Local sourcing of fresh Hypalon repair materials?

[jviss]

Well, I have a pinhole leak at a site on one tube of my Hypalon RIB that was scraped a year or two ago. I can't find the repair kit. I bought one at West Marine that was $62! It contains a 70ml tube of adhesive, a sheet of 100 grit sandpaper, and about 10 round patches of various sizes. Date code on the kit is Oct 15, 2007. I heard that this cement has a shelf life of 18 months. Does anyone know if there is a generic equivalent of this adhesive that is available in local stores, fresh and cheap? Also, where might I find some Hypalon material?It seems like a multiple-day, arduous process to cement a patch the "right way." Any tips for quick field repairs that allow an immediate return to service?Thanks,jv

 

[sailaway78]

I am about to try some flatproof

My dink has a very small leak in the side of one tube. I have done the patch thing, and it lasted approx. a year, then started leaking again. I am going to put some flat proof for tires in it. Checked out the web, and you can get a gallon of Slime, which is some pretty good stuff for tires, for 39 bucks, and comes with a pump. West sells some similar stuff for about 60 bucks for a small can. Theirs is labeled as made for dinks. I can see no reason why the flat proof stuff for tires won't work. Works super good on motorcycle tires, and the principal is no different.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Not local, but at your doorstep.....

Defender has this item in stock.Glue only (best buy,IMO), $28http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|294|99399&id=97333Glue Kit, $44http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|294|99399&id=97303Ground shipping only, but no special charges.The glue repair process does take about 24+ hours, but for a pinhole patch the dinghy can be placed back in service after the 24 hour cure. Attaching accessories require a longer time for the full strength to develop.It is not recommended to perform the repairs near the water due to the higher humidity present. The process wants to have less than 50% humidity for the best results.

 

[RichH]

Do websearch for ---

... "Whitewater Designs". They are a manufacturer of recreational and rescue inflatables and will have all the appropriate glues and repair kits for hypalon and PVC. They supply to WM, etc.

 

[newly anonymous]

Barge Cement

Learned that from a brother in law who owned a rafting company on the Colorado River. Available in most hardware stores.

 

[jviss]

?

You may want to considercarrying this little gadget with you. It works remarkably well and requires no gluing Click image for full-size view (opens new browser window)O.K., I give up - what is it?

 

[Alan]

ClamSeal

Sorry I should have included more info.It is the ClamSeal and was developed as an emergency repair for liferafts and inflatables. Should be carried as an instant repair for any inflatable. It needs no glue and can be used above and below the waterline. Takes just a few seconds to install. Will be available from this website shortly and will retail for $29.99

 

[Pete17858]

Hole patch

I've fixed nail-sized holes in my PVC Zodiac Zoom with Sevylor Sealant (WM carries it, I'm sure it would be cheaper anywhere else). I turn the boat and prop it up so the hole is facing straight down and level, heat up the tube of sealant so it's less viscous, then use a hypodermic through the hole to inject a gob of sealant inside the tube. I finish with a dab of sealant over the hole, then let it cure overnight. Works great, no visible patch.Sorry, I got this method off the net somewhere, but I just don't remember where.

 

[Roger (Ninette Manitoba)]

The stuff you are looking for is called HH66

It is a xylene base if I remember correctly, and is highly toxic and volatile... but it works. I used it to make a PVC cloth on rib kayak several years ago. The glue is still holding although the wood and cloth are deteriorating now after 20 plus years.

 

[jviss]

Not PVC

Thanks guys, but I'm asking about a Hypalon boat, not PVC; the repair materials, methods and solvents are entirely different.