Inflatable seam repairs?

[Stu675]

Hi
Im gutted, first trip out on my new 2.6mtr wetline inflatable and when taking it out of the water on a sandy/grassy river bank a rogue nut and bolt of all things was sticking up out of the mud and I heard the dreaded phhhhhhhh...
I have some launching wheels but it got caught and popped just before they came to the bank which would have saved it..
Question is (from the pics, if they load ok) what is my best plan of attack to repair this?
It is bang on the seam of the port side rear quarter inflation tube which meets the base.
There is a tiny puncture hole on the underside where the bolt dug in a bit but I can do that with a normal repair, the problem I can see is the seam....
Is this a DIY job or a professional job??

[whisper]

I would patch it on the inside first and then the outside

[Stu675]

Not sure I can patch it on the inside as its on the inflation tube and not a hole through to another side..
Do you mean glue up a patch and fit it inside the hole and press it down then glue up a patch over the top on the outside??
Might have to open the hole up a tad to fit a patch in??

[Peter_C]

Originally Posted by Stu675

Do you mean glue up a patch and fit it inside the hole and press it down then glue up a patch over the top on the outside??
Might have to open the hole up a tad to fit a patch in??

That is how I would repair it. Of course also using the proper two part glue.

[Stu675]

Thanks.. would the repair glue you get with basic boat repair kits be good enough?
Also as the rip is on the seam would the use of something like a cocktail/lolly stick to brace the hole and strengthen the seam be beneficial? ?

[loosefix]

There's lots of you tube video's showing how this is done, doesn't look like you need to make that any bigger! Just need one of those rolling tools, 2 patches and the 2 part glue. Use masking tape to keep the glue under control. oh and get some MEK acetone to clean before and afterwards!
Good luck.

[whisper]

Originally Posted by Stu675

Do you mean glue up a patch and fit it inside the hole and press it down then glue up a patch over the top on the outside??
Might have to open the hole up a tad to fit a patch in??

You need the correct 2 part glue, a roller and some MEK

[loosefix]

no - just concentrate on getting the inside patch bonded as best you can. Let the inside set well, before doing the outer one. As its on a seam, make the patch a good size - 2 inches in all directions i'd say.

And no, you would definitely want to use the 2 part glue in such a critical area, that repair kit stuff is only good for lilos!

[whisper]

Stu675, where are you based? might be cheaper to get it done at a tuber?

[Peter_C]

Also make sure all patches have rounded corners.

[Stu675]

Originally Posted by whisper

Stu675, where are you based? might be cheaper to get it done at a tuber?

Im in Wellingborough Northants. Have been trying to find a place to get it done.. Have you got any suggestions where I can look, specifice places or types of places that would repair this sort of thing??

[Ribstore]

Originally Posted by Stu675

Im in Wellingborough Northants. Have been trying to find a place to get it done.. Have you got any suggestions where I can look, specifice places or types of places that would repair this sort of thing??

Hi Stu, We have a low-cost Collect & Repair service for roll-ups of UK Mainland based customers - see here. Will send a PM.
Chris

[Forgetthedock]

Originally Posted by Peter_C

Also make sure all patches have rounded corners.

Came here to say this