Repair advice: microleaks in joints

[Brage]

Hi!

This is the problem:







My 2005 FC 470 has no patches but there is microleaks in the joints.

Can I fix it with liquvid latex without making a mess out of the interconnecting valves?

If not, how do I fix it?

thanks.

[office888]

In my experience, these types of leaks take weeks or months for the boat to leak down. I would ignore them...it is the downside of a hypalon/csm/neo vessel. They're very susceptible to seam weepage.

Internal sealant is not advisable. It can damage the IC valves, and it WILL destroy the diffuser bags for the rapid inflation system (turns them in to solid lumps rather than the fine mesh they're supposed to be).

If you want to fix these leaks, I would get some thin fabric (such as ORCA 215 grade) and run 25mm strips down the seams. Glue and burnish them well (burnish the lower part on, then run your tool along the seam to get a nice 90 degree angle on the patch, then burnish the upper part)

[Brage]

Thanks!

I use the rapid inflation system, so now internal sealant is out of the question.

I will try to get som ORCE 215 grade and fix the kones. The other leaks I will (try) to ignore.

Thanks Richard, I really appreciate your advice!

[Squid Boat]

Thank you as well sir, your a asset to the mark.

Cheers

[cgoing]

Richard hit the nail on the head. Absolutely no interior sealant on a boat like that. Have seen many good boats destroyed by use of sealant .

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by office888

In my experience, these types of leaks take weeks or months for the boat to leak down. I would ignore them...it is the downside of a hypalon/csm/neo vessel. They're very susceptible to seam weepage.

Internal sealant is not advisable. It can damage the IC valves, and it WILL destroy the diffuser bags for the rapid inflation system (turns them in to solid lumps rather than the fine mesh they're supposed to be).

If you want to fix these leaks, I would get some thin fabric (such as ORCA 215 grade) and run 25mm strips down the seams. Glue and burnish them well (burnish the lower part on, then run your tool along the seam to get a nice 90 degree angle on the patch, then burnish the upper part)

Richard have you tried a hypodermic needle to inject latex locally to the area not done it myself just a thought, any reason it wouldn't work?

Cheers

[office888]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Richard have you tried a hypodermic needle to inject latex locally to the area not done it myself just a thought, any reason it wouldn't work?

Cheers

Colleagues of mine have done with before, while the boat is being vacuumed with some success.

Personally, I think it is fiddly and time consuming... To patch that seam on both sides would take me less than an hour, so I'd rather just patch it, knowing that the patch is guaranteed to work.

[Brage]

Richard, if you should patch the seam on both sides here:



Where would you make the opening for the inside patch?

Thanks

[office888]

Originally Posted by Brage

Richard, if you should patch the seam on both sides here:



Where would you make the opening for the inside patch?

Thanks

I would do it as an exterior patch only.

[Brage]

Ok, thanks again. I´ve ordered ORCE 215, so I will try an exterior patch only.

I`m learning a lot form your advice.

Regards