Dinghy repair

[Donheist]

The tube on my honwave t27 has parted company with the concave plastic edge that holds the transom. Very annoying after we’ve just spent money fixing new handles and buying a new outboard motor.

Is it fixable?

We tried some one shot glue but are finding it hard to put pressure on join.

Options are:

1) inflate tubes and put a big rope around the whole dinghy to squeeze tube into the transom curve

2) Deflate tubes and clamp folds of pvc to the transom

3) seek professional repair but one yard already turned us down

4) replace. Cheerfully would embrace that option if I could get a good used one but no forum/marketplace/boat jumbles out here in Sardinia…

What do the wise minds of this forum think?

 

[StefanSG]

Step 1 is to find the correct glue, I believe Honwaves are PVC. If prepped and used correctly should hold together.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Ues 2 part glue for pvc or hypalon depending on the type you have.

Use the correct glue. (single part glues are for a temporary get you home fix really)

Follow glue manufacturers instructions!! Radical I know. ;-)

Yes, inflate the tubes and use rope to hold it all together in the right position (I've heard this called a Spanish clamp, I dontknow why) Look up how to do a truckers hitch before you start, and pra tice said knot. . 2 part glues are contact adhesive so be particular about how you set it all up, you only get one shot at it.

Did I say follow the glue makers instructions? Do that. It'll be fine.

Having recently repaired large holes rats chewed through my PVC tender when it was stored, I found I had to be attentive to proper preperation.

It does take time, but quite doable. What have you got to lose apart from time & money?

 

[Minerva]

If you've just repaired the handles(presume old glue failed...?) and now the glue holding the tubes to the transom has failed, you can probably assume the rest of the glue will be failing in the next short while too.

Is it really worth chasing and constantly repairing or is it done? May want to just skip it and buy a replacement.

 

[Donheist]

Ues 2 part glue for pvc or hypalon depending on the type you have.

Use the correct glue. (single part glues are for a temporary get you home fix really)

Follow glue manufacturers instructions!! Radical I know. ;-)

Yes, inflate the tubes and use rope to hold it all together in the right position (I've heard this called a Spanish clamp, I dontknow why) Look up how to do a truckers hitch before you start, and pra tice said knot. . 2 part glues are contact adhesive so be particular about how you set it all up, you only get one shot at it.

Did I say follow the glue makers instructions? Do that. It'll be fine.

Having recently repaired large holes rats chewed through my PVC tender when it was stored, I found I had to be attentive to proper preperation.

It does take time, but quite doable. What have you got to lose apart from time & money?

I thought the Spanish clamp was the way..but I think it might be time to call it a day as the next post suggests

 

[Donheist]

If you've just repaired the handles(presume old glue failed...?) and now the glue holding the tubes to the transom has failed, you can probably assume the rest of the glue will be failing in the next short while too.

Is it really worth chasing and constantly repairing or is it done? May want to just skip it and buy a replacement.

That thought occurred to me too. I am moving my way through the grief cycle and I think I’m reconciled to a new one. Sunk cost fallacy and all that. Thank you - I think you’ve moved me from bargaining to acceptance. And there is a lovely 3d rib for sale here….

 

[westernman]

I would deflate the tubes and work out a good way of clamping them.
Get all the surfaces spotless clean and de-greased. Sand them to provide a key for the glue. Use the right glue and religiously follow the instructions and clamp properly.
Leave for at least 48 hours before inflating.

I had success in repair the airdeck in an inflatable dinghy in this way.
The repair has so far lasted 10 years of abuse.

 

[LittleSister]

. . .

Yes, inflate the tubes and use rope to hold it all together in the right position (I've heard this called a Spanish clamp, I dontknow why) . . .

Presumably derived from using a 'Spanish windlass' to do the clamping?




(p.s. How that technique came to be called 'Spanish' I don't know. The technique itself must be prehistoric, but the first recorded use of that name dates only from the 1840s. )

 

[PabloPicasso]

That thought occurred to me too. I am moving my way through the grief cycle and I think I’m reconciled to a new one. Sunk cost fallacy and all that. Thank you - I think you’ve moved me from bargaining to acceptance. And there is a lovely 3d rib for sale here….

You must be very attached to your tender!!

Hard to know when to quit, but if the glue is failing it may be time....