
How To Repair PVC Boats
- Atmosphere: Glue with humidity less than 70%; and not in direct sunlight; Temp. 64° to 77°F is best.
- Preparation: Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut out, position noted ...
- Solvent Cleaning (3 times - to prepare the fabric for a chemical bond with the glue)
- Scrub both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on a rag to clean surface. ...
- Apply two more solvent wipes with 5 minute waiting time (timed) between them. Glue Application.
- Apply a thin glue layer with stiff brush to both sides. Aggressively work it into the fabric with the brush. If it looks too thin, it is probably correct!
- Wait five minutes (timed). If glue still looks wet, wait longer.
- Repeat steps 6 & 7 (total of 3 layers with 5 minute open time between)
- Wait 10 minutes after third layer of glue.
- Join the surfaces during the next 10 minutes. Start from one edge and slowly lay the patch or accessory down onto the glued area. ...
- Wait at least 48 hours before use. Chemical bond will continue to strengthen over next 7 days. Don't be tempted to shorten the process.
- Pressure test if you want to be sure. Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight.
How to repair an inflatable boat or inflatable kayak?
Inflatable kayak repair is not that difficult, at least for small repairs. And, there are professional inflatable raft repair shops for the big jobs. An inflatable kayak repair job done properly will outlast the rest of the boat. The ability to repair damage to the kayak is a huge advantage they have over hard boats.
What inflatable boat to buy?
#4 AIRHEAD Angler Bay 6 Person Inflatable Boat
- Passengers: 6
- Max Weight: 900 Pounds
- 2 Rod holders and multiple molded drink holders
- 32-Guage heavy-duty vinyl
- Swiveling oar locks and side mounted oar holders
- Trolling motor transom mounts
How to protect an inflatable boat?
Ultimate Rigid Inflatable Boat Maintenance Guide
- Clean Your Boat Regularly. Especially if you use your RIB in saltwater, thoroughly cleaning it after a day’s use will keep your boat looking nice.
- Store Your RIB Properly. ...
- Make Regular Maintenance a Priority. ...
How to PVC and urethane boat repair?
- Bonds to Hypalon, neoprene, latex, nylon, vinyl (PVC), Gore-Tex® and other tri-laminates, plus many fabrics, foams, composites and plastics.
- Very resistant to abrasion.
- Can be used to cover places where boat material coatings have been removed by abrasion, sometimes called a “scrim shot”.

Will PVC glue work on inflatables?
1:144:16How To: Inflatable Repair Adhesives Guide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoth of these glues require three thin coats with at least 10 to 30 minutes between each coat. InMoreBoth of these glues require three thin coats with at least 10 to 30 minutes between each coat. In some instances you may need to glue PVC or urethane to your rubber based fabric.
How do you repair a tear in an inflatable boat?
0:532:16How To Repair an Inflatable Boat or Inflatable Kayak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace a uniform layer of glue on the patch. And to the boat in the area of the leak. Then remove theMorePlace a uniform layer of glue on the patch. And to the boat in the area of the leak. Then remove the tape. For best results heat the glue up with a hairdryer. Place the patch over the affected area.
What kind of glue do you use an inflatable boat?
One product is the Clifton Urethane Adhesive. This one-part adhesive is perfect for urethane and PVC coated materials. This is a chemical glue that works by softening the coating on both the boat and patch.
Can you repair Hypalon with PVC?
PVC Adhesive DOES stick to Hypalon Adhesive. Hypalon Adhesive DOES stick to Rubber. Simply priming the rubber components with Hypalon Adhesive will then allow a successful bond with PVC adhesive.
How do you repair vinyl inflatables?
0:255:08Repairing Inflatable Pin Holes, Punctures, and Tears - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first step and one of the most important is to deflate the toy completely before attempting anyMoreThe first step and one of the most important is to deflate the toy completely before attempting any repairs. Most solvent glues for repairing vinyl temporarily make the vinyl very soft.
How do you repair PVC fabric?
0:242:37TEAR-AID Type B for Vinyl & PVC Fabric Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the tear aid patch. And cut it so that it extends at least one inch past the edge of the tearMoreTake the tear aid patch. And cut it so that it extends at least one inch past the edge of the tear if you are using multiple patches. Allow for a one inch overlap round. All corners of the patch.
Does Gorilla glue work on inflatables?
If you joined the ranks of the disappointed floaters this summer, we've got some #GorillaTough news for you: Crystal Clear Gorilla Tape is perfect for repairing pool inflatables and pool covers.
Can you use super glue on inflatables?
0:061:45How to make a Quick Inflatable Boat Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipQuick easy fix is just common old superglue he's a gorilla glue elephant glue all those things youMoreQuick easy fix is just common old superglue he's a gorilla glue elephant glue all those things you can find from hardware shops and supermarkets.
How long does PVC boat glue take to dry?
Place a smooth sided heavy weight on the patch and allow to 'cure' for 24 hours before re- inflating the tubes to check that the repair has been successful and before re-launching the boat.
Which is better PVC or Hypalon?
Generally, PVC fabric won't last as long as Hypalon fabric, especially when exposed to prolonged periods of direct sunlight and no protective measures are taken (such as this UV protectant). Hypalon is highly preferable in hot climate areas.
How do I know if my boat is PVC or Hypalon?
Hypalon is glued, with lots of material overlap, PVC has narrow overlaps and welded impressions. PVC also shows fabric print-thru because the material is thinner.
Are Zodiac boats PVC or Hypalon?
There are two main types of fabric that most inflatable boats are made of. They are either PVC or Hypalon. Most Mercury, Sea Eagle and Zodiac inflatable boats are made of PVC.
How do you patch an Intex inflatable boat?
2:449:45How To Repair / Patch Intex Inflatable Boat or Kayak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd get it back into the water all right so once you find your puncture you want to make sure theMoreAnd get it back into the water all right so once you find your puncture you want to make sure the entire area is really clean that way the patch right here can actually adhesive.
How do you fix a tear in a dinghy?
4:436:14Inflatable Boat Repair (Sailing Satori) OTH:7 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShort the glue we're using calls for us to apply a thin layer to both the patch and the dinghy. LetMoreShort the glue we're using calls for us to apply a thin layer to both the patch and the dinghy. Let it sit until it's dry to the touch about five to 15 minutes and then apply a second layer of glue.
How do you fix an inflatable seam?
0:233:55Invisible Seam Repair on an Inflatable Toy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSome cotton balls to use with the rubbing alcohol a blunt tipped industrial syringe that i filledMoreSome cotton balls to use with the rubbing alcohol a blunt tipped industrial syringe that i filled with a small amount of vinyl cement. A pair of tweezers for positioning the patch inside the toy.
How do you repair a rib boat?
2:053:39How to patch a rib boat ( Both sides) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause we wanted to be able to get in the inside. And what we'll do now is we'll clean all theMoreBecause we wanted to be able to get in the inside. And what we'll do now is we'll clean all the Google and the excess off and that's how you properly. Do a patch on a rib boat.
How long does it take for glue to cure on a boat?
To ensure a good glue bond, use a roller to vigorously press on the patch from all angles. Use solvent to clean up any excess glue and allow 24 hours for a full cure. If you must use the boat sooner than that try not to bring the chamber up to full pressure.
What solvent to use for PVC patching?
Next, clean off any contaminating substances with a solvent; methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is the preferred solvent, but you can also use acetone.
What Kind of Inflatable Boat Do You Have?
Not every inflatable boat is created equal. If you have a serious, good quality inflatable, it’s probably made of one of two materials. You either have PVC or Hypalon.
Watch for Air Bubbles
Repairing an inflatable boat has an inherent problem. That’s finding what needs to be repaired. A big tear is easy to see. A tiny hole is not. These can be a real needle in a haystack situation to deal with. Small holes are nearly invisible. So you need a way to track that hole down. That’s where soapy water comes in.
How to Repair Inflatable Boats – PVC Boats
Let’s start with fixing PVC inflatable boats. The process is very similar to repairing a Hypalon inflatable. However, there are a few different considerations. But if you want a secure, permanent fix, this is what you need to do.
Cut Your Patch
We recommend some prep for your patch. If you bought a square patch, cut it into a circle. Most patches are sold as squares. That gives you good surface area, sure. But the corners can easily snag. A round patch will seal better.
Sand the Patch
Bonding this kind of plastic fabric to itself isn’t too hard, but you want to help it out. Use some sand paper and get your patch a little rough. Not a ton, just give it some texture. You’ll want to do the same thing over the area that’s going to be patched. Don’t destroy the boat by any means.
Clean the Area
You want a clean patch and a clean boat. You can use isopropyl alcohol here. But we recommend a proper PVC cleaning solvent. You can buy solvents specifically made to clean and prepare PVC and other plastics. This is the best bet to get the job done right. Apply it to both the rough side of the patch and the boat itself.
Apply Your Adhesive
You’ll need a PVC adhesive for this. If you bought a repair kit, it should have its own PVC adhesive included. Otherwise, make sure you find the right kind. Something like Stabond PVC glue works well.
How to repair a pinhole in a PVC boat?
Pinhole size leaks in most PVC boats sometimes may be repaired simply by use of either Seam Seal or Air Seal liquids available at West Marine or on-line. You might be able to avoid a patch on the boat. To find tiny leaks, take floor boards out, inflate boat hard.
Why do boats need to be inflated?
Most of the time the boat must be inflated so that the inside of the boat is not glued together, or that the needle punctures the other side of the boat. It is important that the glue be allowed to puddle up around the hole so that air pressure can force the glue out of the hole and help seal it up.
How to clean a boat with mek?
Scrub both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on a rag to clean surface. Be careful not to wipe the MEK on areas of the boat or patch that will be seen as MEK will make the fabric sticky and shiny. Use masking tape around the perimeter to minimize this. Wait 5 minutes after the first MEK wash. 5.
How to put glue in a syringe?
The glue can be poured from easily and slowly into the top of the syringe while holding a finger on the needle end. Replace the plunger, and allow air bubbles to rise to the top before placing the syringe and the needle back together. This is a fairly messy operation. Gloves are recommended.
How to make a patch with glue?
Preparation: Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut out, position noted and marked. It always leaves a neat tidy finish if you tape off the perimeter of the patch area with masking tape to avoid over glue. 3.
What solvent is used to clean PVC pipes?
Recommended solvent: MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It is often available at paint, hardware or plumbing stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer thinner. For non-critical bonds you might substitute acetone. 1.
How to make a spout out of a plunger?
In this way the plunger can be filled several times to insure enough glue in the affected area. Use a paper cup to mix a small amount of glue, and then pinch the top of the paper cup to make a spout.
How to repair inflatables with adhesive?
If you’re repairing inflatables with the kit’s patches, add a little more adhesive to the edges of the patch after the drying process is complete to increase the strength of the seal. Also, confirm that the adhesive is completely dry and that the repair was successful before launching the inflatable back into the water.
How to get rid of bubbles on a boat?
You’ll need it to locate leaks in towable inflatables. In the bucket, combine a squirt or two of soap with water until you have a mixture that your kids could use to blow bubbles.
How long is the warranty on Kwik Tek water tubes?
All Kwik Tek towable tubes carry a 1 year warranty, but if your product falls outside the warranty period, this handy guide will help you get some extra life out of your investment by providing ...
How to remove a towable tube?
Remove the tube section of the towable from its protective cover, and add air to it until the tube is taut. The next step is to dip a sponge or cloth into the dish soap mixture. Then, apply it to the tube section. If there is a hole in the tube, bubbles will begin to form around the spot.
How to find a leak in a water tube?
If you don’t have soap with you, then you can locate the leak by removing the tube from the protective section of the inflatable. Deflate the tube until it’s about 3/4 full of air. Take the partially inflated tube and slowly submerge it under the water. Submerge the tube section by section.
Why are inflatable water tubes made of durable materials?
Built to Last. Inflatable water and snow tubes are made from durable materials, but because the covering is malleable, it is susceptible to punctures and abrasions. Proper care is the best way to prevent repairs.
How to find a leak in an inflatable?
How to Find the Leak. Before diving into the task of locating a leak on the surface of your inflatable, check the valve. These leaks are often caused by grit or sand that jams the device and prevents the one-way speed safety valve flap from closing properly. Use an air pump to blow out any foreign fragments from the valve.
Preperaring PVC patch
Mark out and cut your PVC patch . Cut patch to extend at least two inches (40-50 mm) beyond the tear. Round the edges, square cornered patches are more likely to catch and peel than rounded ones. Trace the outline of the patch on the damaged surface with a pencil.
Apllication
BEFORE YOU START ANY GLUEING PLEASE NOTE YOUR WORKPLACE NEEDS TO BE WELL VENTILATED, WARM AND DRY. IF THE AIR IS HUMID DON'T TRY TO USE THE ADHESIVE AS IT WILL BLOOM. DO NOT USE A GAS FIRE OR NAKED FLAME HEAT SOURCE AS THE SOLVENTS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE.
What glue is used to repair PVC?
The Aquaseal Flexible Repair Adhesive is the last type of glue. This adhesive bonds together Hypalon, neoprene, latex, nylon, PVC, and a number of other materials, fabrics, foams, and plastics.
What glue to use on PVC?
The second is Stabond Adhesive. This glue not only works on urethane and PVC, but it will also work on rubber materials. This is a two-part adhesive and has different directions depending on what material you are applying it to.
What is the best cleaner for urethane glue?
It is also easy to clean if there is excess left behind. The best cleaner for the Clifton Urethane Adhesive is methyl ethyl ketone or acetone. If you mix the glue with an accelerator, the strength of the bond won’t be improved, but it will become more heat resistant.
Can you use glue on inflatable boats?
When you are trying to choose the right adhesive or glue to repair your inflatable boat or dinghy things can get a bit confusing. There are many different types of glue on the market that claim to do the best job, but the truth is not all of these adhesives will do the job they promise to, and that could leave you in a very dangerous situation out ...
Can you use Aquaseal on PVC?
When you are using it on urethane and PVC, there is no need to mix in an accelerator with the glue, but when working on rubber, you’ll need to add an accelerator. This is also a great option if you are gluing dissimilar materials together since it works on different types of materials like rubber and PVC. The Aquaseal Flexible Repair Adhesive is ...
