Sticky Problemwith Mercury Quicksilver Inflatable

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Ralph Johnstone

Has anyone (other than myself) had a problem with the solid PVC parts of their Quicksilver dinghy becoming sticky ? Our Quicksilver 230 is 1999 vintage and has had a minimum of UV exposure over the years. It's not stored on the boat but in a dark garage when not in use. I have noticed over the last year or two that the oar lock holders and several of the glued on PVC castings have become very sticky. This looks as if the PVC is breaking down. The inflatable tubes, however, are in fine shape. I have wiped one of the PVC castings with various solvent with no success with the exception of acetone. Acetone does dissolve the surface of the PVC slightly but the stickiness remains. Any suggestions as to how the stickiness can be removed, covered up, exorcised, or what have you ? Best regards, s/v Island Hunter
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,182
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
You Are Doomed

...unfortunately. It could be from a variety of things, including cleaners and preservatives you may have used on it, if any. It has been my experience that eventually it will break down, based on four PVC dinks owned over time ( which is why I now have a hard dink, but have a PVC roll-up I use when I race). I'd suggest just keep it clean with a mild detergent and live with it until it begins to delaminate and then toss it. RD
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,911
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Not so fast...

True Value carries a liquid cleaner (cannot think of its product name) that will remove the sticky stuff. Mild or even a strong detergent does not work, I tried it. When a local inflatable repair fellow replaced the webbing where the seat slides into on our Quicksilver he removed that stuff. It made those parts shine like new. He told me that after awhile the synthetic material begins to leach the resins (that sticky stuff), but that the boat is still good for several more years. I've got his phone number on the boat and the next time I'm there I'll give him a call. If you have a store nearby, see if they have it. Terry
 
R

Ralph Johnstone

No Luck With True Value

Hi Terry, No luck with finding a specific vinyl cleaner at True Value. Your local inflatable repair fellow has probably found some completely unrelated product which does the job well. If you do manage to remember the name of the cleaner, I would really appreciate your passing it along to this post or myself at ralphmj@telus.net. Thanks so much. Best regards, s/v Island Hunter
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,911
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Hi Ralph, give me a few days to get to the boat...

and I will let you know the name of the product. I was pretty impressed with the results. Terry
 
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