How do i fix this?

[shoestring]

I need some advice please i've just aquired this little Avon Typhoon complete with a multitude of leaks along the seams, its been patched before but some of those have started leaking again. I've got some pvc material a bit like a very light grade tarpaulin and i'm thinking of cutting it into strips to go over the top of the seam all round? to bond it would i be ok using sikaflex/polyurethane adhesive (strong but still a bit bendy) or do i need some of the 2 part adhesive that i've used to patch hypalon but for plastic? I'd be grateful for any tips or suggestions on the best way to tackle this thanks all!

[Bighag7]

Hi Mate,
The key here is to be thorough and take your time. Make sure you have the correct material either Hypolon or PVC according to what your boat is made of.
You need to use two part for a really good bond, don't use Sikaflex it's not permanent enough to really glue things together and is more of a sealant than adhesive.
Make sure you sand or "key in" the material that is to be glued, then clean it with thinners.
Use three layers of glue on the patch and surface and wait 20 mins between each application.
After all three are almost dry, then attach the patch.
As for all the niggly leaks that may be too difficult to fix, there is a Marine version of the stuff you put in bike innertubes specifically for inflatables.
As for covering the seams, use it as a last resort after trying the "innertube" solution.
If your still having problems and a pro is too expensive, you may have to write it off.

[shoestring]

Thanks for the reply Bighag i've only gone and bought sikaflex today thinking that was the way forward (arse) back to the drawing board i guess!

[Bighag7]

Don't worry, it's still good stuff for transom work so hang on to it. Get some two-part on Ebay for a fiver. There's also material on there too.

[chewy]

I'd bin it.

You need to find out if its PVC or hypalon, then buy the respective glue and thinners, two coats will do letting them go tacky/dry once the patch is on roller is hard to make sure it takes.

What gave you the idea of using sikaflex.......

[shoestring]

Hi Chewy its PVC

reference the sikaflex the leaks are coming from the middle of the little white strip shown in the 2nd pic this overlaps where the tube meets the floor and its stitched all the way along seemingly into the bottom part of the tube? don't quite understand how it works thought they were just like rib tubes bonded onto a plastic floor? where it leaks is where the stitchings broke anyway i've squidged a small bead of sika into/along a small section of the deepest part of the stitching/crevice (excuse the rude word) and its held it? so i thought if i could sika a pvc overlay strip on top of the whole white strip it might work but like you say i think its heading for the bin

[mike_1985]

Are you sure that is a Avon , I have a typhoon like that and I think its a Bombard not Avon