Inflatable repair

Sep 23, 2009
1,477
O'Day 34-At Last Rock Hall, Md
Unrolled my PVC inflatable recently and discovered two rodent chewed holes, one 3 inch and the other 5 inches in diameter. Anyone ever have any success in repairing such large hole or is it all just dumpster bound?
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
Unrolled my PVC inflatable recently and discovered two rodent chewed holes, one 3 inch and the other 5 inches in diameter. Anyone ever have any success in repairing such large hole or is it all just dumpster bound?
If you do trash it, remember to strip the hardware off to take to the next flea market.
 
Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
I have never used them but there are businesses who repair such damage. If the dingy is otherwise in good shape I would get an estimate. Chief
 
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Better check mine. Thanks for posting this. (Sorry, can't help on the repairs)
 

Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,813
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
I always store mine inflated. Critters can't get their mouths open wide enough to bite it
 
Dec 19, 2006
5,832
Hunter 36 Punta Gorda
Not cheap

It will not be cheap to repair so make sure it is worth it and do a search for inflatable repair and had good repair guy in NY and florida but can't help where you are.
You could try your own repair but I tried adding a patch once with this special
glue $$$$$ and followed all info and sure first years was good but after that the
patch edges starting coming up.
The pros do a real good job but $$$$ but if in good shape maybe worth it.
Nick
 

Gunni

.
Mar 16, 2010
5,937
Beneteau 411 Oceanis Annapolis
That is fairly technical repair, but doable. You will need a double-side patch. Send some photos of the damage to Annapolis Inflatables and they can quote the repair.
 

Les

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May 8, 2004
375
Hunter 27 Bellingham, WA
There are places that repair inflatables. I had an Avon inflatable and scraped it dragging it on a cement dock. Lots of holes and mad at myself for being careless. Took the Avon to a repair place in Seattle and when I went back to pick it up it looked brand new. He didn't repair the holes, he put in an entire new panel. Said it was easier and cheaper. I eventually sold the inflatable without a patch on it. I forgot what he charged me but it was reasonable as I remember.

Today I would go to my local West Marine store and ask where they would get their inflatables repaired. I suspect there are places in most boating centers that they know about.

Good luck.
 
Mar 22, 2004
733
Hunter 30 Vero Beach
I had an "L" shaped tear in mine and repaired it. It was about 8 inches long one way by 3 inches the other way. It's been about 8 years since I fixed it and it still holds air.
If the company that makes the inflatable is still in business, call them and see if you can get a piece of the material it is made from. You will need to patch from the inside then put a patch on the outside. You can purchase the glue from West Marine, or try to get it from the manufacturer. You might be able to buy it online. I replaced my transom on mine, and that is as solid as the day I got it. Take your time and clean everything really good with acetone, MEK or something similar before gluing anything.
There's a really good book. Here's a link http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/inflatable-boats-jim-trefethen/1000301141?ean=9780070652521
good luck with your project.