Valiant strake removal

Msdt601119 · 10 March 2013, 17:25

I have just bought a valiant dr600 and it seems to be leaking around the stake.....but I think it's underneath where the rib sections are glued together. Does anyone have n idea how to remove the strake for further investigation?

RIB-Teccie · 10 March 2013, 19:31

Could you post a photo of where you mean. I refurb end a 450 last year and doing any large repair on PVC is tricky. The worst part is removing things like hull tapes as they deform with heat (unlike hypalon). There is a knack to putting it back together but not impossible. If the repair looks impossible, sikaflex will seal it.

RIB-Teccie · 10 March 2013, 19:32

Refurbished!!! Predictive text again

ribraff · 10 March 2013, 19:55

If its a Valiant it's more likely to be PU... It's a case of gently radiating heat into the strake and peeling it back making sure the material behind doesn't delaminate.

RIB-Teccie · 11 March 2013, 19:42

Be very sure that you are experienced at doing the job or it will end in expensive tears. Proceed with caution only if the repair is critical. Peeling it back without stretching strake or tearing a layer of fabric underneath is difficult.