Floppy RIB

[muckypup]

It's soon time to get the RIB sorted that I got when I bought Harlequin. The only problem is that it's in an awful state. It deflates in 2-3 days, the glued on bits where the oars go through (rowlocks?) are missing on one side and hanging off the other, the drain bung is missing and it's very very grubby.

I have some inflatable cleaner, so that should sort that out.

Whats the best way of going about tracking where the leak(s) are coming from?

Can I buy new bungs / oar holders to glue back on?

Are they worth trying to restore when they get to this state? It's about £1000+ for a 3m rib to replace this one.

Steve

 

[Blueboatman]

There is usually a stand at Beaulieu Boat Jumble who offer renovated and guaranteed Avons.Bought one for £250 odd.That is one way to go and they do last an awfully long time..

 

[aitchw]

I have always found the people at Polymarine very helpful and they are just up in N. Wales.

If you inlate the tubes and go over the entire surface with only slightly diluted washing up liquid you can usually find the leaks though it can take more than one attempt.

I guess it depends how much money you have as to whether it is worth doing or not but it has to be worth a look to see just what needs doing.

Quite a few forumites have made the point that having a scruffy tender makes them less attractive to thieves so it's not all bad news.

 

[hardy]

take it down to the waters edge, weight it down,when the tide covers it well, pumpit up. see where the bubbles come from and mark with french chalk ,fix patch or valve accordingly

 

[billy2s]

Be prepared for surprises when you go over it with soap.... The first time I did that was on an aged club inflatable that I and some other enthusiastic younger members decided to get back into use..

We put the soapy water on one side of the boat, and worked our way round to the other side... Came back to see the first side totally white with tiny bubbles.

I wont reveal the remedy as it was totally un-marine, but we persuaded the boat to stay up long enough for us to have several outings with her before she relapsed into redundancy!

 

[reginaldon]

come on Billy2s let us into the secret.

 

[BrendanS]

You painted it with gloss? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Cruiser2B]

Steve,

You should be able to pick up bungs and maybe even the oarlocks at a chandlery, but have you priced out replacing the tube, instead of the whole boat?

Kevin

 

[DepSol]

Most Inflatable boat cleaners are a complete waste of time and if you are thinking of using a scouring pad then think again.

Quckest and best way to do it is get some 3M Citrus spray some antiabrasive pads and a j cloth. Spray the citrus spray then rub it n with the anti abrasive pads and wipe the excess diirt from the tube swith the J cloths. For added future protection use 3M Viny gel conditoner afterwards.

Poly marine should have some spare bits but be careful when checking for leaks using the soapy technique as leaks in the seam tapes an run along the tape and look as if they come from the rear when it could be at the front.

Also give the boat a rub from back to front which will lift any scratches that might seal until rubbed the wrong way.

 

[Lakesailor]

[ QUOTE ]

Are they worth trying to restore when they get to this state? It's about £1000+ for a 3m rib to replace this one.


[/ QUOTE ] then buy a rigid plastic dory............2nd hand.

 

[No1_Moose]

if it is hypalon the best stuff to clean it is without a doubt Acetone.

 

[muckypup]

It's PVC, and would prefer an inflatable as a tender as far more difficult to sink (if inflated /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

Steve

 

[No1_Moose]

oh well, use acetone anyway as it will be very easy to clean when its gone.

 

[DepSol]

Acetone is ok for a one off but not for constant use.