Repair to Rubbing Strake

Chris · 20 March 2007, 10:35

I have an area about 3 inches long about 3 feet from the rear of the tube where the rubbing strake has lifted slightly at the bottom allowing water to force its way up the gap creating a small tunnel to the top of the strake so that at slow speeds you actually see water coming up throught the hole. I realise that I may need to pull the strake away all the way to the back of the tube where it ends however I am trying to avoid that if possible. Any suggestion as to how I can repair this without major surgery?

I guess the difficult part will be removing the old glue as it is a small hole to get into (about 2 inches across) any ideas on how this could be done?

Chris

Biggles · 20 March 2007, 13:14

Chris,

Although I like to tackle most of my own jobs repairing rubbing strake can be a pain and one that I might be tempted to leave to a proffesional to effect.

Its suprising how much force that water has when its hitting loose bits of rubbing strake or Hypalon.

If your going to do it yourself. You will need to remove the strake and clean it and the tube up before regluing.

Why not ask for some prices off those that advertise on here as proffesionals. Could save you much grief in the long run.

Chris · 20 March 2007, 14:50

Thanks for the advice, do you have any ideas as to who would be fairly local to me in gloucestershire?

Chris

Johnwin · 20 March 2007, 15:23

Removing and re-glueing a foot or three of the strake might be easier than you think. Get it nice and warm with a hot air gun and peel it back - remove the old glue with thinners and an abrasive wheel which will leave a good key for the new glue - use two coats of bostick 2 part adhesive to refix. Theres not a great deal that could go wrong (famous last words

).
Happy to help if you do decide to try it yourself.

Chris · 20 March 2007, 15:50

Of course John I remeber you saying you are a master on the repair side, I may well call on you for some help.

Chris

Johnwin · 20 March 2007, 17:07

I think master is a bit of an overstatement

Chris · 20 March 2007, 17:13

What materials would I need to buy John. What sort of glue should I get?

Chris

Johnwin · 20 March 2007, 17:24

I think the only materials would be the glue which would be bostick 2402, henshaws sell a 1 litre tin for £12.26+ VAT. http://www.henshaw.co.uk/default.cfm/loadindex.7

Daibheid · 20 March 2007, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris1573

I realise that I may need to pull the strake away all the way to the back of the tube where it ends however I am trying to avoid that if possible. Any suggestion as to how I can repair this without major surgery?
Chris

I'd suggest try sticking it with sikaflex - you've nothing to lose and it shouldn't make the full-blown repair you're trying to avoid any more difficult. Once you stop the water forcing it's way in there, the adhesion required will be minimal.

martini · 20 March 2007, 23:44

I had the exact same problem with my mine. I found the glue didnt like sticking to the rubbing strake as well as gluing hypalon to hypalon. After glueing I would apply a bead of sikaflex over the join which helped but I was still having to redo it after every few outings. I ended up getting the boat retubed!

Biggles · 20 March 2007, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by martini

I was still having to redo it after every few outings. I ended up getting the boat retubed!

It can be a pain of a job. No harm in getting a proffesionals price. Then if it does come off its his problem to sort it.

From his price deduct the cost of the glue, thinners, mek, brushes, acetone, sikaflex, rubbing disks etc and then make your decision.

Trust me I've been down this route.

matt h · 21 March 2007, 07:55

i agree with that, when i got my searider, there was a few bits that needed doing, it didnt work when i did it my self, just didnt stick, did all the prep, ended up taking it down to Henshaws,or im sure ribcraft will help out!

Cabs · 21 March 2007, 16:26

I had the same problem and tried three times on my own to repair the rubstrake. I've had great success with patches and other tube repairs, but the rubstrake is a whole other beast. It's well worth taking it to the professionals - plus, as you said, if it comes apart again you have someone who will take care of it.