Max size for a wear patch?

paulbrown22 · 17 August 2013, 11:11

Is there a suggested maximum length for a wear patch?

Having bought a roll of grey M-Tec, I'm finally getting round to looking at putting some wear patches on the rear tubes, where in places they are worn to the weave. (http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/wear-pat...tec-51117.html)

I want to cover an area about 150cm by 60cm, but having only done small patches before, I assume trying to accurately lay and glue such a long patch might be quite hard?

Would it be best to do in 2 or 3 overlapping sections?

Maximus · 17 August 2013, 11:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

Is there a suggested maximum length for a wear patch?

Having bought a roll of grey M-Tec, I'm finally getting round to looking at putting some wear patches on the rear tubes, where in places they are worn to the weave. (http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/wear-pat...tec-51117.html)

I want to cover an area about 150cm by 60cm, but having only done small patches before, I assume trying to accurately lay and glue such a long patch might be quite hard?

Would it be best to do in 2 or 3 overlapping sections?

I would recommend getting it done by the Professionals...big problems if it you mess it up..and wouldn't cost the Earth

I'd give Henshaws or Ribcraft a call.

Mollers · 17 August 2013, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

I would recommend getting it done by the Professionals...big problems if it you mess it up..and wouldn't cost the Earth

I'd give Henshaws or Ribcraft a call.

I agree. You could ruin the look of the boat and wreck it's saleability for saving a few quid.

paul tilley · 18 August 2013, 08:03

do it yourself and put it on in overlapping patches approx. 750mm long with the tube fairly soft

Maximus · 18 August 2013, 09:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul tilley

do it yourself and put it on in overlapping patches approx. 750mm long with the tube fairly soft

That sounds like a Disaster waiting to happen

...and completely the opposite to how the Pro fitted mine! Who A. took ages in measuring and marking out-then out-lineing exactly where they were to go.. befor B. grinding the surface area to be glued for the Patches C. pre-glued (Time to Cure) for 24 hours on the Patches then D.after considerable care placing each wear Patch.. spent considerable time rolling them onto PUMPTED up Tubes!!......As for overlapping! that is going to give you a great seal!

O.P's choice of course,and I know we all have different 'Standards' regarding repairs and up-grades,but that is Crap advise!

mick · 18 August 2013, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

That sounds like a Disaster waiting to happen

...and completely the opposite to how the Pro fitted mine! Who A. took ages in measuring and marking out-then out-lineing exactly where they were to go.. befor B. grinding the surface area to be glued for the Patches C. pre-glued (Time to Cure) for 24 hours on the Patches then D.after considerable care placing each wear Patch.. spent considerable time rolling them onto PUMPTED up Tubes!!......As for overlapping! that is going to give you a great seal!

O.P's choice of course,and I know we all have different 'Standards' regarding repairs and up-grades,but that is Crap advise!

Sound advice that Matt not something you would want to do outside either

paulbrown22 · 18 August 2013, 20:36

Thanks all for the advice.

Part of the reason for buying a RIB in a fairly decrepit state was that I wanted to do some of these jobs myself to bring it up to scratch. I realised that work on the bow section, given all the curves, was probably beyond my ability, and given I wanted that fixed asap, had that professionally done last year immediately after purchase.

But having done flat patches successfully before, I'd prefer to at least have a go myself first on some of the smaller areas. I might though get a pro to do the very large section if I'm not fully confident by the time I get to the stern!

Many thanks,

Paul

paul tilley · 19 August 2013, 09:23

thanks for the advice guys now I know where ive been going wrong these past 30yrs ive been making and fitting tubes

paulbrown22 · 29 September 2013, 22:36

Having completely run out of time over the last couple of months to do any sticking, I towed the boat just round the corner to Giovanni at Rodella Ribs on Friday, along with the materials, and discussed what I had planned to do.

Picked it up again today, and I'm very impressed with the results of Giovanni's work. I think the dark grey M-Tec Ultra Grip patches have come up really well, and it's obviously much neater than I ever would have managed!

Very glad to have found Rodella Ribs, and can wholeheartedly recommend them - it's great to have a Poole-based tube expert! And the workshop is easily accessible, which makes life nice and easy when towing a large trailer.

If I can now just get the engine realigned and the drive back on, will be ready for the winter season afloat.

Maximus · 30 September 2013, 08:25

Looks like a Good Job...and should get you a Few More seasons use out of those previously pretty worn Tubes

John Kennett · 30 September 2013, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul tilley

thanks for the advice guys now I know where ive been going wrong these past 30yrs ive been making and fitting tubes

Yeah. What do you know anyway?

Maximus · 30 September 2013, 13:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Yeah. What do you know anyway?

Makes you wonder!

colcreate · 30 September 2013, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul tilley

do it yourself and put it on in overlapping patches approx. 750mm long with the tube fairly soft

Considering Paul Tilley has actually has been building tubes for a living for longer than I care to remember and after personally seeing the superb quality of his work first hand, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss his advice.

John Kennett · 30 September 2013, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Makes you wonder!

For the avoidance of any doubt, no it doesn't. There are few people better placed than Paul to give advice about tube repairs.

Glad you got a good result though

Maximus · 30 September 2013, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

For the avoidance of any doubt, no it doesn't. There are few people better placed than Paul to give advice about tube repairs.

Glad you got a good result though

The Irony radar need a Tune-up JK?

John Kennett · 30 September 2013, 16:57

It's the casual bystanders' irony radar that I wasn't confident about!

paulbrown22 · 30 September 2013, 22:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maximus

Looks like a Good Job...and should get you a Few More seasons use out of those previously pretty worn Tubes

Absolutely, that's the general idea! Given I spend so much time sailing, I want to see how much I use the RIB first over a couple of years before springing for a retube. Whilst worn on the top in places, the undersides are great, and the tubes hold air perfectly, so does seem like a bit of a shame to just bin them for the relatively light use they get.

And if I did a retube, would probably change the deck layout and seating, and thus probably change the deck itself (as it isn't sealed underneath). By the time I started down that line I can't see the end...!

But I still have some lengths of the M-Tec left, so will definitely be taking Paul T's advice and putting protection on some smaller areas when I get some time and the weather is good.