Puncture repairs

thewavehumper · 23 October 2003, 20:52

I noticed that a member of the Forum lists one of his interests as Puncture repairs (nice one!) and it got me to thinking if anybody does carry any puncture repair stuff with them in their tool tubs.

If so what do you carry,

Mike C · 23 October 2003, 21:04

Both Ribcraft, (my last boat) and Humber, (my present one), gave a puncture repair kit when I bought the boat. They both consist of a tube of glue, a bit of chalk and a few pieces of neoprene patch and I think a bit of wet & dry paper. I used the Ribcraft one on a childs toy inflateable and the Humber one remains unopened.
I can't imagine using one in earnest but I supose its good to have on board. Can't see me trying to glue a patch in a force 6 though!

Mike C

thewavehumper · 23 October 2003, 21:17

I agree Mike I don't think anpuncture repair outfit would be much use in the water. I use ( well luckily not yet anyway) some things called leakstoppers which are kind of steel clamps that clamp both sides of the rip and do a great job. they are a bit pricey though and I was wondering if anybody used any different solutions

Andy Stevens · 23 October 2003, 21:40

How about a little dutch boy to stick his finger in the hole, kept in the locker?

Alex Brown · 23 October 2003, 22:09

I also carry some gaffa tape on the boat with me most of the time - since it sticks to just about everything, I'm sure it'd hold until the proper patch was put on.

Dunno what kind of pressure it would take before blowing though - I use it to hold the bouncy castle blower at work onto some air ducts in the office, and it seems to hold with that air pressure quite well

-Alex

Red Fox · 23 October 2003, 22:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy Stevens
How about a little dutch boy to stick his finger in the hole, kept in the locker?

What some folk get up to in their ribs eh!
Others enjoy going fast and occasionally sucking on a fishermans friend when it gets cold.

Ribald · 23 October 2003, 22:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Alex Brown
I use it to hold the bouncy castle blower at work
-Alex [/B]

Don't tell me - the bouncy castle is for the directors board meetings

thewavehumper · 24 October 2003, 00:36

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy Stevens
How about a little dutch boy to stick his finger in the hole, kept in the locker?

woul;d that be Dykaflex

brian1 · 24 October 2003, 10:21

Strongly recommend everyone carries a puncture repair kit for emergencies.

Small story.
Back in August this year, en-route between Kirkwall, Orkneys and Amble, Northumberland, Mr. Garside in Magellan Alpha developed a major puncture in his bow tube. Rip was L-shaped, about 1 inch by half an inch. Impossible to "part-blow-up-and-run".

We diverted to the nearest harbour, Peterhead, about a 20 mile run, with the bow held as high as possible.
In Peterhead, Mike stitched the tear with a sail-repair needle-and-thread kit, roughed the tube and patch with sandpaper, applied glue (pause for quick coffee), and stuck patch and tube (pause for reflective fag). Finish coffee and continue to Amble.
Total time in port-less than an hour.

If he hadn't been carrying those simple, small, lightweight, low cost items, it would have been an overnighter and a day lost from our schedule.

PS As far as I am aware the patch is still holding.

Brian · 24 October 2003, 10:25

Whooziss Brian1 then??

Sorry, temporary problem with my login. Something to do with biscuits I am told.
Anyway Brian1 will now disappear.

Thanks John. Glad to be back.

Charles · 24 October 2003, 10:46

G'day Brian - actually was just about to e-mail you - thought you'd fallen off the planet, welcome back!
Who's Brian1 then?

Bill S · 24 October 2003, 10:54

I guess you must be talking 'bout that plastic container thingy that lives in the bow locker - yea I do vaguely remember seeing some glue and patches and sandpaper in there. It came with the boat, and the contents get checked anually. (only 'cos the label has worn off and I always think - 'what the hecks that?' when doing the spring once-over)

simmons0 · 24 October 2003, 12:40

come to think of it ive got a grey plastic container in one of my lockers...

Brian · 24 October 2003, 15:09

Just to give you an idea re: aforementioned bow deflation.
3 quick pics.
First shows MA running for Peterhead with puncture and bow held high........

Brian · 24 October 2003, 15:10

Second shows MA safely inside Marina with extent of deflation clearly shown........

Brian · 24 October 2003, 15:11

Third shows actual tear............

Anybody change their mind about carrying a small puncture repair kit yet?