Sticky Inflatable Dinghy

[ramstad]

I've got a 5 year old Mercury Inflatable dinghy that has become "sticky" along the tops of the pontoons (Hypalon?)where we sit. Over the past 2 years since this began I have tried several products to clean but with no lasting result. I suppose the sealer finish has gone in these areas. Does anyone know of a "stabilizer/finish/sealer/wax/oil" or combination that might work for this? Feedback on experience please! Otherwise I may buy some more material and glue on a fitted overlay in the problem areas, but this seems like more work. Thanx Jeff in Vancouver

 

[alanporter]

I had the same problem with my inflatable. On a friend's advice I went to an automotive supply store and bought an aerosol can of the flexible spray paint that can be used to refinish vinyl car seats. It works perfectly but requires respraying about every two years.

 

[[2068]]

I've got exactly the same problem with a QuickSilver (mercury) tender: it started in the really hot summer we had a couple of years back, and I still haven't found any solution that lasts more than a few months.

dv.

 

[mainmarine]

try: http://www.polymarine.co.uk/ they supply products for inflatables and are very helpful
Malc
mainmarine

 

[nordic_ranger]

As mainmarine suggests speak to polymarine.co.uk/ I bought their paint to cure a similar problem a couple of years ago. Their a very helpful company and their products are good.

 

[snowleopard]

In the caribbean a lot of long-term cruisers have canvas covers on the tubes of their inflatables. Whether that is to prevent your problem or as a cure I don't know.

 

[Talbot]

My last zodiac went sticky, and then became porous (after 20 years). I have a nice canvas cover over my new one to help prevent a re-currence of it with the new one.

 

[DepSol]

Depends how far it has gone but 3M Citrus cleaner and an anti abrasive pad will do the trick normally then use the vinyl gel to keep it protected and silky smooth.

See last MBM Neale Byart did an article on cleaning tenders.

 

[pappaecho]

"sticky rubber" is a perennial problem. If you think back to the days when you repaired the inner tube on a bicycle, you put some "chalk" as anti tack agent, to stop the patch + glue sticking to the outer tube.
Same applies - use talcum powder - nicely scented of course

 

[ramstad]

Thanks to all who replied to this post about my sticky dinghy, if I find a good fix I will post the solution, until then, best regards, Jeff in Vancouver

 

[aztec]

try here.