Well      06/17/2019

Do-it-yourself repair of rubber boats. It's easy to tear, but it's hard to glue, how to repair a rubber boat

Do you need an urgent repair of a rubber boat? In this case, glue, which is designed specifically for gluing rubberized things, will be an excellent helper.

Today, there are a huge number of adhesives on the market, but it can be difficult to choose among them really high-quality ones.

Each glue has a number of features and, of course, disadvantages. Many are accustomed to arguing on this topic, because they are extremely convinced that with the help of glue it is almost impossible to seal all the tears and punctures in a rubber boat.

What kind of glue to glue the rubber boat?

Before answering the main question, some important features glue for a rubber boat, which will help determine the right choice suitable remedy.

So, some tips, subject to which, you can choose a really high-quality glue:

  • Don't pay attention to the cheap ones. glue options, after all, there is a huge probability that instead of such a necessary assistant you will get an incomprehensible mixture. Such a substance not only does not stick together cracks, but can even harm rubber.
  • If you want to seal a rubber boat for a long time or even permanently, then you should never buy superglue (cyanoacrylate glue). Of course, he will glue all the tears on the boat within a few minutes, however, believe that you will not enjoy the integrity of the boat for long.
  • Choose an adhesive with high temperature resistance.
  • If there is a choice between special and universal glue, feel free to give your preference to the first option.
  • When gluing the boat, remember that water and humidity are bad.
  • The main criterion for choosing the right adhesive will be its non-stickiness. There is an opinion that the higher the stickiness of the glue, the less durable it is.

An excellent option for gluing boats is rubber glue, most often which comes with the boat. If this was not the case, in this case, you can purchase black glue with the name "Radical".

Such glue is distinguished by availability, strength and good water resistance. When choosing an adhesive for a rubber boat, many also prefer polychloroprene adhesives.

And most importantly: always when buying a special glue, pay attention to its composition, which is indicated directly on the package.

Pay special attention to the heat resistance of the adhesive. The higher the heat resistance, the better the sold product.

Rubber boat repair

Repairing a rubber boat is a rather complicated process, but as practice shows, only for beginners.

If you have previously found yourself face to face with a holed boat, then re-repairing the waterfowl will not be a big problem for you.

First of all, it is necessary to understand exactly where exactly you need to start repairing rubber boats. So, first you need to prepare Additional materials and devices that will definitely help you when gluing cracks or gaps.

You will need:

  1. Small (the size of the crack) pieces of rubber that are suitable for patches;
  2. Specialized rubber adhesive.

Before repairing, you first need to find out exactly where the leak has formed. And for this, it is necessary to pump up the boat with air and go down into the water.

Why do it? Such simple actions will help you quickly find a leak and all puncture sites. They will definitely show themselves in small bubbles.

When the places of punctures and cracks are found, it is necessary to blow off the boat and you can safely proceed to direct repairs. To start, choose quality material, which in all respects is suitable for patches.

It is from this material that small pieces will be cut. Interesting advice from experienced craftsmen: the pieces of rubber should be slightly larger than the main hole in order to completely cover it.

Moreover, the edges need to be rounded. This will help to further protect the boat from any waste of the glued fabric.

For strong bonding, the surface of the boat is rubbed with fine-grained sandpaper. Such a simple technique is needed in order for the surface of the rubber boat to become a little rough.

In this case, you can ensure a sufficiently strong bonding of the rubber piece directly to the boat. To repair a rubber boat, it is best to use the glue that came with it in the kit.

If this did not turn out, then you can safely buy glue called "Radical" or any other polychloroprene glue.

For a more durable bonding of rubber surfaces, a few simple tips should be remembered.

  1. In order for the rubber patch to adhere more firmly to the boat, it is necessary to degrease them by any method.. The best thing suitable gasoline, acitone, solvent.
  2. Notice that the cracks on the boat are too big? In this case, tighten the gaps with strong nylon threads. This will provide good enough protection.
  3. When bonding rubber surfaces, different adhesives can be used. Many of them require additional drying during operation, with which a regular hair dryer can easily help you.
  4. When working with glue, it is strongly recommended to ventilate the room well, or work directly on the street. However, there are a few other things to consider important factors. For example, one of these is air humidity, which should not exceed 60%.

Ignoring these rules can lead to a very sad result.

Moreover, if you are gluing in the sun, at temperatures over 16 degrees, or with greasy hands, then you can not even count on a well-glued boat.

How to glue the bottom?

The main part of the boat is the bottom. It is it that is most often subjected to mechanical damage.

In order to glue the bottom back to the boat, you also need to follow some rules.

First of all, the damaged bottom must be completely torn off the body of the boat, then warm it up with a hair dryer and clean it sandpaper.

Your next step will be to glue the sealing tape.

And only then the bottom is attached back. Experienced craftsmen it is recommended to perform all these actions strictly on a very tightly inflated rubber boat.

Now you need to lower the boat and roll all the places that were previously glued, and leave everything in this state for 48 hours.

When working with the bottom, it is worth considering all the basic rules that were previously mentioned.

Popular brands of glue for rubber boats

One of the most popular adhesives today is rubber adhesive brand 4508. It is made on the basis of natural rubber.

The main features of this glue:

  • good stickiness;
  • elasticity of joints;

There is also a polyurethane adhesive that has quite strong adhesive qualities. Glue "Gummi" is made on the basis of rubber and provides excellent water resistance.

Radical

Glue "Radical" is popular among many owners of inflatable rubber boats. It can withstand fairly low temperatures, heavy loads and even salty sea water.

It is based on a solution of rubbers mixed with other solvents.

How to catch more fish?

I have been active fishing for quite some time and have found many ways to improve the bite. And here are the most effective ones:
  1. . Attracts fish in cold and warm water with the help of pheromones included in the composition and stimulates her appetite. It is a pity that Rosprirodnadzor wants to ban its sale.
  2. More sensitive gear. Reviews and instructions for other types of gear you can find on the pages of my site.
  3. Lures using pheromones.
You can get the rest of the secrets of successful fishing for free by reading my other materials on the site.

FAQ

When repairing rubber boats, owners often face difficult moments in the process.

To resolve controversial situations and to find answers to extraordinary questions, most beginners, and even professional fishermen, turn to specialists for help or look for answers on the Internet.

Is it possible to use Moment glue in the repair of rubber boats?

One of the most exciting issues is the possibility of using Momenta glue when repairing a rubber boat.

In fact, the answer to this question is quite simple.

You can use Moment glue when repairing rubber boats.

The main advantages of such a tool are as follows:

  • fast bonding of two surfaces;
  • ease of use.

However, when choosing Moment glue, be prepared for the fact that it is sensitive to high temperatures. Also, it dries instantly when hit with direct sun rays.

Working with him, it will be necessary to perform all the gluing steps very quickly. Moreover, the final effect will also be much to be desired.

A boat glued with Moment glue will not last long, and, most likely, after a while it will fall apart and unstick again. It is for these reasons that it is not recommended to be used by more experienced fishermen.

How to clean old glue from a rubber boat?

It is quite difficult to wash old glue from a rubber boat. It is worth considering the fact that when gluing two surfaces, rubber glue is quickly absorbed into the rubberized surface of the boat itself.

You should also not remove old dried glue with aggressive solvents or other substances if you do not want to permanently ruin the fabric of your own boat.

Shoe glue for rubber boat repair

Some specialists use shoe (nairite) glue to repair a rubber boat. It is mainly used for gluing not only rubber, but also leather, wood, fabric and other materials. It is used for repairs, like the rest.

Does the thought of the upcoming fishing haunt you? In this case, check your boat for mechanical damage as soon as possible.

If you happen to discover small crack or a break, do not be upset. Believe me, with rubber boat glue you can get your boat in order in a short period of time, and at the same time, without much effort.

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Learn more about bait!

Today they produce models with increased strength and reliability in operation. Nevertheless, tissue damage remains one of the most common reasons for contacting repair services. Specialists take a lot of money for their services in restoring the integrity of the watercraft, but in most cases you can perform repair operations yourself. It is enough to use glue for gluing a rubber boat, bought in a store or prepared with your own hands. The main thing in this matter is to choose the right composition so that it not only provides a direct adhesive effect, but also can withstand further loads during the use of the boat. To decide on the best option of this tool, you should familiarize yourself with an overview of the most effective offers on the market.

Compounds based on rubber

Most recommended boats for repair adhesive compositions made with rubber. Such tools have many common advantages, which can be attributed both to ease of use and to the direct function of the adhesive mass. Most inflatable boats are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). There are special models of adhesive preparations for such synthetic fabrics, but boat manufacturers also diversify PVC characteristics, which complicates the selection problem. So, the main advantage that glue for a rubber boat of this type has is versatility. Regardless of the density and texture of the coating, such tools can be used to seal holes and repair seams.

Convenient glue and work with large areas. If, for example, it is necessary to repair several holes or it is planned to work with oblong cuts, then the composition will be comfortable to use due to long-term stickiness. Despite its synthetic origin, rubber boat glue of this type is distinguished by environmental safety. It is non-toxic and harmless to humans. With regard to the retention of viscosity and strength, the high performance of such an adhesive as a binder confirms the successful experience with wood and plastic materials.

Glue for crumb rubber

This is a specific type of adhesive compositions, designed for laying rubberized coatings and paths. In particular, they are used in the arrangement of children's and sports grounds, which in itself speaks of high level reliability. It is advisable to use such glue for rubber boats because of its ability to cushion. That is, if dynamic loads, as a rule, have a destructive effect on the hardened mass of conventional compositions, then the shock-absorbing structure allows them to resist. In addition, funds for crumb rubber have an anti-slip effect.

However, among the disadvantages of this adhesive, the requirements for application conditions should be noted. First of all, it is important to temperature regime. Repair work it is desirable to produce in warm weather. By the way, when determining which glue is better to glue a rubber boat, you should also pay attention to the level of humidity. This applies not only to compositions of this type, but also to all adhesive mixtures. A humidity level of no more than 70% is generally recommended.

One- or two-component adhesive?

Two-component formulations appeared not so long ago. They differ in the possibility of obtaining a better result, and therefore their cost is higher. The final effect is due to the characteristics of the compositions. In the case of one-component products, the adhesive already includes the necessary ingredients, including dispersion bases with hardeners and water. Two-component rubber boat adhesive may include polyester hardeners and compounds, however these should only be mixed prior to use. The setting period can reach 40 minutes, but complete hardening is possible in a day.

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that single-component formulations are more practical to use and cheaper, although their working qualities are inferior to two-component counterparts. Accordingly, if minor damage is planned to be treated, then it makes sense to use a simple rubber boat glue with one functional ingredient. By the way, products based on two components are more often used by professionals.

Will Moment glue be effective?

One of the most popular representatives of polyurethane compositions is Moment glue in a special design. By the way, this is not just a universal tool for gluing PVC fabrics, but a composition for inflatable boats. A feature of this tool is combination work with hard and soft PVC layers. However, if the question is which glue is better for rubber boats, with the presence of polypropylene or polyethylene, then the “Moment” will have to be excluded. In other cases, the use of this composition allows for high bonding strength.

Compared to other polyurethane-based products, this option has increased protection against external influences, in particular against alkalis and acids. At the same time, this rubber boat glue is non-toxic and frost-resistant, which is suitable for fishermen who use boats in cold weather.

What would be the best option?

Among a large number There are certainly options that are better suited to the immediate task of clutching. However, high strength, as a rule, determines the corresponding cost, and cheap products often lose in terms of wear resistance. If we talk about the optimal solution, then the question should be answered as to which glue is used for rubber boats more often than others. It will be a one-component rubber-based compound designed to work with PVC.

Perhaps the most common representative of this group is the 4508 glue. With it, boat owners quickly and without special costs eliminate defects on the surface of the case. The composition of this tool includes rubber and resins, which, in the process of hardening, acquire elasticity and adapt to the structure of the boat fabric.

Do-it-yourself glue preparation

Even the purchase of a high-quality composition in some cases does not relieve the owner of a water transport from additional troubles. The fact is that the preparation of the composition often requires the use of auxiliary components already at the place of work. So, among experienced fishermen, the question of whether to use gasoline for a rubber boat is quite popular. Actually, gasoline in this case will only act as a component that complements the rubber base of rubber. To begin with, the rubber is cut into small strips, after which it is poured fuel mixture. Next, you should expect swelling of the rubber. Thus, the rubber will dissolve as new portions of gasoline are added until a homogeneous mass is formed. IN ready-made this adhesive can be used not only for PVC, but also for other rubber and synthetic materials.

Boat preparation for repair

The correct implementation of the gluing technique is no less important than the choice of adhesive. But preparation portends this operation. Having decided which glue is best for repairing a rubber boat in a particular case, you can begin to analyze the work ahead. At this stage, an inspection is carried out, and the parameters of cuts, holes, holes and other damage are also identified. If necessary, you can use detergent, which will allow you to detect subtle defects. Further, problem areas are processed with fine-grained sandpaper. This procedure will increase the adhesion of the PVC to the adhesive. After that, you should begin to degrease the damaged area and begin processing with glue.

Seam bonding

Experienced inflatable boat users know that seams are the weakest point. In this case, you have to deal with a tape that runs along the entire length of the seam. All places where it exfoliates must be treated with an abrasive and degreased. Then you can apply rubber boat glue, distributing it evenly along the entire length of the seam. The two mating surfaces should be tightly brought together, providing fixation with a press or fingers. Such areas are difficult precisely because of the convergence problems, since it will be necessary to maintain the fit for several hours or even days.

Features of gluing in the transom

There are some nuances in the repair of the transom. This is the place where the motor is fixed, so the loads on it are considerable. Therefore, the most reliable adhesive for a rubber boat should also be selected - in this case, the compositions are just right. This choice will be optimal both due to the high adhesive function, and due to its ability to glue foreign non-rubber elements. The procedure itself is carried out according to the usual scheme. The site is degreased, after which the composition is applied and, if necessary, auxiliary pressing is organized.

Conclusion

There are many ways and recipes to deal with damage to the hull of an inflatable watercraft. However, rubber boat glue remains the most reliable solution. Do-it-yourself repairs can be done in minutes. Another thing is that special means for PVC require a long drying period. If a suitable high-quality glue was chosen and all the conditions for organizing repairs were met, then it is possible to extend the life of the boat by several years. As experienced fishermen note, often places with patches glued in this way are the most reliable on the entire surface of the boat.

How to glue a rubber boat? A rubber boat is an indispensable thing for every self-respecting angler. Fishing from the shore is far from available everywhere and not always, and therefore the presence of a watercraft greatly simplifies the task for the fisherman. The rubber boat is very convenient in transportation, during the fishing process there is no extra rumble that scares away the fish, and it is also much easier to manage than its wooden or metal "colleagues". Perhaps the only tangible disadvantage of such a boat is its high susceptibility to damage. Careless movement with an oar, an accidental prick with a gaff, or simply pumping the watercraft contribute to damage to the rubber coating. Damage occurs in different ways - from a tiny hole as a result of a prick with a piercing object, to a rather large length of a cut or crack that appears as a result of pumping a watercraft or careless behavior in it. All these damages are very common, so we will now talk about how to seal a rubber boat at home. So, how to seal a rubber boat? First of all, you need to find all existing holes. Each hole, left unattended, under the pressure of air turns into a cut, the material in these places will eventually crack anyway. Finding holes in a boat is easy. We pump up the watercraft and lower it into the water. Air bubbles will come out of each hole. We mark them by inserting matches. There is no need to mark large cuts - they are already noticeable. It is also advisable not to disregard scuffs and peeling of the upholstery. When the boat is inspected, you can begin to repair. Step 2. Cut the patches. It is advisable to cut the patches from the same material from which the craft is made. Some manufacturers provide their recommended material for these purposes, and it is advisable to use it. It is advisable to cut the patches into a rectangular shape, but at the same time round off the corners. Patches of such parameters are cut so that they completely cover the damaged areas. Step 3. Surface treatment. First of all, you need to rub the places near the damage with sandpaper with a large grain. Thus, talcum residues are removed from the surface, and roughness is created. The rough parts of rubber seize with glue faster and stronger. We rub the patches in the same way. Step 4. Sew up the cuts. After the roughness is ensured, we sew all the large cuts in the boat with nylon threads. It is desirable to apply the seams as tightly as possible, this reduces the risk of new damage. After all large cuts are stitched, you can proceed to the degreasing stage. Step 5. Before sticking the boat, all damaged surfaces must be degreased. This is done with acetone, gasoline or ethyl acetate. One of these materials is carefully applied to the rough surface near the hole, as well as to each cut patch. Thus, the material is degreased, the rubber surface swells in a peculiar way, and dust residues remaining after processing with sandpaper are removed. In addition, each of these materials contributes to a better grip of the parts with glue. Step 6. Apply glue. It is advisable to use special glue - which is provided by manufacturers. "Moment", and even more so "SuperGlue" and other quick-setting adhesives are not suitable for our purpose. The recommended boat adhesives do not set as quickly, but in the end we get a high-quality, durable fastening that does not lend itself to air pressure. If glue is not provided with the boat, it is recommended to use rubber adhesives. Glue is applied exclusively to the rough surface of the boat, no glue is applied to the patch. Glue is applied in 2 layers. First, carefully, using the well-known glue brush, apply the first thin layer of glue and let it dry. Depending on the conditions, the rubber adhesive can dry from 10 to 30 minutes. Using a knife or pencil, check whether the glue has dried or not. When the glue has dried, the second layer of glue is applied in the same way. Without allowing the second layer of glue to dry, a patch is applied. We take the patch with both hands, and evenly, carefully, avoiding wrinkling, apply it to the glue. Everything must be done carefully, because after applying the patch to the surface covered with glue, it will not be possible to change its position. When the patch is applied, with our thumbs we level it over the area, smooth out the bumps, thereby removing the remaining air from under the patch. The work is finished. It can be stated that the rubber boat was sealed, but it can be launched into the water no earlier than 2-3 days.

Small punctures and cracks in inflatable boats are common.

The reasons for their formation are different: from improper operation and storage to a banal factory defect.

You can fix minor damage using special glue and patches. But if your favorite "Ufimka" or "Hummingbird" has sold at the seam, then you can not do without a serious repair.

Important gluing points

A thin layer of adhesive 4508 is applied to the patch and the damaged area. It is desirable to place the patch on cardboard and spread it with glue so that the mixture goes beyond it.

This way the patch will not curl when it dries.

After the first coat has reached almost complete drying (approximately 15 minutes), the second should be applied in the same way.

After 10 minutes, the patch must be applied to the puncture site and immediately rolled with something ( glass bottle, spoon, roller). For complete certainty, the place of contact for several hours can be pressed with a heavy press or clamped with clamps.

You can also glue damage with any other glue, just brand 4508 is the most elastic, guarantees good result. In addition, this glue is waterproof, does not dry out and does not crack in the heat.

If you do not find and seal a small hole in time (no matter how small it is), then over time, fixing the problem will require a lot of effort.

Restoration of serious damage

If the "Ufimka", "Volga" or other product has parted along the seam, then the technology for eliminating such damage becomes somewhat more complicated. In these cases, the balloon must be sealed on both sides.

patch for inside must exceed the gap itself by at least 5 cm. Clean and degrease in the usual way, and glue in two stages.

Immediately one half of the gap is smeared from the inside and one half of the patch is similar to the method described above (two layers with a break of 15 minutes).

Using some narrow metal objects, it is important to prevent the sides from touching prematurely. The outer patch should be glued in the usual way.

Large damage and cracks in a rubber boat can be repaired in another way. The cut is sewn with a nylon thread, while the seams should be as close to each other as possible. From above, damage must be sealed with a patch large sizes. The use of a patch from the inside in this case is not required.

To service life inflatable boat was the longest, you need to stick to simple rules operation.

  1. Don't pump the bottles too hard.
  2. It is advisable to store the watercraft in an inflated state.
  3. Try to drag the boat as carefully as possible along the coasts of water bodies, especially in places where there is a risk of mechanical damage.
  4. Limit the contact of the cylinder with sharp objects (when fishing, it is best to use a folding knife, the ends of the anchor must be blunt, etc.)
  5. If any defects are found, they should be glued immediately.
  6. It is advisable to cover the seams and the bottom with a special self-adhesive tape.
  7. Protect from constant exposure to sunlight and frost.

You may also be interested in the material about. We recommend reading about creating an awning for your boat.

None of the avid hunters and fishermen need to be explained that an inflatable rubber boat is a wonderful and convenient thing. However, despite all its undeniable advantages, the "elastic band" is a rather impractical thing. Any snag sticking out of the water, strong overheating in the sun - and your beloved "rubber girlfriend" turns from an assistant and breadwinner into something shapeless and useless. That is why the topic of today's article is rubber repair. Unfortunately, not every novice angler knows how to do it correctly and at no particular cost.

Boat inspection

Do-it-yourself repair of a rubber inflatable boat begins with a thorough inspection for damage. First you need to properly pump all the compartments with air and carefully inspect the craft, listening to the likely hiss of air coming out of the hole.

If it was not possible to detect damage by sound, you need to cover the boat (entirely) step by step with thick soapy foam: where there are holes, the soap will “bubble”. If the damage is found, circle it with a marker or ballpoint pen.

Repairing rubber boats is a simple, but very painstaking task. Even if it seems to you that you have already found all the damage, do not rush. Inspect the entire surface of the boat - there may be scuffs, abrasions, peeling of seam tapes and other damage that could just about disable a clumsily repaired boat. So if you decide to repair the rubber boat yourself, the seams and the bottom should also not be left without your attention. After you are convinced that you have found all the possible damage, you can "bleed" the air and proceed with the repair.

What you need to work

To make the repair easy and the boat serve for a long time, you will need:

  • a piece of patching material, similar to that from which the craft itself is made;
  • fine-grained "sandpaper" for cleaning surfaces;
  • glue for repairing rubber boats - 4508, 4NBuv, 88NT, SV-1-5M, 4010 and others;
  • clean brush for applying glue;
  • solvent for degreasing the surface (alcohol, acetone, Kalosha gasoline); Attention: motor gasoline cannot be used - it contains oil;
  • scissors;
  • ruler;
  • kapron threads;
  • thick needle;
  • pencil, marker or crayon;
  • or household;
  • roller for rolling or any other rounded object - a spoon, a knife handle, a bottle, etc.

We seal the punctures

As already mentioned, the repair of rubber boats begins with a thorough inspection and detection of damage. If a small flaw in the form of a puncture is found, then proceed as follows:

  • measure the diameter of the damage with a ruler and cut out a patch of the appropriate size; pay attention - the size of the patch should be at least 2.5-3 cm larger than the damage site and have rounded corners;
  • we apply a patch to the place of damage and circle it with a marker;
  • with fine sandpaper, carefully but carefully clean the marked place and the lining itself;
  • carefully remove all the resulting debris and dust and degrease the surface well;
  • glue both parts.

There are two ways of gluing - hot and cold, let's look at each of them.

Hot:

  • using a brush, carefully apply glue to the patch and the puncture site; it is best to put a sheet of paper or cardboard under the patch, then its edges will not twist into a roll;
  • wait 15-20 minutes until the glue dries a little, and apply a second layer;
  • again we maintain the prescribed time, usually 10-20 minutes, and heat both surfaces to 50-60 ˚С;
  • now we connect the heated surfaces to each other and strongly press them against each other;
  • using a roller or any rounded object, we roll the entire surface of the patch in order to eliminate excess air;
  • we clamp the repair site into a clamp or press down with any even and heavy object and leave it for final drying for at least 24 hours.

Cold

This method is almost no different from hot, except that the surfaces do not heat up, but are glued to each other cold. This method is used only in cases where it is not possible to produce heating.

Sewing cuts

As you can see, repairing rubber boats is really a simple matter. However, if your rubber assistant is seriously torn, then you will have to make a little more effort to “treat” it.

In the event that the gust or cut on the boat is quite large, then after sanding it must be carefully sewn up. In this case, care must be taken to ensure that the edges of the incision are not pulled together too much.

If the gust has torn edges and it is not possible to sew it up, then gluing must be carried out both from the outside and from the inside. We have already figured out how to apply an external patch, but you will have to tinker with the internal one. To make it more convenient, you need to do this:

  • we smear the patch with glue not completely, but only up to half - this is done in order to make it more convenient to insert it into the hole;
  • carefully place the patch inside the gap, after which it must be pressed, and the place of gluing should be rolled with a roller;
  • after a while, with a brush, coat the second half of the patch; so that the edges do not interfere - they must be carefully lifted and held with a ruler or knife;
  • repeat the gluing procedure;
  • Now glue the top patch in the usual way.

We glue the oarlocks

No repair of rubber boats can do without a thorough revision of the oarlocks. The fact is that this node is subjected to the greatest load during operation and gradually begins to peel off over time.

The gluing process itself is exactly the same as for patches, but there are some subtleties:

  • in order to easily tear off the oarlock, it must be heated with a hair dryer;
  • it is necessary to glue a new spare part when the cylinder is deflated, otherwise the connection will be loose and will not last long.

Replacing the tape

In order to repair a rubber boat along the seam, you will need special tape. It is also easy to re-glue the protective tapes on the cylinder. This is done in a hot way for a better connection of surfaces. There are also some little tricks here:

  • tape for repairing a rubber boat should be cut at an angle of 45˚ and made of;
  • it is best to replace the tape when the cylinder is full - this will avoid deformation after drying, and the seams of the boat will not “lead”.

We repair the bottom

Sometimes it happens that your "rubber girlfriend" requires serious, thorough "treatment". Repair of the bottom of a rubber boat can be attributed precisely to such work. Let's break this rather laborious process into several stages:

  1. First of all, it is necessary to fully inflate the cylinders and mark with a marker the place for gluing the tape and carefully remove it from the outside and from the inside.
  2. With the same marker, mark the location of the bottom and carefully remove it. To make the process as efficient as possible, you need to start from the bow, and for easier separation of the parts, you can use a hair dryer.
  3. Now you need to carefully clean and degrease the surfaces marked with a marker, thereby preparing them for gluing.
  4. We turn the filled cylinders upside down and start gluing a new inner tape. Please note that you only need to glue half the area between the marker marks. Since the boat is upside down, you need to start from the bottom mark and apply glue in a strip to the middle. According to the already familiar technology, the glue is applied twice with a break of 15-20 minutes. You need to start gluing the tape from the bow of the boat, and do this only half of its width.
  5. Now we begin to attach the bottom. Since you need to glue rather large surfaces together, you can divide the work into several stages. First, we connect the surfaces on the bow and stern of the boat, and after that we move on to the sides. Glue, as you remember, is applied twice, with a short break. There is one more small nuance here - when gluing the bottom, you need to carefully monitor that the part of the inner tape left free also sticks to the bottom.
  6. The last step is to stick the protective tape on the outside. Here it is necessary to ensure that the boundaries of the adhesive layer correspond to the width of the tape.

Small details of the process

As you can see, repairing a rubber boat with your own hands is not such an overwhelming task, however, there are some nuances here that are worth remembering:

  • work should be carried out with good ventilation, but you should not do this on the street - there dust and dirt will always get into the place of gluing, the quality of the repair in this case will not be too good;
  • do not start repairs when the air humidity exceeds 60% and the temperature is 25 ˚С; if the temperature drops below 15 ˚С - you need to additionally heat the room;
  • if repairs have to be carried out in field conditions, move the boat to the shade, or rather, build something like an “operating room” out of the tent - this will help protect the damage site from dirt and dust.