Zodiac 131 pvc delaminating around patch

Max1 · 03 March 2013, 16:47

Hi

I inherited an old Zodiac 131. It had a few holes so did a repair on those. Thought it all went well until I inflated after and I noticed there are a couple of small areas of pvc around one of the patches that has delaminated. I have attached a couple of photos. Bubbles are about 2cm by 1cm. I am worried they will spread and if they spread under the patch to the hole then it may blow out?!?

Other than throwing it in the bin, does anyone have any advice on how to repair my problem.

Thanks,
Max1

spartacus · 03 March 2013, 18:54

No pictures. Judging by your location, and extremes of temperature might explain a few things. Get the pictures posted so we can take a look.

Max1 · 03 March 2013, 19:28

oops, sorry bout that. Here are the photos I intended to post on the original message. Thanks

spartacus · 03 March 2013, 20:16

There's probably not much you can do about the de-lamination and I've seen a lot worse... for what its worth. What you don't want to do is patch a patch. Take the old one off (heatgun and scraper) and use a larger patch of PVC or Zodiac's strongan duotex material. Prepare the area to be glued thoroughly by sanding back, degreasining, etc. Use 2-part glue, etc.

Max1 · 03 March 2013, 20:25

Thanks for the reply Spartacus. If I left it would it likely spread? Once they start to delaminate do they go quickly?

Locozodiac · 04 March 2013, 16:46

Delamination is when middle fabric has separated form outside one or you can actually peel the outter skin's fabric apart, aparently you have an abrassion issue, before removing the old patch and placing a larger one as suggested by Spartacus, sand a bit trouble area, brush some coats of 2 part pvc glue on top fabric, let dry, repeat several coats and check if works minimizing the issue.

Happy Boating

Stubber · 04 March 2013, 20:37

Had the same problem on a zodiac i got hold of last year. I first blew the boat up softly when I got it home and it all looked good and gave it a good clean, the next day i put more pressure into it to get it up to the correct pressure and noticed the fabric starting to de-laminate in a few small places which looked like it had large boils, the longer I left it inflated the worse it got and in more places. I did try to to glue the fabric but it was to far gone and the fabric cleaner (MEK i think) seemed to make it worse.
In the end I just could not trust using the boat so I cut it up and ended up in the wheelie bin, an expensive mistake that taught me to look at things properly when picking them up and not to trust E Bay sales

Locozodiac · 04 March 2013, 23:53

Sorry to listen to that very bad music, MEK softens, kind of dilute PVC fabrics, must not be abused, must be used in small amounts.

Happy Boating

Stubber · 05 March 2013, 17:10

I think the MEK helped the de lamination of the fabric where used to clean for patching but the problem was there and it was just a matter of time. the fabric was so easy to pull apart with no effort at all in places. Thank God the Avon is in good condition, also have a Quicksilver 340 airdeck which is spot on with a 15 hp mariner 2 stroke