Bombard 380 - first day out and some questions?

[Scarlet-Jester]

First day out on Sunday. Went down to Poole harbor and conditions were ideal for a first run. Filled her up with the entire family, chilly bin for lunch and the obligatory buckets and spades. Went well overall but she would not get onto the plane and when you gave her some throttle the floor would push up at the back. I am presuming due to a lack of pressure in the floor. The standard foot pump seems completely inadequate as after over an hours pumping did not seem to make anything harder. On emptying out the water before getting her on the trailer I found a small line of bubbles coming out of the floor right on the middle of the seam between the two sections – seems to be the thinnest part. I think she has been run like this for a while as one of the floor straps has torn off the hull completely and the other (both at the rear) is coming off as well - signs of a very poor repair being undertaken. Motor went very well although not able to open it right up but didn’t miss a beat.

She seemed to take on quite a bit of water and on close inspection there is signs of silicone at the back where the transom meets the floor and hull but only on the port side. The elbow/circular (?) patch on the outside of the transom has defiantly come away and will be letting water in. A few repairs to make!

Few questions.
1. How would you repair the original seams? Would you remove the offending section/piece/patch and re-glue? Or put more on over the top?
2. I presume detecting leaks is a matter of using soapy water and looking for bubbles?
3. Would I use the same glue for re-attaching the floor toggle as I would for patching?
4. What solvent do I use to remove old glue?
5. Should I expect any ‘bending’ of the tube areas around the transom under throttle, or is this a lack of pressure as well?
6. I presume to detect water leaks you put water in the boat and look to see where it comes out?

Thanks in advance!

[Max...]

For the pump (if it is not one of the ones with various positions for 'volume' and 'high pressure' get one of the double action stirrup pumps from a camping shop - under £10. With air floor SIBS the correct pressure is crucial - use a guage as this will really help get it right.

However, even with under-inflated tubes a 25 HP should literally fly along - how many adults on board? Weight distribution according to speed is essential on a SIB to get the most out of them but again a 25HP gives you more freedom with this...

[Scarlet-Jester]

Originally Posted by Max...

For the pump (if it is not one of the ones with various positions for 'volume' and 'high pressure' get one of the double action stirrup pumps from a camping shop - under £10. With air floor SIBS the correct pressure is crucial - use a guage as this will really help get it right.

However, even with under-inflated tubes a 25 HP should literally fly along - how many adults on board? Weight distribution according to speed is essential on a SIB to get the most out of them but again a 25HP gives you more freedom with this...

We had 2 adults and 3 kids. Total weight of the kids is about 50 kgs so equivalent to one man and two ladies. Had my wife and the smallest on the seat and the other two at the bow, fuel tank under the seat. As soon as I opened her up the back section just started to lift up into the boat so I backed off. Front seemed to get out of the water OK.

[Scarlet-Jester]

Did the soapy water test on the floor section tonight to find holes. Uncovered a few leaks on the lateral seams between the top and bottom sections which should be relatively easy to patch. Biggest nightmare is that there is air escaping from the stitching that holds the two sides together at the bow end of the floor. To boot there are some holes under the webbing that joins the sections on the top side! That is going to be a mighty challenge to fix!

Does anybody have experience of the inflatable boat sealant sold at the Rib Shop? All these holes are small and I thought after repair this may be a useful addition.

[Nasher]

Originally Posted by Scarlet-Jester

Did the soapy water test on the floor section tonight to find holes. Uncovered a few leaks on the lateral seams between the top and bottom sections which should be relatively easy to patch. Biggest nightmare is that there is air escaping from the stitching that holds the two sides together at the bow end of the floor. To boot there are some holes under the webbing that joins the sections on the top side! That is going to be a mighty challenge to fix!

Repairing the seam in the floor isn't the easiest of repairs but can be done.
Have a read through my thread below to see my take on it.
Introducing The Smaller Nashers 380 Aerotec

Originally Posted by Scarlet-Jester

Does anybody have experience of the inflatable boat sealant sold at the Rib Shop? All these holes are small and I thought after repair this may be a useful addition.

General opinion is that it's not a good idea in airdecks, as it will glue together the cross fibres and the deck will be misshapen.
I was warned of this by the tech department of a US manufacturer of a similar product, one that is specifically formulated to allow deflation and packing up of the boat between use.

Nasher.

[bigscott]

Ive had over 40 stone in my 380 and planed easily with the 25 2stroke on the back.

The 380 becomes a pig when the floor goes soft this is my only gripe with the sib.

[jsrmacleod]

Originally Posted by bigscott

Ive had over 40 stone in my 380 and planed easily with the 25 2stroke on the back.

The 380 becomes a pig when the floor goes soft this is my only gripe with the sib.

So, Level with us, was that just you on your 380 or was there someone else there with you
Sorry, couldn't help myself

[bigscott]

Aha Im a porker but not that big lol 21 stone of the 40 was me the rest was my mate and fishing/diving gear

[bingosucks]

nice setup jester ! hope you get it sorted ...where abouts in poole is the photo taken ?

[Derisher]

Originally Posted by bingosucks

nice setup jester ! hope you get it sorted ...where abouts in poole is the photo taken ?

Shell bay(also known as South Haven), just outside the harbour. The chain ferry is in the background.