I need some help please

GAVMAC321 · 06 July 2021, 18:23

Hello all . I've stupidly left my rib at full pressure in direct sunlight today. And even more stupidly i left the ratchet strap transport tight. The starboard rear tube has burst under what i think is a taped seam.

I'm quite happy to go about the repair myself but i need some guidance. I'm a mechanic to trade so I'm up for giving it a go. The damage is 8cm long.

Absolutely gutted. I've only had it a week ☹️

Maximus · 06 July 2021, 19:10

Over heated Tubes ....In Scotland too!

I feel you're pain ...Shame you had'nt got pressure release valves fitted...somthing you could consider in the future maybe.
Not a big repair and easily sorted...doesn't look like Hyperlon. On the seam like it is and especially considering the material ...IMO "one for the Pros"!...and that's the way I'd go.
Not sure of your location or potential repairers...but for me I'd get it done properly and professionally...for peace of mind and ultimately safety.
Not something you want playing up and/or failing ....when it's under real stress...

..when you're out and about!
Good luck.
By the way never a good idea to put rachet straps over Tubes!

GAVMAC321 · 06 July 2021, 22:01

Apparently the tubes could be polyurethane ?

Poly · 06 July 2021, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAVMAC321

Apparently the tubes could be polyurethane ?

What's the boat? PU is unusual but not impossible and most (although not all) PU is welded not glued.

If you are in the highlands I'm not sure what your professional options might be - probably someone in Caley Marina (Inverness) who's done repairs before; must be someone in Aberdeen doing them for the Oil folk. There's a rib specialist at Rosneath or Ferry Marine in Livingston do tube work. Probably all really busy at the moment.

I reckon that is DIYable - but in my experience of repairing stuff with glue you can never get as good a look/finish as you hope for - so I'd be outsourcing it if I could!

GAVMAC321 · 06 July 2021, 22:58

It's a 1997 Valiant V400. I'm not overly fussed on the aesthetics. As long as it's a solid, safe repair ��

Poly · 07 July 2021, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAVMAC321

It's a 1997 Valiant V400. I'm not overly fussed on the aesthetics. As long as it's a solid, safe repair ��

Well if you are keen to diy...

1. Identify the material
2. Order the right glue / repair kit (pref a 2-part adhesive)
3. Prep the area very thoroughly (probably opening up the seam a bit more than it already is
4. Follow the instructions for repair
5. Keep the temp / humidity right
6. Take your time
7. Be patient waiting for it to cure

And you should be in with a reasonable chance of getting it air tight.

https://www.ibsparts.co.uk/ or https://www.rib-shop.com/rib-repair-products/ for parts.

Instructions here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxdc0VJh7xA

GAVMAC321 · 07 July 2021, 07:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poly

Well if you are keen to diy...

1. Identify the material
2. Order the right glue / repair kit (pref a 2-part adhesive)
3. Prep the area very thoroughly (probably opening up the seam a bit more than it already is
4. Follow the instructions for repair
5. Keep the temp / humidity right
6. Take your time
7. Be patient waiting for it to cure

And you should be in with a reasonable chance of getting it air tight.

https://www.ibsparts.co.uk/ or https://www.rib-shop.com/rib-repair-products/ for parts.

Instructions here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxdc0VJh7xA

Cheers 👍

GuyC · 07 July 2021, 15:05

That's a shame.

As well as regluing the seam you could apply a patch over the top.

spartacus · 07 July 2021, 22:22

The XS video repair is excellent.

I would have thought the Valiant its thermo-welded PVC.
https://www.ribstore.co.uk/pages/identify-fabric

Looking at the picture that seam tear extends further than you think on the right. I think it needs to be opened to have an inner patch applied, then the seam overlap, and a belts and braces approach to run a PVC patch across the entire length of repair.

With right preparation, tools and repair procedure it can be fixed. If that looks daunting there's not a huge amount of marine repairers in Scotland. As mentioned Caley Marine in Inverness. In Aberdeen I used to use Mackay Marine who do Solas work, but they are probably all commercial, but you can call them.

There's also Yampower in Glasgow, but not sure if they repair or sub-contract? There's a company called Ribs Marine Services in Helensburgh, but I don't know anything about them.

Anyway hope you get it fixed. Get a couple of stainless eye bolts drilled and screwed (and Sikaflex) onto the transom for securing with a ratchet strap for the future.

Tim M · 08 July 2021, 17:27

Looks very much like PVC. Should be quite a straight forward repair.

As above, straps over the tubes is a big no no. Use the eyes on the hull (bow eye + two eyes on the transom) to tie down not over the tubes.

GAVMAC321 · 08 July 2021, 18:18

Yes I've learned my lesson with straps and pressure release valves ��

Can anyone recommend which adhesive i should use ? And should it be MEK or acetone for cleaning ?

Cheers

telecast · 08 July 2021, 18:41

If it’s PVC then MEK.

jwalker · 08 July 2021, 18:50

Tricky to tell but your boat fabrics looks like PVC. You need to identify the material because glueing PVC is a different process to glueing polyurethane.

There are threads here on ribnet telling how to go about glueing both types of fabric. They've been here for many years, do a search.

A quick rundown of glueing PVC: The solvent to use is MEK not acetone. The glue to use is NOT bostic 2402 as mentioned in the video. Plasticisers in the pvc will destroy 2402, you have been warned! You need to source pvc adhesive, your local chandler will likely have it or source from Polymarine, (nothing to do with our very own Poly.) .Degrease the surfaces with a detergent. Prepare your glue by mixing the hardner into the adhesive. Wipe the surfaces to be glued with MEK twice then apply a thin layer of glue to both surfaces. Wait until it's touch dry and apply another thin layer of glue. Wait again and apply a third coat. Wait again until touch dry.

You're now going to join the surfaces and once they're together you need to roll them or rub them hard to be sure the whole of the surface is brought together.

When you're ready, wipe the surface of the adhesive with a brush wet with MEK and immediately bring the surfaces together and roll or press them well. You only get one go so take care to get everything properly ready.

From your pictures it looks as though other parts of the tube have been stressed and it may be worth considering overlapping your joint and any other stressed area with some reinforcing pvc fabric.

Remember, you must be absolutely sure of your fabric type since pvc will destroy 2402 adhesive and pvc adhesive will not stay properly attached to polyurethane.

It's an easy enough repair once you get your head around it and because you've got an overlap an internal patch isn't necessary.

Good luck.

GAVMAC321 · 08 July 2021, 19:16

Thanks👍

The overlap is actually a tape about 1½" wide that covers the seam. I think I'm going to try and get a patch on the inner. If nothing it'll keep enough air in to get an outer in place ?

jwalker · 08 July 2021, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by GAVMAC321

Thanks👍

The overlap is actually a tape about 1½" wide that covers the seam. I think I'm going to try and get a patch on the inner. If nothing it'll keep enough air in to get an outer in place ?

Nah, you're giving yourself unnecessary work and making a good internal patch is very difficult. Just joint it then lay a reinforcing strip along the seam. 100mm wide will give you plenty of strength.

GAVMAC321 · 10 July 2021, 20:19

So, with the help of my ten year old son , the repair was carried out today. So far so good. I bonded the tear with the overlap and allowed it to go off for about 90 minutes. Then bonded a strengthening patch over the top. I've put under 2psi in the boat just to allow it to have some shape whilst i applied and rolled the patch.

I'll cover the repair in soapy water tomorrow and slowly build up the pressure to 2.5 psi and check for any signs of leaking.

Thank you everyone for your help and suggestions . Much appreciated .

GAVMAC321 · 14 July 2021, 21:56

Carried out the soapy water test and all was ok.

I've spent two days on the water now and it's still air tight. And it's still looks like a good repair.

Cheers all 😎👍

A1an · 14 July 2021, 22:33

Result Gavin

GAVMAC321 · 14 July 2021, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

Result Gavin

Cheers for trying to help Alan. Much appreciated 👍