fitting inner tubes?

[GrahamN]

Hi I am new to this forum. I am a member of a diving club and we own a 6.5meter Tornado which is now 18years old the tubes are all going down.We have patched the only leak we can find but all the compartments apear to slowly leak. It has been sugested that we fit inner tubes inside our existing tubes. Has any body done this ad is it a simple DIY job?

Thanks Graham.

[Neanderthaler]

I have never heard of inner tubes before, Wat you can do is put a tube sealant in the tubes, that wil close small holes.

You can get it form your local inflatable dealer i suppose or look at http://www.tidel.biz/ ...

[Nasher]

You can indeed fit inner tubes, but unless they are manufactured specifically for your model boat the bad fit can make the tubes look awful, and to have them made may cost just as much a as a new set of tubes.

I suggest you contact Paul Tilley or any of the other tube manufacturers on here for a quote for both methods.

Nasher.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by GrahamN

Hi I am new to this forum. I am a member of a diving club and we own a 6.5meter Tornado which is now 18years old the tubes are all going down.We have patched the only leak we can find but all the compartments apear to slowly leak. It has been sugested that we fit inner tubes inside our existing tubes. Has any body done this ad is it a simple DIY job?

Thanks Graham.

Graham - I am guessing the person who suggested this may be thinking of the Gemini Industries inner tubes. See: http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14338

You should be aware that Gemini industries do not have the best reputation on here - and it would be worth searching the site before spending any cash with them!

[yorfuoj]

I think it is not a bad idea, the price has nothing common with a good re-tubing !

I have the idea of making the same kind of inner chambers, but made with the light hypalon fabric used to make the baffles, it is much more elastic than that used for external skin

[jyasaki]

The one inner bladder system I've seen (don't recall the brand now) required the existing valve be removed, and a rather large slit and a hole be cut in each chamber to be lined. The slit was to work the bladder into the tube, and the hole was for the valve to stick out. I think you then patched the slit, partially inflated the inner bladder, and then had a lengthy process getting things to sit right.

Didn't sound like all that much of a winner to me, but I didn't need tube repairs at the time, either.

jky

[PeterR]

You mentioned it keeps going down and you cant find the leaks have you checked everywhere if not would it be worth dropping it off to Paul Tilley or Henshaws for a repair quote(i know divers hate spending money on the boat)

[yorfuoj]

I remember an italian rib, seen at Genoa Boat Show in the years ...? with inner chambers

[Tim M]

Those Gemini Industries products are rubbish.