Leaky seam on my Avon- HELP!

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sparkie

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Hi all, my Avon Typhoon has blown two seams in the aft tank at its junction with the floor due to over-inflation and then leaving it in the (unexpected) sun. I've tried the internal sealers, no joy, and have been advised by the professionals that it ain't worth mending. However, I'm very reluctant to bin it as it suits me just fine and is otherwise in excellent condition.
The leaks are pretty inaccessible for patching over, (photo attached)IMG_0147.jpg, and I'm trying to think of something thick and sticky that will set and form a flexible solid "lump" in the corner and stop the leaks.

The best I've come up with so far is silicone, but I'm not sure if it will stick to the PVC, so before trying it and possibly making the situation worse, has anyone any better ideas??

Any advice greatly appreciated.......
 
Looks like the floor needs removing and the seam repairing. Lot of labour which is why you are getting advice that not economic. Pretty sure that is Hypalon, so you won't get anything to stick to it apart from the proper adhesive.
 
Tranona said:
Looks like the floor needs removing and the seam repairing. Lot of labour which is why you are getting advice that not economic. Pretty sure that is Hypalon, so you won't get anything to stick to it apart from the proper adhesive.
Click to expand...
Yes that's the advice. I'm sure they're right, but I want to have a go at a "cheap and cheerful" first. I seem to remember reading that the Typhoons were PVC and not Hypalon, but can't be sure.

Cheers.
 
If it is PVC still won't get anything to stick externally to stop air getting out. The seams will be welded and the only way to repair them is to stick a patch over the damaged section.
 
You could actually cut the tube open enough on the opposite side to the leak to gain access to the inside and then patch over from the inside the difficult to patch bit, assuming this would get round having the floor welded to where the leaks are. Fixing the cut you made with another patch would then be relatively easy. If you are probably going to have to replace it then what's to lose trying.

I did see an article where to repair they took the valve out of the tube and then manipluated the opening so they could get to the leak from the inside to repair it. Very limited access so hard to do I imagine and depends where the hole is in relation to the valve and flexibility in the tubes.
 
neilf39 said:
You could actually cut the tube open enough on the opposite side to the leak to gain access to the inside and then patch over from the inside the difficult to patch bit, assuming this would get round having the floor welded to where the leaks are. Fixing the cut you made with another patch would then be relatively easy. If you are probably going to have to replace it then what's to lose trying.

I did see an article where to repair they took the valve out of the tube and then manipluated the opening so they could get to the leak from the inside to repair it. Very limited access so hard to do I imagine and depends where the hole is in relation to the valve and flexibility in the tubes.
Click to expand...

Yes the thought had occurred. A bit counter-intuitive to cut into perfectly sound fabric, but it's definitely worth considering now that you've had the same thought. As you say, little to lose now. Thanks for that.
 
I've had poor results with two part adhesives on Hypalon.CT1 performed much better.You can try and detach the floor and stick a patch over the leaky area with CT1 and then reatach the floor in the same way.
 
lenseman said:
Or you can do what the SBS do and fill all the sponsons with foam. ;)

Yes that would be a solution. It's never deflated, shore to ship only, so might be a last resort. Only concern would be the extra weight for lifting onto the pier. Where could I buy the foam if all else fails??
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30boat said:
I've had poor results with two part adhesives on Hypalon.CT1 performed much better.You can try and detach the floor and stick a patch over the leaky area with CT1 and then reatach the floor in the same way.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'm fairly sure it's PVC from what I've read. Trouble is I can't really see a way of detaching the floor........
 
Tranona said:
Looks like the floor needs removing and the seam repairing. Lot of labour which is why you are getting advice that not economic. Pretty sure that is Hypalon, so you won't get anything to stick to it apart from the proper adhesive.
Click to expand...

sparkie said:
Yes that's the advice. I'm sure they're right, but I want to have a go at a "cheap and cheerful" first. I seem to remember reading that the Typhoons were PVC and not Hypalon, but can't be sure.

Cheers.
Click to expand...

sparkie said:
Thanks, I'm fairly sure it's PVC from what I've read. Trouble is I can't really see a way of detaching the floor........
Click to expand...

Its PVC .... I have one

AFAIK its all welded so not possible to undo seams with a hot air gun like you can with the Hypalon Avons

Maybe possible to work some of the proper PVC cement into the leaking seam ???? Would then be nice to put patches over the leaking areas. IIRC there is some fabric in the repair kit. Ideally using a two part adhesive.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the info Vic, yes external patching might work, but it's a real pig of a place to get into to be at all confident of getting a seal, also the surfaces are very uneven, lots of possible routes for air to escape under the patch, hence my original thought of a gun sealant. Still, might be worth a try before cutting into it. Cheers.
 
neilf39 said:
. . . . I did see an article where to repair they took the valve out of the tube and then manipluated the opening so they could get to the leak from the inside to repair it. Very limited access so hard to do I imagine and depends where the hole is in relation to the valve and flexibility in the tubes.
Click to expand...

I think that might have been attempted by a retired gynaecologist? :D



.
 
longjohnsilver said:
I have the same dinghy and the same problem, or I should say had the problem. Now solved, see this thread

http://http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?362929-Typhoon-inflatable-leaking-seams&highlight=
Click to expand...

Hi LongJohn, thanks for that- yes I've used this sealant in the past with good results, unfortunately this time it didn't work. Polymarine also had a go but even they couldn't make it work so I'm looking for other solutions. Just seems a shame to scrap a good dinghy for the sake of a wee hole or two......
 
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