While we offer a large range of gear and boat services, we love supporting boaters with the DIY spirit! We sell a wide range of products to help you do your own repairs including outfitting items, closed-cell foam, pvc/hypalon materials and accessories, seam tape, a variety of adhesives, epoxy, and so much more! We also carry many gear maintenance items, such as 303 and sink the stink. Looking for something specific? Give us a call!
We’re happy to get your boats and equipment back into top shape at French Broad Outfitters!
Please contact us to discuss repairs prior to bringing your equipment in.
Timelines for our services are variable and depend on complexity, materials required, and the availability of our skilled laborers.
Our capacity for repair and maintenance services is very limited during busy season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
All repair services are performed at our Outfitter Store at 704 Riverside Drive, Asheville, NC 28801.
GASKET REPAIR
For those who like to paddle year-round, you know what a game-changer a dry top or suit is. Even with the best care, your gaskets will eventually need replacing. We have over a decade of experience in gasket replacement, with hundreds of tops and suits repaired for our customers over the years. We ask that the item be clean, still have its seam tape intact, and that the gasket we are replacing not be torn all the way down to the original material.
PLASTIC BOAT WELDING
Did you have a little too much adventure in your plastic whitewater or recreational boat? Welding boats can be a daunting task, especially without the right equipment and experience. Have no fear – we offer plastic welding services to get your boat water-ready again! We reserve the right to not weld equipment depending on the extent of damage, previous welds, etc.
INFLATABLE REPAIR
If you’ve got that all too familiar sinking feeling… You may have a leak in your inflatable! We repair PVC and hypalon inflatables of all types – rafts, cats, duckies, SUPs, and more. We are also available to perform customizations for your watercraft to include the addition of d-rings, handles, etc.
COMPOSITE BOAT REPAIR
Composite boats. We love them as much as you do. Fiberglass and kevlar construction is a thing of beauty that can have a very long life on the water; however, many of the benefits of these materials provide come at the cost of challenging repairs, especially without the proper materials and experience. We offer repair services for fiberglass and kevlar boats to keep you on the water. Please note, these repairs can be very time intensive and the amount of composite projects we can accept is limited.
BOAT OUTFITTING
Snapped backband? Leaky bulkhead? Broken seat? Uncomfortable when paddling? Maybe you have a problem that may need a more custom solution? From replacing old/broken parts, to upgrades that improve your paddling experience, we are happy to help you outfit your boat to your heart’s desire! From canoes, to kayaks, inflatables, and more – we stock many common outfitting parts and have the knowledge to assist you with installation.
CAR RACK OUTFITTING & INSTALLATION
We carry Thule racks and can special-order parts from Thule or Yakima for whatever your needs may be. If you buy the racks from us, we’ll be happy to help you install them! We also carry J-cradles, stackers, bike carriers, and all sorts of other adventure accessories for your car, van, or truck.
PRODUCTS TO DO IT YOURSELF
SKI & SNOWBOARD TUNING
NEW FOR 2023
We are happy to now offer basic ski and snowboard tuning services for the 23/24 winter season! Hot waxes, edge tuning, and basic repair – let us help you get your gear in shape to shred! Please note, we do not perform base grinding or extensive base repair.