old track left any dirt or grime t is a good idea to use a citrus cleaner like Zep or Citrasolv as well, this will not damage your canoe.

Step 2: Allow surface(s) to dry thoroughly

  • The canoe will dry fairly quickly, but make sure the surface is properly dry before moving on to apply adhesive.

Step 3: Prep your surface(s)

  • Using some sandpaper or a sanding block, lightly scuffing up the canoe surface where the new velcro strip will be applied, this will help to give the adhesive something to stick to.

Step 4: Apply your chosen adhesive

  • Read all warnings and instructions before you get started based on which adhesive you chose.
  • Apply a thorough, even layer to both surfaces.
  • Note on Barge cement – this is a dry-to-dry adhesive, it’s not intuitive if you haven’t used it before. Apply to both surfaces and let dry according to the instructions before adhering. Here is a handy video with some tips on using Barge cement for reference.
  • Note on E6000 – when applying to non-porous surfaces (ie your canoe hull) it is recommended to stick the two items being glued together then pull apart for 5 minutes before fully setting. The fumes can be a little strong, so it’s a good idea to apply outside or in an area with good ventilation, or wear a mask or respirator while applying.

Step 5: Let dry properly

  • Follow all warnings and instructions for dry time based on which adhesive you chose, in general Barge Cement needs about 3 days, and E6000 needs about 1 day to dry thoroughly.

Once dry, you can get back on the water with a comfy new seat that stays firmly attached to your canoe :)

If you are looking for a cover to keep your Hurricane in top shape, check out our OC1 Cover Set – Standard or upgraded OC1 Cover Set – Acrylic Marine Canvas (AMC) that are both available in options sized to fit the Hurricane

Please note: to use our cover sets with your Hurricane OC1, you just need to remove the seat cushion before fitting the cover on.