All About Inflatable Boat Repair and Restoration



Posted: Wednesday, September 23, 2009

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The choice to purchase an inflatable boat often comes with fears of inevitable inflatable boat repair. In addition, some people put off such a purchase, due to unfounded fears of repairs and restoration difficulties. While some materials, such as older types of PVC, have a justified reputation for these problems, you will find that modern PVC, Hypalon and Strongan/PVC boats are much more resilient and easily maintained. Here, you will find a few tips and tricks to help you deal with any inevitable punctures, as well as what to do should you find that your inflatable needs a bit of restoration work.

Small Punctures Are Easily Repaired

If you suddenly notice that your inflatable is a bit low on air, it can certainly mean that you have a pinhole or small leak somewhere. The very first step is to locate the leak. If you are not currently underway, this can be done quite easily with a bit of soap and water. Work in segments, so that you do not miss the hole. Simply wet the boat panel, then lather it with soap. The air escaping through the hole will cause the soap to bubble. Once found, dry the spot off and you can begin inflatable boat repair.

If you are underway and you find that you notice a leak, you can still take care of that repair job, without disembarking or deflating the boat any further. Once you have found the leak, you'll just need the repair kit that came with your boat. All manufacturers include one of these kits at the time of purchase and you should ensure that the kit remains in your craft at all times. If you purchased your inflatable used and do not have such a kit, it is highly advised that you purchase one immediately.
You will find that inflatable boat repair kits are made for either PVC or Hypalon, but not both. These kits work the same way, but they cannot be used interchangeably. Therefore, make sure that you purchase one that matches your inflatable boat material. Make sure that you follow the repair kit instructions, including sanding the area prior to putting on the patch.

Of course, it is simpler to accomplish inflatable boat repair when you are stationary, so you should check your boat thoroughly before taking it out on the water, every time. If you do find a leak, having the right set of tools and products on hand will help you. What should you have? Your repair kit should include the following: Large Rips or Tears

If you have experienced a large rip or tear in the fabric (larger than 1 inch in length), or you have a puncture near any seams, it is important that you do not attempt to repair the boat on your own. You'll need to take it to a professional repairperson, who will repair the boat by gluing a patch both inside and out. This applies to hand-glued seams and thermobonded seams. Putting on a patch at the seam on your own will not make your vessel airtight once more.

Restoration Options

Inflatable boat repair and restoration is something that many people will find they need to engage in at some point during their ownership. Restoration is one of those processes that many owners do not feel qualified to undertake. However, it can be done simply, when you have the right products on hand.

For instance, you will find products such as Tuff-Coat Paint that can help to restore any PVC or Hypalon boat, returning the fabric to its like new condition. This is an important consideration and, when correctly completed, will help ensure that any inflatable boat repair is accomplished more easily.

Using Tuff-Coat Paint will help ensure that the fabric retains its resilience and does not fade or crack. It will also help ensure that small repairs are accomplished quite easily, as supple, new Hypalon or PVC is more easily repaired than fabric that has dried.

Inflatable boat repair and restoration is an essential consideration for any owner, not just for those who own older models. At some point, any boat will begin to show signs of wear and restorative products will help ensure that your boat looks its best and lasts a lifetime. However, if you choose not to utilize products that restore the appearance and suppleness to your boat, you might find that your enjoyment is compromised by damaged fabric. Inflatable boat repair should be of immense importance and you should take steps to minimize the likelihood of emergency repairs.

About the Author:

Rob Steele writes for AllInflatableBoats.net, the web's premier site for inflatable boat reviews. Visit the site to compare inflatable catamarans, inflatable kayaks, dinghies and fishing boats from top manufacturers.

Copyright 2009 AllInflatableBoats.net
 

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