Blister on my Zodiac

jgtec · 21 April 2009, 22:44

I have an old (1988) Zodiac S131 which has developed what I would describe a blister on one tube! It is as if there is a pinhole coming through the inner and mid layers so that the outer PVC layer is then blowing up like a blister - I assume it has separated from the mid layer. This blister is about 20cm by 15cm.

My current plan is: try something like PolyMarine's latex sealer on the inside to seal up the pinhole and then cut the outer PVC layer of the blister and glue it back down. Then finally use 2 part PVC glue and a fresh PVC patch over the cut line.

Am I on the right track? Has anyone else had this kind of problem? - I have not seen anything on the other threads.

Any advice would be appreciated.

thornbackflound · 22 April 2009, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgtec

I have an old (1988) Zodiac S131 which has developed what I would describe a blister on one tube! It is as if there is a pinhole coming through the inner and mid layers so that the outer PVC layer is then blowing up like a blister - I assume it has separated from the mid layer. This blister is about 20cm by 15cm.

My current plan is: try something like PolyMarine's latex sealer on the inside to seal up the pinhole and then cut the outer PVC layer of the blister and glue it back down. Then finally use 2 part PVC glue and a fresh PVC patch over the cut line.

Am I on the right track? Has anyone else had this kind of problem? - I have not seen anything on the other threads.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi ya fella ,would nt know if you are right in what you are saying concerning fixing ya sib,but wellcome to the forum ,from a fellow teacher,well lecturer really ,lol ,and i was born and bread in medway,sure someone on here will guide you mate.

jgtec · 25 April 2009, 23:29

This is like waiting for bad news from the doctor..............will my Zodiac ever float again?

Anyone got any advice please??

Cheers!

Poly · 25 April 2009, 23:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgtec

This is like waiting for bad news from the doctor..............will my Zodiac ever float again?

Anyone got any advice please??

Cheers!

People will find it easier to comment if they had a picture of the problem. There is a lot of experience here fixing tubes - so am sure there will be thoughts - if they understand the issue (might be worth posting in the main ribs forum - as not sure if the tube builders read this bit too).

S4Simon · 26 April 2009, 04:27

Sounds like a standard delamination problem. Quite simply the craft has had its life and its time to get a new one. A Zodiac's life will generally be a round 15 years on average for a PVC version, with some lasting 20 years. It's not worth attemtping a fix as if you fix it in one point another will pop up just down the road. Whe people drop off their boats for repair as soon as we notice a delamination problem it's game over.

jgtec · 27 April 2009, 22:32

Hi!

I appreciate the honest advice and from a commercial point of view I can see that your advice is sound but given these uncertain economic times I am keen to extend the life of my Zodiac for at least one more season.

If I can fix this delamination and it lasts the year I will be happy as a DIY repairer on a tight budget.

Would normal 2 part PVC adhesive be the one to use to fix the PVC to the mid layer?

Thanks for the photo and reposting suggestion too - I'll add a photo of the blister/bubble in a day or two.

S4Simon · 28 April 2009, 05:15

We'd use Bostik 1669 adhesive. Which is what we use on all PVC inflatables.

This will solve your problem nicely.