Emergency Patch Kit Recommendations

[SBH2OMan]

Hello all,

I just acquired an older Sillinger 465GT hypalon SIB (16' with wood keel and flooring). It is yellow(ish) hypalon.

My intended use is to tow to various places for spearfishing adventures (including Baja, Mexico).

I want to put together a good patch kit that would handle two scenarios:

1. "on the water" patch kit for minor leaks or holes. The sort of "oh sh*t" we need to stop this leak so we can get home" sort of thing.

2. A camp site (or hotel parking lot, side of the road, etc) kit that would handle both minor issues but also be able to address bigger problems such as a tear or a handle pulling free, etc.

Is there anything one can buy "off the shelf" as a pre-packaged kit for either/both scenarios, or will I need to assemble all the bits myself. And if the latter, what do people recommend I include in these kits?

I've owned a RIB before, but never traveled with it, and never had to patch it, so the process of patching/repairing a hypalon boat is unfamiliar to me.

Thanks!

-Brent

[Boatnomad]

Handy to have one of these aboard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8dpCcGYNiE

[A1an]

As above.

Barton clam seal. Always in my toolkit.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by A1an

As above.

Barton clam seal. Always in my toolkit.

Me to in the rib permanently


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[A1an]

cutting a hole BIGGER to use it would take a bit of bravery.

It would need to be a last resort.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by A1an

cutting a hole BIGGER to use it would take a bit of bravery.

It would need to be a last resort.

Also you could be bouncing about in the sound somewhere in F5/6 which would be interesting


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[SBH2OMan]

Do those clamseals use adhesive, or just the pressure between the halves to hold the air?

I've added one to my shopping basket. Still looking for something that would cover a more likely incident - a 9/32" or 5/16" hole from a spear gun shaft or a fish spine (which would be even smaller).

[jyasaki]

As far as the kit goes, most come with a one-part tube which I find pretty much useless.

My suggestion: Surf to NRS (NRSWeb.com) and either get:

a set of hypalon patches, or a strip of hypalon and cut your own.

Some good 2-part hypalon glue (Clifton, Weaver, whoever.) Note that this stuff has a shelf life, so you'll need to replace it each year used or not.

Add in some sandpaper, a roller rasp (available at Pep Boys for about $3 in the tire repair section), some Toluene or MEK (or Acetone if you can't get those - MEK is available in quarts at TAP Plastics), some heavy nylon thread and an upholstery needle, a few dixie cups and some popsicle sticks, and maybe a couple of small chip brushes or acid brushes and you'll likely be set for most hypalon repairs.

A tube of McNett's Aquaseal and the unfilled (clear) Cotol 240 can be used for minor repairs, but I'd use that only if you can't do a proper repair (due to access or time or environmental issues.)

Then you just have to figure out how to store it.

jky

RIB.net timed out on posting this. Looks like it went through before my browser choked. Glad I didn't have to retype it.

[kerny]

I will have to get one of those they look to be very effective .

[Starovich]

Originally Posted by SBH2OMan

Do those clamseals use adhesive, or just the pressure between the halves to hold the air?

Pressure, I keep one on board, they are obviously a get you home method not a fix.
Henshaws Sell them

[SBH2OMan]

Some great ideas - thank you. So after educating myself on the intricacies of "proper" hypalon repair (excellent video on NRS, BTW), I've come to the conclusion that what I need to prepare is a "trip saver" kit that will get me through a few days on the water. Then I can do a more permanent repair when get back home to the shop and all the proper heavy duty supplies and toxic chemicals. I just don't see myself buying, storing, and using all the materials to do a "proper repair" unless I really needed it.

For this "trip saver" kit, it seems that there should be the following:

• Barton Clamseal for a hole of at least 1/2" (nice thing is a long shelf life)
• Aquaseal & Cotol 240
• Tear-Aid Type A patch
• Some hypalon patch material
• A rasp or 180 grit sand paper

I think I can probably manage to easily stuff all this into a dry box.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[SPR]

don't forget duct tape


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[SBH2OMan]

Originally Posted by SPR

don't forget duct tape

Oh, not just any duct tape will do, naturally!

This stuff is "da bomb"

[jeffstevens763@g]

tear aid yes, states can be used underwater, also i think its ribcraft sell a bladder you push into your tube.
we use clam shells at work only problem is carrying the one that fits the hole as said.
for small tears you can buy the repair mushrooms that they repair your car punctures with hold in place with glue then inflate tube.
all only a quick fix to get you home IMO

[95gstnj]

That plastic clam seal is nice, but I've broken a few of them easily- they are plastic....

There is a metal version that is packed with liferafts. They come in 3 different sizes. I'd recommend the metal ones.

[Johnscubanut]

Great information for you there. Apart from the Barton clamshell, patches & glue, I would also recommend a strong needle & twine for those larger tears. Cheap, small & doesn't take up any space! Patch over the repair as normal. Cheers-John

[Johnscubanut]

Forgot to add , you will need a pair of thin-nosed pliers to be able to pull the needle through & a piece of small wood or similar to push it, ouch!

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by SBH2OMan

Oh, not just any duct tape will do, naturally!

Gorilla tape is great. Another thing to consider is true Gaffer's tape (the stuff stage techs use.) It's pricey, but holds very well, and the adhesive doesn't degrade or transfer like duct tapes do. It can be hard to find, though.

jky