repairing an inflatable

[Wayne Small]

I was given a 10-6 QuickSilver inflatable. Most of this I have reglued but one chamber does not hold air as well as the others. Does anyone have a good way of locating the leak in this chamber? Does anyone know of any products on the market that may inflate and seal this leak at the same time?

 

[bob shultz]

inflatable

First of make a soapy solution and paint it all over the boat to see where air bubbles come out. Mark the spot with some sort of marker to apply a patch after the boat is dry. The patch material can be obtained from West or Boat US. If you still have small leaks try painting the boat with MDR inflatable paint. I found that the paint seals the small holes very well. Good Luck.

 

[Steve Dion]

Good Luck!

Wayne:There is some stuff that you can get to put in the chamber that MAY seal it from the inside. West Marine has some stuff from Inland Marine 'Inflatable Boat Sealant' ($40/bottle). You can get it from an inflatable dealer too. One of the problems that you sometimes run into is the chambers are leaking into each other. You also want to check the valves. My experience with the Quick Silver inflatables was less than good. If you want it to last (DO NOT LEAVE IT INFLATED). Put it away each time you use it. Use Bobs advice about making a soapy water solution that you spray all over the boat. You are bound to find the leak that way.We had three skins replaced under warranty. I finally gave the last new skin to my son. He uses it once or twice a year and stores it away when not in use. He has had it for several years and it has been fine.