Well, it wasn't exactly what i was aiming for, but it was so cheap I figured i had nothing to lose. And even if it's not salvageable I can get some experience.
It's a 1991 Achilles RIB. It has 3 chambers. the port and bow hold air. The starboard tube had a big, huge, long patch on it. The guy didn't do a good job. he used a piece of roofing material (come to find out, the roofing stuff is hypalon too), and who knows what for glue. I peeled it off and there are no rips underneath, but it is worn down to the fabric.
So a couple trips to West Marine, and now i have a quart of Liquid Rubber. The website says it can be used to "reskin" a 10' inflatable. I dont know if the can actually has enough for the whole dink (and mine has a hard bottom, so dont need to do the bottom), but maybe 2 tubes. it says it should be applied 4-5mils thick. it takes 48 hours to cure to touch, and 7 days to fully cure. it is self leveling. can be applied by brush, roller, or spray. it has the consistency of cold honey. supposedly your inflatable will look new after doing the whole thing. It is specifically for worn spots. if the rubber isnt worn, you need to abrade it first.
I had a time getting his black "glue" off. looked like roof tar. dude must have been a roofer. I basically had to scratch it off with my fingernails a little at a time.
So, I got a dinghy (no motor) for $100! if it works for a season or two great. if not, I had fun working on it. I think it will work though.
It's a 1991 Achilles RIB. It has 3 chambers. the port and bow hold air. The starboard tube had a big, huge, long patch on it. The guy didn't do a good job. he used a piece of roofing material (come to find out, the roofing stuff is hypalon too), and who knows what for glue. I peeled it off and there are no rips underneath, but it is worn down to the fabric.
So a couple trips to West Marine, and now i have a quart of Liquid Rubber. The website says it can be used to "reskin" a 10' inflatable. I dont know if the can actually has enough for the whole dink (and mine has a hard bottom, so dont need to do the bottom), but maybe 2 tubes. it says it should be applied 4-5mils thick. it takes 48 hours to cure to touch, and 7 days to fully cure. it is self leveling. can be applied by brush, roller, or spray. it has the consistency of cold honey. supposedly your inflatable will look new after doing the whole thing. It is specifically for worn spots. if the rubber isnt worn, you need to abrade it first.
I had a time getting his black "glue" off. looked like roof tar. dude must have been a roofer. I basically had to scratch it off with my fingernails a little at a time.
So, I got a dinghy (no motor) for $100! if it works for a season or two great. if not, I had fun working on it. I think it will work though.
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