Need to repair my Zodiac

[stevecray]

I have an oldish Zodiac (came with a boat I bought in mid 90's) that has a repair patch that has started to leak. Repair kits seem to come in two material types, hypalon and PVC. Can anyone tell me which I need? Also any helpful tips appreciated. It looks like this one...

 

[nordic_ranger]

Hyaplon and follow the instructions on the repair packet carefully. Its a fairly easy job at this time of year with decent temperatures to speed glue curring times.

 

[VicS]

You need to establish for certain if it is Hypalon or PVC. Modern Zodiacs are PVC but i dont know when they stopped making Hypalon ones.

I suggest you contact Polymarine, with the details of your boat, for advice.

If it is hypalon you should be able to remove the old patch by gentle warming with a hot air gun to soften the adhesive, If it is PVC I think you will find that the adhesive contains a PVC solvent so you wont be able to do that. In fact much heating will melt the PVC!

 

[StephenSails]

It will be almost certainly PVC fabric that you need.

 

[TiggerToo]

definitely a PVC. I had an identical one.

 

[nordic_ranger]

Ooops, late at night or early in the morning when I replied originally to this post I should have said PVC. sorry.

 

[stevecray]

Thanks for the replies - following the suggestion of checking with Polymarine, I found their website with all sorts of useful information including a fabric table Inflatable boat fabric table and repair guide.

Yes, looks like it is PVC.

Thanks.

 

[TQA]

Try the stuff they use for instant repairs in tyres. http://www.ultraseal.swiftlysorted.co.uk/_sgg/m4_1.htm
I extended the life of a really old dinghy with leaky seams using this sort of stuff. Cost less than above from Ace Hardware in Puerto Rico.

 

[FAITIRA]

Use POLYMARINE 2 part PVC glue, one part adhesives are no use, the P.M. glue is excellent.