We last used our SIB back in June of 2011 when we managed to tear the outer cover of the bottom of the boat that covers the inflatable keel. We had it repaired professionally and haven't used it since.
We took it on Sale Water Park for an engine test this morning and water starting seeping up through the aluminium floor. After getting the boat out of the water we noticed a slit approximately 2 inches in length that the repair company must have missed.
We leave for Spain next Saturday so I don't have much time to take it for repair. My question is, can I repair this myself or is it best left to the professionals? We're using it for 3 weeks in Spain so I don't want to balls it up and be without the boat, but if this is something simple that even an idiot should be able to manage i'll give it a go.
If it's simple enough an idiots guide would be much appreciated. :-)
Since the slit is in the floor and you should be able to access both sides this isn't a tough repair. It will need a patch on both sides. Here is a link to the proper instructions for gluing PVC if the boat is hypalon there is a link on this page to hypalon instructions. Don't just follow the directions on the glue container. Following the directions and watching the environmental limits will make it easy to get a strong bond. Information From ShipStore.com | Zodiac Inflatable Boat Fabric Glue and Repair Instructions | GLUE from the ShipStore.com ™ on-line catalog.
Since you are tight for time, don't forget to let the bond cure for at least 48 hours.
Make sure you extend the patch well past the ends of the slit.
On the underside, you might want to fair the edges of the patch with some marine caulk or urethane (Sikaflex or similar) to keep water from peeling it away (though a good glue job shouldn't be a problem; just for insurance.)
On the underside, you might want to fair the edges of the patch with some marine caulk or urethane (Sikaflex or similar) to keep water from peeling it away ...
You can do this by sanding the under edge of the patch before gluing. Just feather it down to almost nothing. If you have a power file, it's a very quick trick.
PVC gluing. That'll be wrinse with an r, of course...
