glue floor

harpo · 18 May 2015, 00:08

hello my zodiac fr has started to leak in the floor in four places the leaks are slight. Would gluing a strip of pvc strip on top of the seam underneath be a good idea or would detaching the seam and regluing be the job .
cheers chris

Locozodiac · 18 May 2015, 01:46

If leak is side of seam and small, try cracy glue (instant glue) just a small droplet, let dry. If large and many leaks in a row better detach seam and glue back.

Happy Boating

office888 · 18 May 2015, 13:28

In an ideal world, the floor should be unglued until you reach an area with a strong bond. The old adhesive should be stripped off, then the floor should be reglued back to the same location.

In a less-than-ideal world, I would lay 50-100mm wide strips of material over the existing floor as a reinforcement... it is a much easier option than regluing the floor.

harpo · 19 May 2015, 06:20

Thanks for replies how would you recommend detache the seam ?
Thanks

Fenlander · 19 May 2015, 06:56

I agree with office888...

You need to be brave and try to pull the seam apart more from where it is appearing to be unglued. If it pulls apart by hand then it would have done on the water soon anyway. Unfortunately at a certain age (10+yrs) the Zodiac glue can look like just a small failure but once lifted a little will peel away a lot more with little effort.

harpo · 19 May 2015, 08:58

Thanks , I have pull the seam apart it took some doing needed scrapers to work at it only did why the leaks were . It's all glued up know Iam going to try it later . Does anyone know we're to buy the pvc strip 100 mm x 50 mm in long lengths the reinforce the seam if I need too ?
Regards chris

Fenlander · 19 May 2015, 09:53

There are several suppliers but as an example I think these guys will cut pretty well any size you want...

NEW PVC FABRIC Inflatable Rib Boat Material Repair Dinghy 15 x 35 cm Off Cut | eBay

office888 · 19 May 2015, 12:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by harpo

Thanks for replies how would you recommend detache the seam ?
Thanks

Heatgun! Heat the material just until the point where it is a little too hot to touch for more than 2 seconds. It helps to heat the material for a couple seconds, then wait for the heat to permeate through the material to the glue bond.

For removing the old adhesive, a scotchbrite pad + MEK is the official method. If you utilize an orbital sander with a scotchbrite pad attachment, it will go a lot quicker. You MUST remove all of the old adhesive. If you do not, you will be bonding to old, weak adhesive instead of the material...your glue job will simply come apart again.