I have no idea how this happened, but 2-3" away from the center grip/tow handle is a pinhole leak. If it were a tire, it would get a plug. Any tips on fixing. Use supplied patch kit with 3" diameter round patch? Seems over the top for such a small hole. Deflate first, yes or maybe not?
Pinhole leak in 2015 Zodiak Wave
- Thread starter odaydokay
- Start date
The greater the surface area of the patch the better it will adhere. If the glue is from a repair kit provided by the manufacturer when you bought it, get new glue. Glue does not age well. Also be sure to get the right glue, PVC and Hypalon use different glues.
Thanks, fellas. Both good suggestions. I also found some info on line. De-greasing and some sanding seem to make sense also. Zodiac seems to recommend two coats of glue with first one drying on both the surface and the patch for 15 minutes before applying second coat. I think this is going to work out ok. Was praying the seam(s) had not failed!
So I went to West Marine last night to get some PVC inflatable glue. Can $38 for a tube the size of your index finger be correct? Just does not seem right when the plumbers pay $4 for a full can of the stuff for their Schedule 40 work. Or is this "apples and oranges"?
It ain't cheap. Even at Defender the price is surprisingly high.
I don't know if the plumber's glue is the same as the inflatable glue although I'm sure they share some of the same characteristics. Plumber's PVC glue might work, but if it doesn't you will be buying the marine PVC glue or a new dinghy.
If you you have been dreaming of a new tender, then you might want to try the plumber's glue.
I don't know if the plumber's glue is the same as the inflatable glue although I'm sure they share some of the same characteristics. Plumber's PVC glue might work, but if it doesn't you will be buying the marine PVC glue or a new dinghy.
If you you have been dreaming of a new tender, then you might want to try the plumber's glue.
West Marine is notorious for over pricing, even before inflation. The problem is, i you need it quickly, you’re kinda screwed. Defender has much better prices and availability if you have the time to order online. As you live In Connecticut, you’re only a half hour drive away from Waterford.
As for the patch, cut out the patch in a circle to eliminate corners which tend to lift.
As for the patch, cut out the patch in a circle to eliminate corners which tend to lift.
Thanks much. I did find a WM version for $18.99 but of course all their stores within an hour's drive are OOS, of course. I am not going to experiment with plumber's glue, was just thinking the little tube labeled "inflatable" probably costs about the same to manufacture and should cost under $10, but now a beggar cannot become a chooser in my case. Yes, round patch absolutely!
I had a pinhole in my Zodiac Cadet, it was tough to find and when I did I made a "temporary" repair with a drop of super glue. That was three years ago and it it still holding air.
I have used a product call Aquaseal to fix pinhole in inflatables, no patching required. It works great for small holes in the floor of an inflatable too. .It stick forever once dry and stays flexible. . you can find it on amazon. store in the freezer after opening and it will last for years without drying out.
This is an interesting idea. Directions for a normal patch call for deflation but because of the leak location it is going to be hard to put back pressure on the area to enable me to roll out the patch nice and flat. I wonder if a drop of super glue in the hole might allow me to inflate the tube a bit to give me a better surface to roll out the round patch. Or is that not a smart idea?
Well, the two step trick of superglue and then patch 24 hours later worked just fine, but of course nothing is that simple, right? I pumped up and sprayed the patched area with soapy water. Perfect! Then the next day the tube has lost air again, albeit not so much. Of course there is another leak! I did locate it, but it is in a more complicated area, midships about a quarter to a half inch above the longitudinal rub rail/seam area. Tiny, tiny pinhole, but still leak. How to manage this one? ( A 3" round patch would put the hole too near the patch edge, right?)
There is a product to seal small holes from the inside. Pour the stuff in, pump up the tubes and roll the boat around to coat the inside of the tubes. Forget the name, I think Defender Carrie’s it.
Aquaseal is great stuff. Have used it for decades. On PVC, Hypalon, Urethane or vulcanized rubber [and wetsuits, drysuits, foulies, fenders, anything that needs a synthetic rubber barrier].
PVC adhesive in a tube (one-part) is not really for permanent air holding repairs. It is a temporary fix or okay for non-air holding tack-downs. Two part adhesives are for permanent repair, but Aquaseal works VERY well. It is not UV resistant and will brown/yellow from the sun, but even then it holds up for years & years. Best to cover an Aquaseal repair.
Stephan
Thanks guys. Good to know there are some alternatives out there. I think I will give the Aquaseal a shot.
Here's a link to Aquaseal on Defender's website:
Gear Aid Aquaseal Urethane Repair Adhesive & Sealant - 10110
McNett Aquaseal® Urethane Repair Adhesive & Sealant Features: Flexible urethane repair adhesive and seam sealer Specifically formulated for superior flexibility, excellent adhesion, waterproofing and abrasion resistance with minimal shrin
Great. I ordered it. This hole is so small that when I pumped up the boat and sprayed the suds, the escaping air formed a large bubble at a very slow rate, over maybe 20 seconds and then it blew off like from a child's bubble blower. That has me wondering if the hole is too small to push the Aquaseal into it, i.e. maybe I need to expand it just a bit with the tip of an awl?
Guys, this worked out great. The trick of doing a temporary repair with super glue so you can inflate to maybe 80-90%, waiting 24 hours and then putting on the permanent patch is clever as in some locations it is really hard to patch a deflated tube and you don't want it to deflate while the longer term cement is trying to dry. Much appreciate all the ideas!