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Vintage hypalon
Rec ently I bought two old Avon Dingys, a Red Crest, and a Red Seal. The Red Crest belonged to a friend who used it for float fishing in Alaska about 25 years ago. The other boat was bought online and had apparently not been cared for very well. I replaced the old A4 volcano valves with new leafield valves with boots and patched three pinhole punctures. Used it today for fishing with good results. No new leaks, so far. I noticed that two of the leaking areas which I repaired were not punctures but more like hairline fissures. I'm wondering if I should expect more of the same just due to the age of the fabric. The other boat has no leaks or obvious problems despite being of approximately the same age.
Hypalon is pricey stuff and I'm wondering if salvaging an old boat as a source of repair material is wise or folly.
Any opinions? What is the oldest hypalon boat you know of that is servicable and reliable?
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