Inflatables Maintenance and Repair

Maintaining your inflatables- Inflatable maintenance guide

Inflatables are susceptible to punctures and cuts. While slow leaks can be managed with a pump, cuts and tears demand immediate attention. Fortunately, most can be repaired using an inexpensive kit available from the builder.
First determine what material the inflatable is made of-Hypalon or PVC. The two are quite different, requiring specific adhesives and/or solvents (MEK for PVC and Toulene or acetone for Hypalon). Using the wrong materials or methods can cause the repair to fail or even cause damage. Hypalon must be sanded before the adhesive is applied, but PVC must not. Read all instructions and follow them to the letter. Work when humidity is below 70 percent and the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees F. Work inside if you have to and wear gloves and protective eyewear.
Cleaning-
Use a mild household detergents or one specifically designed for inflatables to clean the boat, and then let it dry thoroughly before storing it.” Avoid the use of harsh or abrasive cleaners. If you have any doubts about a cleaner you intend to use, try it in an inconspicuous place first to gauge the results. Proceed gently on stains or grime that resist normal cleaning because chances are good they have penetrated the fabric and cannot be removed without causing damage.
Fixing punctures-
Round the corners
Patches should extend at least 1″ around a puncture. Sharp corners can snag or lift, so round the corners of patches. Cuts or tears require 2″ or more around them. A long or jagged tear can be stitched with heavy-duty needle and thread to keep it closed and aligned during patching. Cuts that extend to a seam should be patched by a pro.
If a leak is within ½″ of a seam, make sure that the edge of the overlapping layer has a generous application of adhesive, then carefully butt the patch right up against it. Follow up with another patch that bridges the butt joint between the first patch and the overlapping layer. The double patch adds to the rigidity in the area and provides a back-up seal.
Sticky stuff When applying the patch, keep in mind that you are dealing with a type of adhesive-contact cement-that adheres instantly and does not allow any repositioning of the patch once contact is made. Apply one edge of the patch first, then roll the remainder into place so that no air is trapped beneath. Wait at least 24 hours after finishing the repair-longer if possible–before moving or fully inflating the boat.
Small holes, cuts and tears can be easily repaired with the Fight materials and by working carefully in the proper conditions.
STEP 1
Clean the area around the damage using a stiff bristled brush and a solution of detergent and water to remove salt and dirt from the pores of the fabric. After it’s dry, wipe the fabric with a clean cloth dampened with the appropriate solvent, such as acetone, to remove any oil or grease. Then deflate the tube so it can be laid flat on a solid work surface.
STEP 2
Place the patch in position and trace around it with a pencil to outline the area where the adhesive will be applied. Lightly sand Hypalon with 180-grit paper, then wipe down with solvent again.
STEP 3
Use a disposable brush to apply the adhesive-per the manufacturer’s instructions-within the marked area and to the back of the patch. (On Hypalon, the back of the patch should be sanded, then wiped with solvent.) In most cases, at least two thin coats will be recommended. The brush should be a natural hair paint or glue brush with stiff bristles. Cut the bristles shorter if they are too soft. Do not allow adhesive to get into the interior of the inflatable tube. Two-part contact cement requires that its solvents evaporate before assembly. In other words, it should be only slightly tacky when you touch it.
STEP 4
When the adhesive has dried to the proper state of tackiness, carefully apply the patch. Use a hard roller or ball to roll out any air bubbles under the patch and ensure full contact. Inflate the tube just enough so that any adhesive that found its way into the tube will not cause inner surfaces to stick together. Wait at least a day, preferably even longer, before fully inflating the boat.