Inflatable Boat Repair

[Ian_Rob]

We went down to the boat yesterday only to find that our Zodiac tender has sprung an air leak in the starboard tube. It is in a slightly awkward position where the hypalon layer below the pressurised floor meets the tube. I am going to try and repair it ashore tomorrow but how long do I need to leave the repair before I can reflate the tender?
The dingy came with a spares kit that has patches and Toluene glue.

As the glue is old (though never opened) I am planning to buy some 2-part IBS Hypalon glue from from Force 4 ( unless there is a better suggestion?) Then F4 website says it fully cures in 48 hours. Do I need to wait that long? I would like to be able to use the dingy asap so that we get back aboard to sleep.

 

[OrangeOily]

I had a similar challenge. I patched the hole, waited about four hours before pumping the dinghy up so that it held its basic shape and was usable, but still soft. I waited 48 hours before pumping it up hard. That was about three months ago and so far so good.

Hope this helps?

 

[PabloPicasso]

Make sure surfaces to be glued are dry and clean.

Its probably a contact adhesive so you should inflate to a low pressure immediatly, just enough to get the shape. The longer you leave it (up until48 hours) the better.

But, yes after a few hours you should be good, especially in WARM & DRY weather.

Just a note that if its a damp day or high humidity it is difficult to get it to bond.

GOOD LUCK, and do let us know how many hours you left it and if it worked ok.

 

[Ian_Rob]

Thanks for the replies. I will let you know how it goes and the time I left it.

This is the tear:

 

[Ian_Rob]

Deleted. Internet signal too poor to send images.

 

[Ian_Rob]

This is the tear;

 

[Ian_Rob]

..and a wider view.

 

[Ian_Rob]

Given the position, my guess is that it is not going to work. The fabric that is there to stop water getting into the bottom of boat is going to prevent a patch being properly fixed over the tear……..

 

[PabloPicasso]

Fit a patch inside the tube

 

[Ian_Rob]

Fit a patch inside the tube

Can that be done? I guess so but presumably the valve assembly would have to removed and refitted.

 

[PabloPicasso]

Can that be done? I guess so but presumably the valve assembly would have to removed and refitted.

Yes. My valve assembly unscrewed. I cut a couple of slots in an appropriately sized socket and used the main driver to undo the valve.

Internal. Patches are also stronger as the air pressure is pushing them onto the repair, and they can't get the edges chaffed and pulled like external patches.