My inflatable is not all that old, I guess about five years old, however the floor right the way from about six inches bow side of the stern to the other side has come unstuck. Has anyone else experianced this problen with their inflatable. The cost to repair is going to run into about $450.00aus. Sure its cheap enough but am wondering just how succesfull these repair jobs are??? Or perhaps bin it and fork out $2000.00 to replace it. Like to hear from people who have had a similar repair job done.
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Pessimistic, Mark....
I had several PVC inflatables disintegrate on me at the seams. I repaired them (professionally) and got a few more years but ultimately the fabric itself went. Your timeline is about typical IMHO. For inflatables, I go as cheap as possible now and only use them for times I don't have my hard dink. Good luck. Rick D.
I had several PVC inflatables disintegrate on me at the seams. I repaired them (professionally) and got a few more years but ultimately the fabric itself went. Your timeline is about typical IMHO. For inflatables, I go as cheap as possible now and only use them for times I don't have my hard dink. Good luck. Rick D.
What material
What material is your dink? Rubber? What kind? Hypalon, plastic, make brand? You need to know this so you can get the correct two-part glue to fix that material. get the correct glue, some clamps, dry place, sander, and gritty paper. rough up both sides, apply glue. wait until it dries completely. about an hour or so. then reapply glue to both sides and clamp together. leave it there for 3 days. Then slowly inflate it and check the seam for leaks with SOAPY water. Don't skimp or the glue, make sure all areas are completely covered. It is inexpensive and works for a long time if you have the patience to let it dry, and use the correct materials. I have had my original dink for almost 15 years. 8.5 Achilles I'm no expert but......I was a raft guide, and spent many an hour repairing highly abused rafts for commercial applications and river running. Don't spend $2000, just about $100 or so. Good luck
What material is your dink? Rubber? What kind? Hypalon, plastic, make brand? You need to know this so you can get the correct two-part glue to fix that material. get the correct glue, some clamps, dry place, sander, and gritty paper. rough up both sides, apply glue. wait until it dries completely. about an hour or so. then reapply glue to both sides and clamp together. leave it there for 3 days. Then slowly inflate it and check the seam for leaks with SOAPY water. Don't skimp or the glue, make sure all areas are completely covered. It is inexpensive and works for a long time if you have the patience to let it dry, and use the correct materials. I have had my original dink for almost 15 years. 8.5 Achilles I'm no expert but......I was a raft guide, and spent many an hour repairing highly abused rafts for commercial applications and river running. Don't spend $2000, just about $100 or so. Good luck
archives
Look up in the archives 2003 original post "patching a rubber dinghy" or raft guide under response
Look up in the archives 2003 original post "patching a rubber dinghy" or raft guide under response
Thanks guys
It is a westmarine. The general condition is very good. (apart from the floor falling out)
It is a westmarine. The general condition is very good. (apart from the floor falling out)
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