Removing rubber strake on a PVC boat.

[AndersS]

Hi,
I'm trying to patch a hole in my Bombard C5 (PVC). The hole is right next to the rubber strake so I imagine it is better to partially take the strake off to be able to glue the patch properly.
Is the strake supposed to come off with a heat gun?
/Anders

[jwalker]

Difficult, it might but you may find it better to grind off the area of strake then replace a new section over your patch. If I remember the strake correctly it is a downward hook section, you may get away with grinding it back above (or below) the hook, patching the tube and then reinforcing the section of patch fabric to rebuild the strake thickness.

If the hole is not actually at the strake edge then placing the patch up and onto the strake will likely be satisfactory. When laying the patch, be sure to press it tight into the crease at the strake/tube joint.

[AndersS]

Thank's, yes I guess I will have to grind it down. The hole is right at the lower edge of the strake so I don't think it is possible to put the patch over the strake.