Repairing Inflatable Boats

Even though inflatable boats and rafts are very durable, they do still rip, tear, and get punctured from time to time. However, this does not mean that the boat is rendered useless. Minor repairs can be done by the owner, but larger problems may need to be fixed by a professional. What exactly would be classified by major and minor problems? Small punctures and tears less than an inch long would be considered minor. These can be fixed with a patch job and some patience. However, if the rip is larger than an inch or it is within about two inches of a seam, it is highly recommended that a professional fix this problem. Also, any problem that occurs with any of the accessories such as towing rigs, oar locks, etc. should be taken care of by a trained professional as well. When doing quick patch jobs at home, there are some points to keep in mind.

The temperature and humidity of the workspace is vital when attempting to fix an inflatable boat. The boat should be brought inside and the environment closely monitored for a successful fix. The room should be between 64 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity on the low side; less than 70 percent and preferably closer to 40 percent. This is vital for the glue used with inflatable boats.

Preparation is sometimes time consuming, but very worthwhile. That is why it is suggested that the exact work area be marked off with masking tape. This helps to keep glue from getting on other parts of the boat.

Glue used for patch jobs must be used with a stiff bristled brush that is bound with a metal band. A metal or wooden handle is also recommended.

If the spot has been patched before, the old glue needs to be removed completely. This can be done with sandpaper or a solvent.

These are just a few of many tips related to the repair of inflatable boats. As mentioned before, just because inflatable boats and rafts are durable, they are not invulnerable. Tears and holes do occur. However, if there is seam splitting that occurs, it may be a defect in the product. Many manufacturers provide a warranty with their inflatable boats. If that is the case, a seam tear, or other major problem that was not caused by damage to the boat, may be covered under warranty. This can lead to the company replacing the boat for free or a very small charge.