ROLL UP DINGHY

[twodzusfittings]

I have a small RU 3 dinghy. I haven't used it much, mainly as I am hesitant to run it up on the beach to go to land. The bottom seems thin and a small piece of glass, shell or anything with a sharp edge could slice it easily. Has anyone tried a reinforcement sheet as a protective layer, if so, how was this accomplished? It is not a hypalon rubber. What adhesive was used and what was the thickness and name of material of the layer? Possible links to a supplier would be great as well.

 

[Hello Below]

Consider a cheap set of Davies dinghy wheels. I installed a set last winter and they work well.
Davies Dinghy Wheels

 

[Calif. Ted]

I have gently and carefully landed that dink on the beach, mostly jump out BEFORE it grounds. I have put some punctures in the floor, which I've patched using a vinyl repair tape designed for backpackers I found at a hardware store on the PCT. A friend had one on which the floor started to peel back from the bow.

 

[Foswick]

Just about anything can be bonded to, if you know exactly what you have. Do you know, for certain, what the outer coating is made of?

I just did a quick search for RU-3 dinghy, and I am only finding a boat sold by West Marine that is made of Hypalon. I think (without looking into it) that you would want to use a two-part polyurethane glue. I have a material scientist in the family, but I still wouldn't do it unless it was my last attempt to save a boat that I was just going to throw away anyway.

That said, you might address your concerns by simply coating the bottom with several layers of inflatable boat paint formulated for whatever material you have. Certainly safer than laminating, and it might address your concerns.

 

[Ken13559]

West Marine RU-3 is PVC. Have mine for 17 years now. It see the sun only couple days a year. It need re-gluing of the PVC around the transom every year. I uses HH-66 PVC glue. If there's better PVC glue to HH-66, please let me know. BTW I love this RU-3 'cos its smallish and easy to manage & maintain. Will probably need to shop for replacement soon if I couldn't find better glue.