Just noticed small nick on Aerotec tube

[chriswjallen]

Hi All
After some advice
While rinsing off my Aerotec 380 I noticed a small nick underneath port hand side tube. Hadn’t ever noticed it and tubes hold air as normal. Not deep but can see white below the outer red colour (see photos)
Would appreciate any thoughts or advice this i.e. anything to worry about? Should I put one of the circular repair patches over it that came with the boat?
Many thanks
Chris

[Max...]

Should be OK but I would pop a really small round patch on just for good measure and aesthetics (use proper two part glue and clean with Acetone first).

[chriswjallen]

Great thanks for speedy response. Do you know where I can get the two part glue? I have some patches in the original repair kit which are about 2.5 inch diameter.
Chris

[chriswjallen]

Originally Posted by Max...

Should be OK but I would pop a really small round patch on just for good measure and aesthetics (use proper two part glue and clean with Acetone first).

PS should I put the patch on when inflated or deflated? Thanks

[Roger Barr]

For small areas like that i have used a spot of aquashure with no issues.

[Max...]

Originally Posted by chriswjallen

PS should I put the patch on when inflated or deflated? Thanks

I too have used specialist glue for tiny spots but that (although the close up may be misleading as to the size) with it's slightly ragged edges would IMHO be best done with a very small patch.

Two part PVC glue from eBay or online - tube should be just lightly inflated to give it shape as easier that way - if it was leaking then deflated. You could use one part glue for that patch though on a non-leaking nick but if you want to do it 100% properly then two part is preferred.

Lots of suppliers and guides online:

https://www.ribstore.co.uk/advice/ma...kayak-collars/

[chriswjallen]

Thank you very much. All clear

[Fenlander]

Yep I'd agree with Max. I used to be patch phobic when looking at used SIBs but now I think the odd minimal round patch or two is totally acceptable on a SIB... shows it's been used not just sat in the bag.

I might consider reducing the diameter of your standard patches a little... use a lid or something as a template and cut neatly a smaller circle. Make sure you mask off the tube a couple off mm away from where the patch edges will come to or you'll end up with loads of glue to clean off.

[Yabadabadoo]

I’ve got one of these nicks on the Aerotec, in about the same location. Jury’s out on how that happened as that how it came to me. Could’ve been caused by a protruding edge of badly packed boat coming into contact with an abrasive surface

My point is be careful when packing/rolling this boat up (more prone with pvc fabric is my hunch) and how you move it around in general blown up or otherwise

[matt h]

Why don't you put a D RING patch on it and match it up both sides, at least it wont look like a repair and may be useful also

[chriswjallen]

Great idea. Thanks for the feedback All

[Lee1]

Originally Posted by matt h

Why don't you put a D RING patch on it and match it up both sides, at least it wont look like a repair and may be useful also

No! Don't be shy and hide it lol patch it and it's a war wound otherwise you will end up with random D ring patches everywhere 🤣

[jeffstevens763@g]

I use tear aid patches see through , stretch , and no glue required just clean with alcohol wipes

[Lee1]

Just a dab of glue may have done the job. I know what you mean buy not wanting any patches I do hate it also lol as soon as the first patch goes on you know the boat has lost money if its going to be sold lol. I personally sigh when I see a boat I'm interested in has even a single patch, it doesn't really matter if it has a a patch I know but still I lose interest in it lol it's a mind set and I don't think I will ever change! I have sold many a boat with a single or a couple of patches, the buyers are either like me and not interested if it has even 1 patch or are fine with it, patches look a lot better if they are clean and don't have a big yellow glue stain around them so I've cleaned a good few of them up on old boats I've resold, either cut out round patches or if you use square ones trim the four corners so they are rounded I did sell an old zodiac slat floor tender with 13 patches once lol the boat sold for £195 without any patches I doubt it would of made £250!