Fixing Pin Prick Holes in PVC

alexm · 09 January 2011, 12:06

Hi all,

I've finally got around to looking into why our port side rear tube section goes soft over several days and found two minute pin prick holes on the base of the tube, just forward of the seam joining the cone.

This is an area that contacts the water whilst going along, and also gets spattered with mud etc from the wheel of the trailer so I guess it could be from grazing something in the water, or from sharp debris kicked up by the tyre on the trailer?

Anyway, I wondering what the best way to fix it would be. As you can see, the leak is very slow and the holes are practically invisible to the naked eye.

[YOUTUBE]06nn3I079-8[/YOUTUBE]

Would a patch be the best way, bearing in mind it will be contacting the water and liable to peel. Or can I seal/coat the holes in adhesive/solvent and avoid having to use a patch. If so, what would be the best way? Presumably let the pressure out the tube first?

The material is PVC.

many thanks,

Alex

ribraff · 09 January 2011, 12:34

I am sorry to say but you're going to have a he'll of a job with this, the seam tape on the inside of the tube to cone join becomes brittle and creates a hard edge on the material which when subjected to fast moving water then weakens it.
I have a Ribeye in for Retube at the moment with the same problem on both sides, this one would fill up with water and plug the gap for a while.

alexm · 09 January 2011, 12:58

Nothing we can do to reinforce/prolong the life?

ribraff · 09 January 2011, 13:39

You can try putting patches over, a triangular patch which runs diagonally from the understrip to the lower side of the strake will reduce the leading edge, the problem is that the fabric is more than likely very brittle now and adhesion might be an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexm

Nothing we can do to reinforce/prolong the life?

Bam Bam · 09 January 2011, 17:18

If it was me, rather than re-tube I would try a can of holts tyre weld first. you would have to remove the inflation valve from the tube and tilt the boat to the right angle to ensure the tyer weld goes where you want it. Cut the tyer valve from the tube of the tin and attach a measured length of pipe (may be trial and error) that will fall just short of the punctures in the tube and release the tyre weld and then as quick as you can replace the inflation valve on the tube and bring it up to pressure to try and get the weld into the punctures. It's a long shot but it might work and save you a fortune. I would try it, you never know it might judt work!

Richard Selman · 12 January 2011, 16:16

Could you inject aqua-sure through the hole with a syringe when the tubes are depressured and allow it to pool on the inside? Its very good for dry suits, wet suits, boots etc?

PeterM · 12 January 2011, 17:51

Surely you have to try a traingular patch 1st as simplest & cheapest option ?

I know my Avon has exaclty the patch described as std ( but is hypalon) .

Stephen-RIB · 12 January 2011, 21:30

This can be fixed, not a lot of work involved. I reckon some large reinforcement patches would do the job. Am amazed that road crud would have caused this though!