Dinghy Patch

[MedMan]

I have an old patch on my Tinker Tramp that is leaking again. How can I best remove it so that I can start again?

The leak is very close to the rubber strip that is glued down the edge of the tube as a sort of rubbing strake so I cannot cut a nice circular patch . Any ideas on how to cope with this added problem when doing the new repair?

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[Talbot]

I have had success in the past in overlapping the seam. I use sandpaper to reduce the seam thickness and use somewhat more glue than normal to cover the join, make sure that the patch is put on carefully towards the seam ensuring that the patch is pressed into the join before moving on to the rest and roll it well.

btw, I always use the two pack glue as I get better results with it.

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[cliff]

Most of the adhesives will soften with heat even the "2 pack" variety.. Try a hot air gun - not a hair dryer - andlift the edge of the old patch with a suitable tool such as the handle of a spoon (thin but blunt) Take care to shield the rubbing strake unless you want to remove it as well.

Another alternative is to remove the old patch with a wire cup brush ion a grinderette but EXTREME care is needed or you can buff your way through the tube as well as removing the patch.

AS for covering the rubbing strake why not lift a piece of it near the leak, fit a circular patch and glue the rubbing strake OVER the patch. I did it on an old avon tender sucessfully and it looked not too bad.

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[StephenSails]

Maybe use some seamseal gunge and then let that dry and the put a patch over the top. If that doesnt work take it to a pro.

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[MedMan]

Thanks for the advice

Thanks everyone. The hotair gun worked a treat. I lifted a section of the rubbing strip and put the patch under that. It seems to have all worked, though time will be the real judge.

Thanks again.

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