Rubbing Strake & Puncture Repair

Steve509926 · 27 May 2022, 18:23

I've a puncture in a very awkward place, it's just where the rubbing strake is affixed to the tubes, just above the "A" in Volante in the picture.

I'd like to do a proper repair, but that would entail peeling back approx 10cms of the rubbing strake and I've no idea how to do that.

Suggestions on a post card please.

Note to self - when one plans to change the sh1te Exel bag, do it straight away otherwise suffer the consequences.

spartacus · 27 May 2022, 19:05

Maybe not as bad as you imagine.

Granted it's in a bit of a ****** of a location, but on the plus side - the rubbing strake will overlap it after the repair.

If it's PVC, not sure if it's a heat weld or glued, but heat is probably your friend to weaken the bond. You may need a scalpel blade, to simply catch an edge on the strake. Obviously take your time and angle it away from the tube sponson. With an edge, you should be able to work it open, add a little MEK solvent (obviously not heat at this point) which will loosen the glue. The area will need sanded to key the surface. Use a vacuum cleaner if any dust is behind the strake and mask off in preparation for gluing.

Take your time. Temperature is critical, proper ventilation, and only glue the strake back once you're convinced hole has been repaired and pressure tested.

Full gluing procedures on Polymarine's site. https://www.polymarine.com/advice/technical-sheets/

Had something similar on my own boat, but it was 50mm or so below the rubbing strake and luckily I didn't need to remove it. I cut the circular patch so it butt-joined the underneath of the strake.

Steve509926 · 27 May 2022, 19:39

Thanks Spartacus. It's pvc and I'm pretty sure it is glued.
Is the heat from a hairdryer enough or will it need to be a hot air heat gun?

Oldman2 · 27 May 2022, 21:47

Not trying to belittle your hole but if its tiny can you not get away with Stormsure. Its flexible and a cheap but tested method for small leaks in wetsuits etc. I dont know what its like with 3.5psi behind it but its got to be worth a try hasnt it?

Steve509926 · 27 May 2022, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldman2

Not trying to belittle your hole but if its tiny can you not get away with Stormsure. Its flexible and a cheap but tested method for small leaks in wetsuits etc. I dont know what its like with 3.5psi behind it but its got to be worth a try hasnt it?

"Not trying to belittle your hole"

that's the first time anyone has ever said that to me

4mm long, 3.6psi, deflated in less than 5 mins.

I've used Stormshore on my wellies and it worked well, but if I'm 2 mile from the shore, think I'd much prefer a proper repair.

909 · 28 May 2022, 03:42

A Blowdryer / Hairdryer is enough heat to separate glue.

jeffstevens763@g · 28 May 2022, 08:35

If it were me I would clean it then push stormsure or aquasure through the hole then on the outside making like a rivet repair if that makes sense before I started pulling the strake off

909 · 28 May 2022, 09:20

Agreed. Try a drop of glue first.

If you have patch material , grind it to a powder and sprinkle it on the surface to color match.

Fenlander · 28 May 2022, 10:19

I have a similar size defect repaired with Stormsure (or is it Stormseal?) on my Aerotec and that has been perfect for several years despite being subject to 0.8bar of the HP floor.

But I I'd probably be less keen on such a repair on a tube. So I'd probably be a hairdryer heat/MEK and patch guy.

jeffstevens763@g · 28 May 2022, 18:54

You could do the repair as I said and back it up with tear aid for insurance and carry some wood puncture plugs ribbed turned on a battery drill to poke in the hole if it fails.

Steve509926 · 28 May 2022, 21:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldman2

Its flexible and a cheap but tested method for small leaks in wetsuits etc. I dont know what its like with 3.5psi behind it but its got to be worth a try hasnt it?

I'm probably over cautious, a blob of glue just doesn't seem right!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

But I I'd probably be less keen on such a repair on a tube. So I'd probably be a hairdryer heat/MEK and patch guy.

I tend to agree as all my instincts say do once, do it right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

You could do the repair as I said and back it up with tear aid for insurance and carry some wood puncture plugs ribbed turned on a battery drill to poke in the hole if it fails.

Like the idea as it's much easier and has an insurance policy.

I'll probably go the easy route, but have the insurance as Jeff suggests.

jeffstevens763@g · 28 May 2022, 21:42

I’ve used this stuff works a treat get a syringe full it’s a bit like milk get the hole facing down and inject through the the leak leave 24 hours. Then I can’t find it but there’s a pvc repair which you can get in red to tart up the out side

https://www.ribstore.co.uk/products/...ib-collar-tube

Steve509926 · 29 May 2022, 16:14

Well so far so good. Had 4 psi in it for the past couple of hours and it appears to be fine, I'll leave it for 24hrs just to make sure, before I pack Redneck away ready for my next trip.

I'm impressed with Stormsure once it's cured, tough as old boots but very flexible. (Thanks for the original suggestion Oldman2)

If it's still upto pressure tomorrow I will make the ribbed tapered dowels as suggested, in fact I think I will make them anyway as it sounds like a good emergency fix to have with you all the time.

Oldman2 · 29 May 2022, 17:16

I used it 2yrs ago on some inflatable boat rollers and they all held up ok. Glad it seems to be working for you.

I was told to store it frozen so mine is somewhere in the freezer, or I've eaten it.

Lemonbonbon · 29 May 2022, 18:38

Is this the stuff you used

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STORMSURE-F...3845867&sr=8-6

Steve509926 · 29 May 2022, 19:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemonbonbon

Is this the stuff you used

https://www.amazon.co.uk/STORMSURE-F...3845867&sr=8-6

It is, but I got 3 x 5ml tubes. I think 3 smaller tubes are probably better than one big one.

Brinormeg · 30 May 2022, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Note to self - when one plans to change the sh1te Exel bag, do it straight away otherwise suffer the consequences.

I feel your pain.....when moving the volaire from shed to car on a trolley the1 remaining handle came off the bag causing a small part of the boat/bag to bounce off the slabs briefly! Through the bag instantly and a bad scuff on the edge but thankfully still water tight after.

A tube of that stuff might be a handy investment and cheap addition to the holiday tool kit.

When I bought the volaire I told Terry the bag wasn't fit for purpose and he said excel were sourcing new ones and he would send me one when they did. But did say it might be a while!!! Still waiting.......

I keep meaning to track down a heavy tarp or material and design my own....but never got the extra dosh or time

TmMorris · 30 May 2022, 16:44

Glad you got a fix Steve. That looks like the point where my boat always sticks out when rolling it up.

The bag is complete junk. Just looking at it for too long is enough for it to rip.

My solution was to buy a few metres of heavy duty pvc that the boat could be rolled up in. Wide enough that the ends fold round to protect the sides and then strapped up. Also useful for then setting up on rough ground.

Steve509926 · 30 May 2022, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brinormeg

A tube of that stuff might be a handy investment and cheap addition to the holiday tool kit.

When I bought the volaire I told Terry the bag wasn't fit for purpose and he said excel were sourcing new ones and he would send me one when they did. But did say it might be a while!!! Still waiting.......

I'll definitely be keeping a tube in Rednecks tool kit along with a couple of ribbed tapered plugs as Jeff suggested.

Don't hold your breath whilst waiting for Terry to get back to you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TmMorris

Glad you got a fix Steve. That looks like the point where my boat always sticks out when rolling it up.

The bag is complete junk. Just looking at it for too long is enough for it to rip.

It is exactly where you say it is Tim, SIB rolled up at the end of the bag. Very weak spot on the bag at a very vulnerable point on Redneck.

PD bought a new bag from Bags4Everything which he is pleased with. It isn't too far from where my daughter lives so I think I will be paying them a visit very soon.

Steve509926 · 14 July 2022, 20:48

Thought I'd give an update.

5 trips out from Trearddur Bay (approx 14 hours) in some pretty choppy seas, and the Stormsure repair has held up very well.
I can definitely recommend it for small repairs., thanks Oldman2.