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Posts Tagged ‘inflatable boat repair’
You can easily repair your inflatable boat and its minor punctures (1cm or less), be it either in Hypalon or in Strongan/PVC fabric. Read basic repair instructions below, but when performing simple repairs follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Always use safety equipment. Seek a professional repair station for complete details, instructions and materials.
For larger repairs, consult your authorized dealer.
To know the fabric of your inflatable boat, check the buoyancy tube’s vertical seams. Since about 1985, most ZODIAC boats are made in Strongan/PVC fabric.
HAND-GLUED SEAMS = HYPALON FABRIC
Traditional assembly method for hypalon fabric. The 2 panels are glued, one covering the other. You will only see part of fabric that covers the other section.
THERMOBONDED SEAMS = STRONGAN FABRIC
Robotized hot assembly technique: two layers of fabric are welded between an exterior reinforcement band and an interior airtight band. What you see is the exterior band, with 2 borders.
REPAIR KIT
Cleaning:
- Hypalon fabric: rough the material with the pumice stone provided (never use solvent)
- Strongan fabric: Grease remover of the MEK or acetone type. Use safety equipment.
Repairing:
- Fabric patch (use correct fabric for your boat)
- Tube of special glue, ready for use: check with your dealer that you use the suitable glue
- Small paint brush
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL REPAIR
- Relative humidity less that 60%
- Temperature between 18 and 25°C (64.4 and 77°F)
- Avoid carrying out repairs in direct sunlight or rain
- Check that the buoyancy tube is fully deflated and lies flat
PREPARATION
- Cut out a round patch at least 5 cm larger than the hole or cut to be repaired
- Draw around the shape of the patch exactly where it will be applied on the boat
- Clean the damaged part of the boat and the corresponding side of the patch
- Strongan fabric: with a grease remover of the alcohol type
- Hypalon fabric: with the pumice stone only
- Allow to dry for 5 minutes
GLUING
- Apply 3 thin layers of glue on both the patch and the roughened area on the boat and let dry for 5 to 10 minutes between each layer until tacky
PUTTING ON THE PATCH
- When the 3rd layer is dry, apply the patch without pressing and adjust the position if required
- Press out the air bubbles which may have formed under the patch
- Smooth the patch with a round object (ie: a spoon) starting from the center of the patch and working out
- Clean the excess glue with a solvent
USE OF BOAT AFTER REPAIR
- Do not expose the repair to sun or rain until cured
- Let dry and cure for 24 hours before inflating
CAUTION !
When using the glue :
- Carefully replace the cap on the tube of glue. If properly sealed, it keeps well.
- Do not leave the tube in the sun or next to heat sources or direct flames.
- Check that the room is properly ventilated, avoid inhaling or ingesting the glue, and avoid its contact with your skin
NOTE: FOR MAJOR REPAIRS, TAKE YOUR BOAT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO CAN PERFORM AFTER SALES SERVICE
For repair products, click here.
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
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You can easily repair your inflatable kayak and its minor punctures (1cm or less), be it either in Hypalon or in Strongan/PVC fabric. Read basic repair instructions below, but when performing simple repairs follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Always use safety equipment. Seek a professional repair station for complete details, instructions and materials.
For larger repairs, consult your authorized dealer.
To know the fabric of your inflatable kayak, check the buoyancy tube’s vertical seams or contact your local seller/dealer.
HAND-GLUED SEAMS = HYPALON FABRIC
Traditional assembly method for hypalon fabric. The 2 panels are glued, one covering the other. You will only see part of fabric that covers the other section.
THERMOBONDED SEAMS = STRONGAN FABRIC
Robotized hot assembly technique: two layers of fabric are welded between an exterior reinforcement band and an interior airtight band. What you see is the exterior band, with 2 borders.
REPAIR KIT
Cleaning:
- Hypalon fabric: rough the material with the pumice stone provided (never use solvent)
- Strongan fabric: Grease remover of the MEK or acetone type. Use safety equipment.
Repairing:
- Fabric patch (use correct fabric for your boat)
- Tube of special glue, ready for use: check with your dealer that you use the suitable glue
- Small paint brush
CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR A SUCCESSFUL REPAIR
- Relative humidity less that 60%
- Temperature between 18 and 25°C (64.4 and 77°F)
- Avoid carrying out repairs in direct sunlight or rain
- Check that the buoyancy tube is fully deflated and lies flat
PREPARATION
- Cut out a round patch at least 5 cm larger than the hole or cut to be repaired
- Draw around the shape of the patch exactly where it will be applied on the boat
- Clean the damaged part of the boat and the corresponding side of the patch
- Strongan fabric: with a grease remover of the alcohol type
- Hypalon fabric: with the pumice stone only
- Allow to dry for 5 minutes
GLUING
- Apply 3 thin layers of glue on both the patch and the roughened area on the boat and let dry for 5 to 10 minutes between each layer until tacky
PUTTING ON THE PATCH
- When the 3rd layer is dry, apply the patch without pressing and adjust the position if required
- Press out the air bubbles which may have formed under the patch
- Smooth the patch with a round object (ie: a spoon) starting from the center of the patch and working out
- Clean the excess glue with a solvent
USE OF BOAT AFTER REPAIR
- Do not expose the repair to sun or rain until cured
- Let dry and cure for 24 hours before inflating
CAUTION !
When using the glue :
- Carefully replace the cap on the tube of glue. If properly sealed, it keeps well.
- Do not leave the tube in the sun or next to heat sources or direct flames.
- Check that the room is properly ventilated, avoid inhaling or ingesting the glue, and avoid its contact with your skin
NOTE: FOR MAJOR REPAIRS, TAKE YOUR KAYAK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO CAN PERFORM AFTER SALES SERVICE
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
The buoyancy tube of your inflatable kayak is likely made of fabric using plastomer PVC or neoprene/hypalon rubber. Inflatable kayak maintenance is generally easy but essential.
Clean it every month: (if used extensively) but recommended seasonally before storing for the winter.
NEVER USE STRONG DETERGENTS (ACID, TRICHLORETHYLENE, MINERAL SPIRIT) OR SILICONE-BASED PRODUCTS TO CLEAN YOUR INFLATABLE KAYAK.
Inflate the buoyancy tube
Open the self bailer and wash the boat with a hose to remove sand and other particles
Remove the floor or floorboards where applicable
Clean all grime, stains, etc (use products from your dealer if required)
Check all inflatable sections for leaks, with foamy soap and water
Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly
NEVER USE HIGH PRESSURE CLEANING EQUIPMENT. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BOAT
When deflating your inflatable kayak
Check that the valves and gaskets are clean and not damaged
Check to ensure the self bailer is not clogged
A 20% air pressure loss in a 24 hours period is normal.
Only address more serious air leakages: ie: .25 PSI in 5 hours
If you have a problem with an air leakage: first, check all valves are intact and in closed position (nothing clogging the valve).
Do not hesitate to contact your dealer for brand specific information.
Storage of your inflatable kayak
When storing your inflatable kayak, keep it in a clean and dry place that is not affected from major variations in temperature and other damaging environmental factors. You may store the boat deflated and rolled up or lightly inflated. If you own an inflatable with a removable tubeset, take it off for easier, more thorough cleaning. You may store the tubeset on or off the boat.
FOR LONG TERM STORAGE IN THE SUN (ESPECIALLY IN TROPICAL REGIONS), PROTECT YOUR BOAT WITH A COVER.
RODENTS CHEW ON FABRIC INCLUDING INFLATABLE KAYAK MATERIAL. STORE AWAY FROM RODENTS (RATS AND MICE).
View inflatable kayak products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
Zodiac’s creative genius has led it to patent a great many of its products, accessories and exclusive models. For this reason, their brand has been chosen as our demonstration unit for this section.
As the world’s leading manufacturer of inflatable boats, Zodiac originated many of the major concepts that have led to modern development of the inflatable like the inflatable keel, the Futura hull, the H2P inflated floor and the Ribster. Paralleling this, it has patented many of its original technical features: ie. the removable tube and adjustable oarlocks. These assembly methods for accessories (hand rail, stoppers) and advanced industrial technology are best illustrated by the way the transom is welded to the inflatable structure.
Because it belongs to a dynamic international industrial conglomerate. Zodiac has the technological ability to constantly develop new techniques using the latest high tech materials. For you, this is a guarantee that the boat you have chosen is better designed, better equipped, more efficient; a real asset!
Winning features, identifying signs
Inflatable keel, partially recessed valves. full length floorboard are the signs of a real Zodiac, the world leader, whose major characteristics have often been copied.
Inflatable Keel
Patented by Zodiac, this additional air chamber situated between the floor and the bottom creates a hull shape giving secure, comfortable handling characteristics.
Towing Rings
Oversized, stainless steel, towing rings capable of withstanding pulling forces of up to 1/2 ton, they are correctly positioned for efficient towing using a “V” system.
Semi-recessed Valves
Patented by Zodiac. Provides for quick inflation/deflation, allows easy adjustment of the pressure and is doubly airtight. Gives a continuous pressure reading when equipped with a valve pressure gaug
Internal Bulkhead
Totally sealing one compartment from the other, its conical floating shape equalizes the pressure in the tubeset.
Rubbing Strakes
Protecting the boat from bumps and knocks and the passengers from spray, Zodiac is the only manufacturer to have perfected the fitting of rubbing strakes by a welding procedure. The majority of Zodiac boats benefit from this system.
Floor With Rail System
Designed for fast easy assembly and strengthened by stringers, this aluminum framed floor features an integrated rail system, exclusive to Zodiac, which allows the fitting of accessories and the tying down of equipment.
Carrying Handles
Ergonomically designed to allow a good comfortable grip, these handles are positioned in carefully studied places to make carrying easier.
Marine Ply Transom
Carrying the weight of the motor and the large forces and vibrations it generates, the transom is designed to cope with extreme stresses.
Reinforced Cone Ends
Efficiently protect one heavily attacked zone of the boat.
Self-bailer
Using a non-return diaphragm system, simply remove the plug when under way and any water in the boat is quickly drained.
Thermo-bonding, Marine ply transom, Strongan™ Duotex*, Floor with rail system, Internal bulkhead, Towing, rings, Reinforced cone ends, Self-bailer, Semi-recessed valve, Carrying handles, Rubbing strakes, Inflatable keel
Thermobonding
Exclusive to ZODIAC, a robotized hot assembly technique originating from the aeronautical industry. Much stronger and more precise than old fashioned hand-glued methods, the resulting seams are virtually indestructible.
Marine ply transom
Carrying the weight of the motor and the large forces and vibrations it generates, the transom is designed to cope with extreme stresses.
Strongan™ Duotex
High performance fabric, exclusive to ZODIAC, Strongan™ is a 3rd generation plastomer which bonds impervious inner and outer layers to a dense polyester support cloth. It resists cuts and abrasions and is easily repairable in the unlikely event of a puncture.
Floor with rail system
Designed for fast easy assembly and strengthened by stringers, this aluminium framed floor features an integrated rail system, exclusive to Zodiac, which allows the fitting of accessories and the tying down of equipment.
Internal bulkhead
Totally sealing one compartment from the other, its conical floating shape equalizes the pressure between them.
Towing rings
Oversized, stainless steel, towing rings capable of handling pulling forces of up to 1/2 tonne, they are correctly positioned for efficient towing using a “V” system.
Reinforced cone ends
Efficiently protect one heavily attacked zone of the boat.
Self-bailer
Using a non-return diaphragm system, simply remove the plug when under way and any water in the boat is quickly evacuated.
Semi-recessed valve
Patented by ZODIAC, this system provides for quick inflation/deflation, allows easy adjustment of the pressure, is doubly airtight and well protected against sand and other debris. All this while being comfortable for passengers. When equipped with a valve cap pressure gauge you have a continuous pressure reading.
Carrying handles
Ergonomically designed to allow a good comfortable grip, these handles are positioned in carefully studied places to make carrying easier.
Rubbing strakes
Protecting the boat from bumps and knocks and the passengers from spray.
Inflatable keel
This additional air chamber situated between the floor and the bottom creates a hull shape giving secure, comfortable handling characteristics.
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.
Inflatable Boat Basic Repair Information and Procedures
posted by The Captain @ 11:06 AM
Thursday, October 20, 2011
If you are attempting to repair small rips or holes, or even adding small accessories to your inflatable boat; it is important to follow factory gluing instructions closely.
Rips or holes larger than one inch in the air chamber or within two inches of a seam should be repaired with internal and external patches by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility. A quick patch repair may solve your problem for a short period of time, but we recommend you have it redone by a professional.
We recommend that major repairs and the addition of large accessories such as oar locks, seating or towing rings be done by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility.
If your boat is still under warranty and you are experiencing a seam failure the wooden transom separating from the molded transom flanges or tubeset; or the fabric is turning yellow and sticky, call your dealer immediately. Defective seams or sticky fabric result in complete warranty coverage and you may receive a new boat for free or at a small prorated fee.
If you plan to attempt a small repair, click here for repair kit information, glue and more.
View inflatable boat products, accessories and other innovative boat and marine products here.