Hello from Rhode Island! Need RIB repair

doggiebag · 01 June 2017, 16:04

Hello all! I joined this group in hopes of finding a qualified RIB repairman/woman. You see, I was given a 1970's Boston Whaler Inflatable 12', and it is beautiful! The hypalon material is in great shape, however, the glue has come undone in many places, and I know I need to have the whole boat reglued.

I cannot find a sole that will tackle the project. Maybe RIB re-builds isn't a thing or a business? Maybe I should learn it and start my own. But in the meantime, I'd love to find someone that would perform this work. It doesn't need to be local to me in RI, as I'd send it out, and there is no time requirement as I currently have an Achilles tender.

Anyone? I am I out of luck or in luck?

Thank you all!

Chris Nelson

office888 · 01 June 2017, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebag

Hello all! I joined this group in hopes of finding a qualified RIB repairman/woman. You see, I was given a 1970's Boston Whaler Inflatable 12', and it is beautiful! The hypalon material is in great shape, however, the glue has come undone in many places, and I know I need to have the whole boat reglued.

I cannot find a sole that will tackle the project. Maybe RIB re-builds isn't a thing or a business? Maybe I should learn it and start my own. But in the meantime, I'd love to find someone that would perform this work. It doesn't need to be local to me in RI, as I'd send it out, and there is no time requirement as I currently have an Achilles tender.

Anyone? I am I out of luck or in luck?

Thank you all!

Chris Nelson

The engineered lifespan of CSM material is only about 20 years.

Even if everything were reglued, the chances of the material failing completely are quite high (delamination).

doggiebag · 01 June 2017, 19:59

Oh, that sounds bad. Thanks

office888 · 01 June 2017, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebag

Oh, that sounds bad. Thanks

Np!

Post some pictures of the old inflatable? Maybe you can reglue it yourself.

I have a thread going already documenting a total reglue of a Zodiac Futura. The process will be similar for you.

doggiebag · 01 June 2017, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Np!

Post some pictures of the old inflatable? Maybe you can reglue it yourself.

I have a thread going already documenting a total reglue of a Zodiac Futura. The process will be similar for you.

Will do. I'll take some tonight. It was actually stored in the garage of a former Whaler dealer, and was not used much. Don't know if that matters toward the 20 years you quoted, but it isn't from use or Salt Water that caused the unglueing.

office888 · 01 June 2017, 20:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebag

Will do. I'll take some tonight. It was actually stored in the garage of a former Whaler dealer, and was not used much. Don't know if that matters toward the 20 years you quoted, but it isn't from use or Salt Water that caused the unglueing.

Adhesive oxidizes and loses strength with age. The same thing happened to the Futura in my thread.

doggiebag · 02 June 2017, 14:32

I have the pictures, but not sure how to upload on this site. Can you send me an e-mail address and I'll forward them to you for your expert opinion?

Chris

office888 · 02 June 2017, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebag

I have the pictures, but not sure how to upload on this site. Can you send me an e-mail address and I'll forward them to you for your expert opinion?

Chris

Either upload to "Albums" here, or use flickr / photobucket.

doggiebag · 02 June 2017, 15:26

Ok, thanks! All done.

office888 · 02 June 2017, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by doggiebag

Ok, thanks! All done.

Boat looks like PVC to me, judging by the seam construction. Take some pictures well-inflated and in the sun.

doggiebag · 02 June 2017, 15:53

Wish I could inflate. Seams are failing everywhere, which is why I am trying to find a re-storer. It is hypalon however.

doggiebag · 02 June 2017, 16:01

I just posted a picture of what it SHOULD look like!

cgoing · 02 June 2017, 17:00

I do not believe any of the whaler Inflatables were ever built from Hypalon. Seen many over the years and all were PVC. I can confirm with my Dad who did marketing for them way back when.

babbot1 · 02 June 2017, 19:22

You can also check with Discount Marine and Boat Supplies - Inflatable Sales - Defender Marine they are located in Waterford CT which shouldn't be too far from RI. They are one of the largest inflatable dealers in NE and may be able to point you in the right direction and a possible repair facility if you don't want to attempt yourself. They have always been very helpful for me.
Good luck.

doggiebag · 03 June 2017, 20:28

That would be great! Thanks. Chris

realdeal · 03 June 2017, 22:10

HI. New England Inflatable, Warwick, R.I. Mark is very good. Louie

doggiebag · 04 June 2017, 18:23

Thank I'll call him.

realdeal · 20 June 2017, 20:09

Hi. Did you call Mark? Louie

doggiebag · 20 June 2017, 20:31

Yep. Dropped it off on Saturday. He'll look it over and let me know what he thinks! Never would have found him! Thank you!