Pinhole leaks in inflatable seams

C

cgw

New Member
Joined
4 Jan 2002
Messages
12
Location
East Anglia
Visit site
I have a ten year old PVC inflatable which this year has developed 3 or 4 small leaks in various seams. I'd love to extend its life as it's otherwise in good condition but I don't think placing patches over the seams will do much due to the "step", other than reinforcing the seam.

I'd be grateful for any clever ideas for dealing with these, and whether one part or two part adhesive would be best in this situation
 
Polyeurothane adhesive sealants work, this was suggested first by a Zodiac dealer when our old boat started leaking, it extended its life for a full live aboard season before it died. Just a nice thick layer, I ended up running a bead around the whole floor to tube joint which also kept the sand out.
 
I had a Narwhal that developed just this .... was fine for maybe one day then needed a few lbs to bring it up again.

Spoke to various and ended up using "Internal sealant". It's a special poly sealant designed to be poured in through valve holes and then swilled around the dinghy ... part pumped up etc. etc. Leave fo so long and then pump up etc. Instructions on bottle.

Great - worked for a few days - then seams went BANG ! I took it to Inflatable service .... who condemned the dinghy on the spot ... as the "Sealant" designed for this job - had effectively dissolved / weakened the seams ... ending up with the bang. He tried repairs - but gave up .....

He advised exterior spot glueing and patches .... if really small bicycle puncture patches !! I smiled as well !!! But seriously anything more than a pin-prick needs proper job ...

Suggest talk to local Infalatable Repair centre ... such as Ron Hales if down south etc.
 
And there was me reading your post ... just about to search for "Internal Sealant" ... don't think I'll bother!
 
Thanks for the suggestions! I also considered the internal sealant path but didn't like the sound of it, and is quite expensive. Think I'll go for the spot method and PVC paint!
 
Sealant ...

Yep - VERY expensive ...... 9.99 for the bottle ..... tenner to Repair Centre ..... then buy another inflatable ...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top