Bombard C5 Repair questions

gfeke200 · 14 July 2011, 05:15

Hello all,

I recently acquired an older C5 (wooden keel and transom, wood and aluminum floor) for repair.
I have used the search function but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.
The floor fabric has detached from the nose at the glue seam. I've concluded that the material is PVC, and I'll need to use MEK, 2 part adhesive, humidity and temperature controlled room, etc but I am unclear on whether the tubes should be inflated when gluing the floor back, whether the glue will hold the new seam in place while drying or should it be "clamped"?

Maybe the first question should be is it worth a repair. Assuming it is repairable I'd probably have $200 USD into it after the repair.

Any thoughts, tips, pics and or links would be appreciated.

What was used to treat the boat in this link after the repairs?
Case Study: Inflatable Boat Advanced Seam Repair

jyasaki · 14 July 2011, 05:24

Inflated will ensure the floor lined up correctly. Once you get the bond tacked, deflate and burnish down against some sort of solid surface as required.

jky

gfeke200 · 15 July 2011, 03:00

Thanks for the reply jyasaki,

I have since unrolled it and tried to inflate it to see what else I might be in for. I'll try to post some pictures soon but here is what else it will need besides the nose/ floor reattachment.

- one side tubes top seam needs to reglued . It has separated about 10" and I can but my hand into the tube.

- the nose tube has a similiar problem but not nearly as long

-there are several 1"- 2" separations along this top edge besides what I mentioned above

-the transom is also unglued on the sides

- several patches on the floor will need to be redone

Sounds like a lot but the fabric still seems to be in good condition and not brittle. I believe it was stored folded up for too long and the stress of the folds caused many of the seam problems.

Where should I start? I assume with the top seam , then nose, then transom, then floor. Will the top seam leaks require an inside out patch.
Since I can already put my hand in the big one I shouldn't need to slice the front tube for access. The nose tube may require a slice though.

More advice please.

gfeke200 · 15 July 2011, 03:05

It is a C4 and not a C5 and it was made in 1984.