Tube woes, any ideas

ollyit · 29 April 2013, 12:23

Guys Im helping a friend with their rib, tubes are going down pretty fast, Im pretty sure air is leaking from the top of the tube through the weave, its pretty worn agreed, Im thinking a huge section of hyperlon across the lot, the same colour, any other ideas - a retube is not financially viable..

thanks all

Pete7 · 29 April 2013, 12:48

Proper option, scrap them and fit new ones. Cheap option, cover them up with hyperlon on the top or something none slip and accept that in 5 years you need new ones.

Some grey hyperlon even thin stuff might be a good colour match and look if its supposed to be there. Nasher did it to his with a sheet I gave him.

Pete

Pete7 · 29 April 2013, 12:49

One other thought, paint the rest of the tube with flexi paint and carefully mask off the rubbing strip etc using a good brush or paint pad might make the appearance better.

Pete

paulbrown22 · 29 April 2013, 16:33

My Ribtec was in a similar state when I bought it, although wasn't actually leaking.

Look like you might already be doing it, but you should be able to prove/pinpoint the leaks using copious amounts of fairy liquid/water to create a nice foam to display the escaping bubbles!

Because my tubes weren't actually leaking, and other than certain areas on the very top, were in excellent condition, I decided to go for some recovering to begin with. Even if that only makes it last a couple more years before a complete retube, I decided it was worth it.

Pics from my before and after are here: http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/wear-pat...tec-51117.html . I had my bow (the worst bit) professionally done by Scott at RibRepair, as I thought getting round the curve and keeping it flat would be beyond my skills!

Now looking at adding some Treadmaster wear patches to some of the smaller, flat sections myself over the Summer when the sun's out.

Regards,

Paul

Christopher · 29 April 2013, 17:32

What make and model is the boat. Might be able to help with some surplus tubes??

mister p · 29 April 2013, 17:36

Tube liners might be an idea?

mister p · 29 April 2013, 20:15

Try these.
Gemini did something a while back

Maximus · 29 April 2013, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

What make and model is the boat. Might be able to help with some surplus tubes??

Now..That would Be a RESULT Olly!

Poly · 29 April 2013, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister p

Try these.
Gemini did something a while back

Anyone considering this option, please use the search tool - "inner tubes" should find you something...

mick · 29 April 2013, 20:49

Just get Chris to sort it at Henshaws did a superb job on mine

PeterM · 29 April 2013, 21:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

Just get Chris to sort it at Henshaws did a superb job on mine

Defo...if you can stretch to new tubes it'll add proper value and transform the boat.

If Chris has some surplus tubes that could fit.....beg steal and borrow the money to get them if at all possible.

willk · 29 April 2013, 21:38

ollyit, can you actually see evidence of air loss through the worn areas? If so then a hypalon patch section might be a solution for a year or so. If not, I'd keep looking for the leak. I've seen tubes that worn that didn't leak quickly...

ollyit · 29 April 2013, 21:50

thanks all for you usefull replies, some real food for thought there, I'll go have another reply at the weekend and report my findings

Bigmuz7 · 29 April 2013, 22:13

I was on the horns of this dilemma a year ago... The trouble is, you just fix one bit and the next bit along goes.. That was fine when it was seams I could manage but then it was the sponson cone that scooped and filled most of the port tube with water, fine at 20 knots

but not so good when you stop and go ...um .... I paid for new uns, and I'm glad I did... It 'is' like a new boat

Rogue Wave · 30 April 2013, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by ollyit

Guys Im helping a friend with their rib, tubes are going down pretty fast, Im pretty sure air is leaking from the top of the tube through the weave, its pretty worn agreed, Im thinking a huge section of hyperlon across the lot, the same colour, any other ideas - a retube is not financially viable..

thanks all

WE'VE BEEN THERE BEFORE BUD

SO YOU KNOW THE KINDA TIME YOU CAN BE WASTING.. SCUSE CAPS.

is the weave exposed by friction/abrasion ie mooring rope or delamination /polymerisation

Maximus · 30 April 2013, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

Just get Chris to sort it at Henshaws did a superb job on mine

Surely Did That Mick...'Bouncer' Certainly Looks the Part Now!