PVC Inflatable Repair

[A Frayed Knot]

Would appreciate comments or advice on reattaching sections of my inflatable dinghy that have separated. Have tried both West Marine adhesive and HH-66, neither of which held together very long when towed.

 

[Shrew]

IMHO, glued and welded PVC was never really designed to be used for towing.

Aluminum hulled ribs are really the best inflatable dinghies for towing since there is a stout pad-eye welded into the aluminum hull.

Fiberglass ribs with a through-bolted pad-eye and a small backing plate would be the next step down in preference.

 

[A Frayed Knot]

Thanks much for your comments. I should have stated that my inflatable is fiberglass rigid hull with tow eye fixed to the rigid portion.

 

[ssobol]

You need to follow the gluing instructions closely. IME, gluing inflatable boats requires the right environment (temp and humidity) while gluing and curing for a good bond. Doing it outside in GA in the summer are not the right conditions (if that's where you did it).

Reputable repair places have climate controlled areas for doing inflatable repairs.

 

[BruceK]

Never had any trouble with the glued welded seams on my all pvc (no f/g or al. bottom) at the bow,the problems were all at the aft end,and I suspect o/b motor forces were involved.
I did a lot of repair work on mine,10years old, before getting a new one. Towing advice from mfr was a bridle attaching at the 2 tubes, not from the central lifting/towing eye. I followed that, no probs. Made up my own bridle, very easy, using snap shackles to attach to the eyes.
Picking up on the f/g hull aspect, is the problem getting adhesion on the hull. Better prep? Good luck with it. How old is it?Imo they have a lifespan.

 

[Puffin_NT32]

Note that one-part PVC adhesive packed in repair kits is intended for temporary repairs. For permanent repairs use a 2-part PVC glue like Poly Marine 3026 Adhesive.

 

[neworleansrich]

For PVC the best glue is Clifton's available from Jacks Plastic Welding...google it.