Rats ate my boat...

[kilkerr1]

Hi all

This seemed like the best place to ask my question. I have a Narwhal 240 which has been 'played with' by rats over the winter. I have a ragged hole in one of the tubes about 15cm x 30cm. Too big for a standard patch from teh chandlery job. Can anyone suggest where I can get this repaired in Sussex, East or West, I'm not fussy. Or would you say it's not worth it, bin it?

All advice gratefully received.

Cheers!

[MeMe]

If it were me.......

I'd be in contact with my insurer. Why, well that's a bloody big hole and a patch is not only going to look damn unsightly but never (IMHO) be as strong as the original. Furthermore, if and when you come to sell her, you'll struggle to convince a buyer that a big patch is acceptable when there's a lot out there without them. Finally, that's why we pay insurance !

Good Luck..........

[Rene]

I think that a hole of this size would be very easy to patch, you have all the access to the hole you need

I would start by putting a patch on the inside
1) cut the hole to be a bit more straight
2) put glue on the inside of the tube
3) put glue on the patch
4) work the patch inside the tube and start by applying presure to one end
5) when the patch is nearly fixed all the way round, put a little presure in the tube, to make the patch stick to the tube.
6) lett it dry off for about 12 hours, keep the presure in the tube
7) put a new patch on the outside.

You could consider putting a patch just like it on the other side off the boat to make it look like it's supose to be there, depending on where the hoel is.

Otherwise I agree with MeMe, see if you insurance company will pay for a new tube/boat.

Getting a patch this size shouldn't be a problem, just contact any of the tubemakers around.

Regards
Rene

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by kilkerr1

Can anyone suggest where I can get this repaired in Sussex, East or West,

Hi KilKerr1, I guess you're not far from Andy Clark - I think he's somewhere near Horsham now - http://www.bosunsmate.co.uk/ And if he can't mend it, he'll certainly know somebody who can.

[Matt]

You could also stitch the inner patch in place.

[Headhunter]

Ed from Olmec Tubes in Devon (Ribraff) on Ribnet forum is very helpful for advice.

Olmec Tubing
The Barn, Polston Parks, Modbury, Devon,
PL21 0SB
Tel: 01548 831443 (M 07968 772471)
Web: http://www.olmectubing.co.uk

He will travel to you or if in the area will include you in the trip.
Very helpful guy.

John

[arn.george]

Not sure if vermin damage would be covered on most insurances, often exempt.

[Pete7]

Sod the boat, what about the rat

Cigarette lighter and tin of Toluene should make a nice petrol bomb.


P

[Brian]

Pete
Ssssh, don't mention Toluene!
Could get you into trouble with he-who-must-be-obeyed.

[John Kennett]

[MeMe]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

Bring back Manos......

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by Brian

Pete
Ssssh, don't mention Toluene!
Could get you into trouble with he-who-must-be-obeyed.

Ooooh, could I be suspended for explaining how to make petrol bombs on Ribnet ? Poor manos only suggested using it as a cleaning agent.

But in my defence thats one big rat if it needs a 15 x 30 cm hole! and I don't think the missus is going to object to it being exterminated less she comes downstairs one morning and finds its in her house

P

[Rogue Wave]

Wasn't 'Hot Rats eat my boat' an album by Frank Zappa


Rene's instructions look good and I would certainly have a go at fixing it. I can probably get you some material scraps to patch with and you can buy the Glue for a tenner from Henshaws I believe.

[The Jackeens]

Pete 7 you've been drinking....and playing with fire ( )....and you're such a responsible person in real life...the paint thinner's affecting you...

There's got to be a better solution ( ) to the RAT issue!!!!!

Brighton's a cosmopolitan place ... you're bound to find a Pied Piper.

Missus (and wash your hands!!!!! More deadly than Manos' scumcream!!!!)

[Pete7]

Missus, its the gloss paint! SWMBO wants everything painted in the next 2 weeks prior to her visit {read sergeant-majors inspection}

If you think this rat made some big holes you want to see what Wave has done to me new house

P

[The Jackeens]

You can get odour -free stuff ... I'm a bit allergic to the paint fumes meself...that's why the shebeen's a bit tatty....
And as for RW...he's very loveable but I'd imagine Laurence Llewellyn he ain't despite the welsh connotations

Missus

Oh and rats is dangerous divils altogether.

[Rogue Wave]

Originally Posted by The Jackeens

And as for RW...he's very loveable but I'd imagine Laurence Llewellyn he ain't despite the welsh connotations

Missus

Oh and rats is dangerous divils altogether.

You are correct missus I certainly am not some effeminite arty farty Iron.

re the holes its not my fault Pete should have let me loose with the big drill unsupervised