GMB
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2012
- Messages
- 41
- Location
- US
- Vessel Name
- Joy Shared
- Vessel Make
- Gulfstar 44 Motor Cruiser
I'd like to know what kind of success others have had repairing seams on PVC (not Hypalon) inflatables.
I have a Zodiac roll-up inflatable with full, segmented floor and inflatable keel. I purchased it new and used it less than a dozen times in two years. I've always assembled and stowed the boat myself using only the foot pump provided for inflation and I've stored it inside.
The floor began to debond from the pontoons beginning at the stem and working back. Of course this happened in relatively open water with my wife and daughter on board. The pontoons are intact and hold air just fine.
I took to a small business that specializes in inflatables and got an estimate of $500.00 for a repair with 3 month guarantee. I've also seen adhesives for the DIYer. I have enough experience with contact adhesives to proceed cautiously.
How many have seen this failure?
Has anyone experienced success procuring or doing this kind of repair?
If so, what materials and processes appeared to contributed to the end result?
With or without specific applicable experience, what is your WAG as to why the seams within the pontoons are just fine and floor to pontoon seams fail so early?
I have a Zodiac roll-up inflatable with full, segmented floor and inflatable keel. I purchased it new and used it less than a dozen times in two years. I've always assembled and stowed the boat myself using only the foot pump provided for inflation and I've stored it inside.
The floor began to debond from the pontoons beginning at the stem and working back. Of course this happened in relatively open water with my wife and daughter on board. The pontoons are intact and hold air just fine.
I took to a small business that specializes in inflatables and got an estimate of $500.00 for a repair with 3 month guarantee. I've also seen adhesives for the DIYer. I have enough experience with contact adhesives to proceed cautiously.
How many have seen this failure?
Has anyone experienced success procuring or doing this kind of repair?
If so, what materials and processes appeared to contributed to the end result?
With or without specific applicable experience, what is your WAG as to why the seams within the pontoons are just fine and floor to pontoon seams fail so early?