inflatable leak, how to repair?

[deerhound]

My dinghy has a leak on the inflatable keel section which is resembles a large banana, the leak is around the side of the hard plastic of the valve where it meets the rubber, can anyone advise how to tackle this? should it be patched, or somthing like super glue run round it or some kind of sealer, this floor section when inflated gives it a vee shaped hull. thank you, JBD

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

consult with the manufacturer. around the valve may be warranteed.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

3m makes a flexible epoxy for tents and waders that would be perfect.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

A product called GOOP MARINE may work. It's a rubbery thick glue that will fix anything from running shoe soles to hip waders.

 

[navigator336]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

If you have enough surface all around the leak, a piece of patch material cut to fit around the valve and held on by the two part inflatable boat adhesive (make sure it is the right one for your boat material - there are two types)will probably work. If you don't have much surface around the leak, I'd try roughing up the area with course sand paper, cleaning with acetone and then smearing on a generous coat of 3M 5200 urethane adhesive/sealant. It takes several days to cure but is about the best water proof sealant available.

 

[navigator336]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

If you have enough surface all around the leak, a piece of patch material cut to fit around the valve and held on by the two part inflatable boat adhesive (make sure it is the right one for your boat material - there are two types)will probably work. If you don't have much surface around the leak, I'd try roughing up the area with course sand paper, cleaning with acetone and then smearing on a generous coat of 3M 5200 urethane adhesive/sealant. It takes several days to cure but is about the best water proof sealant available.

 

[4poco]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

How about aqua-seal,

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: inflatable leak, how to repair?

I would replace the valve. It's not hard to do and it's the only repair that will last.