Tear near pre-existing patch

[geronimo21]

I pulled the cover off and found a tear on the port tube.

The tear is less than 1" from a pre-exising patch.

Any recommendations for repair?

Should I take off the pre-existing patch and put a larger one to cover both?

If so, what is the best way to remove patches.

Boat is 1985 Novurania

Thank you for your assistance.

(pictures attached)

Incidentally, I initally though a mouse might have gnawed on the hypalon. Then I noticed there were a bunch of earwigs (pincher bugs) in the area and what seemed like their eggs. I didn't think they would be able to chew through hypalon, but given the evidence, I'm thinking they might have been the culprits.

[jyasaki]

Personally, I'd try to remove the old patch and catch both holes with a single patch.

Gentle heat (with a heat gun) should help soften the glue. Make sure not to scorch the material around or under the existing patch), but use enough heat such that you don't pull the hypalon off the boat fabric.

I'd say it was a rodent, but that's just a guess.

Good luck;

jky

[m chappelow]

i would agree with jayaski, it looks like the exising patch needs sorting anyhow but i think i would put a couple of stitches in the gash first before patching if its more than an inch long

[prairie tuber]

I'd agree with John & Mart as well, especially since the existing patch is also lifting.

[geronimo21]

Thanks for the replies. I just now saw them. I will try removing existing patch with heat gun (carefully) and apply new patch over both...

Any advice on what kind of needle to use to sew up hole? I would imagine it would need to be pretty tough and maybe curved...Not sure if they make that kind of thing...or where to get it if they do.

Thanks again for the replies.

[m chappelow]

if possible a curved needle but a normal heavy darning needle will go through most hypalon if you go steady ,,,i raid the wifes sewing box ,,, over here in england you can buy cheap sets of needles and there is always a few curved ones in that no one seems to use nowa days ,, a small pair of long nose pliers helps , but you will need to push it through with something otherwise you will push it into your hand , use nylon fishing line or rot proof thread of some sort ,

[geronimo21]

Thanks for the advice on type of needle, line/thread and method. Appreciate the input.

[geronimo21]

Is there a recommendation for "lb. test" of fishing line to sew hole with?

I was thinking maybe 10-15 lb. test. Does that sound right?