The Fitch Rubber 'How To' Guide On
Inflatable Boat
Floor Repairs
This is for the general repair of PVC Inflatable boats. If you are unsure as to whether your craft has PVC or Hypalon pontoons, please consult the retailer whom you purchased the boat from. If all else fails give us a call.
This is a guide only.
This can be a problem with older inflatables, with the floor coming away from the pontoons. Don't worry as this can be easily fixed with readily available adhesives (from Fitch Rubber), cleaning solutions and a few free hours of your time.
What you will need: a suitable PVC heat activated adhesive, Glue Brush, Clean cloth, M.E.K or suitable cleaner (to chemically clean the surface to be glued), Hair dryer or Hot air gun, Large spoon & Ice cream sticks.
Step 1 Even though the floor has come away so far, it's advisable to continue pulling gently on the floor until you've found where the glue has strength and is holding the floor. Leaving the floor with weakened glue will only cause further problems the next time you're out on the water. |
Step 2 Prepare the surface to be glued by removing any old flaky adhesive and clean with M.E.K (chemical solvent). This assists in removing dirt and also softens the fabric ready for the new glue. It's easier to keep the pontoons inflated during the whole floor repair process. |
Step 3 Apply the adhesive with a paint brush in thin coats. Apply to both surfaces,keeping both fabrics apart. Allow to fully dry - 20 mins to half hour. Once dry, apply a second coat of glue to both surfaces. Again, let the glue fully dry before proceeding. |
Step 4 So as not to cause any wrinkles in the fabric, it isadvisable to first tack the four points (1) pictured. Then proceed to tack the midway points (2). Use the old glue lines as a reference. |
Step 5 The glue will activate at around 30 Degrees C. Just a few seconds with a heat gun or hair dryer will suffice. Heating only in small areas will be more manageable. |
Step 6 Use the back of a large spoon to press the fabric together. Take care trying not to cause wrinkles on the fabric. |
Step 7 Continue to heat in sectors and press the fabric together. |
Step 8 Outer floor completed. Now flip the boat over to start on the inner repair. |
Step 9 Follow the same process as previous. Clean with solvent, 2 coats of glue (allowing dry time in between), allow to fully dry. Ice cream sticks will assist in keeping the fabric apart whilst drying. |
Step 10 Same process again. Heat gently and press the fabric together. Once fully complete, let stand for an hour and your inflatable is now ready again for the water. |