Hijacker slow leak

shedsmith · 11 August 2016, 22:37

It's slow,an ex surf club Gemini, it's located at the valve, these are really wrapped in from the manufacturer. It appears to be hard plastic valve meets hypalon and a nightmare to unravel, would tyre slime be a possible remedy. I have heard of the thunder / zap cats being filled with foam, sounds a bit extreme . I'm in Brisbane Australia, if any one knows any reputable glue geeks pleas forward them.

Roflhat · 12 August 2016, 08:10

Don't know how bad the leak is but liquid latex might do the job. I used it in my thundercat, one 500ml bottle in each tube and one between the two hijackers, made a big difference.
You get stuff called Rib seal I think, basically any liquid latex will do, just pour it in through the valve and then flip the boat around to seal the whole inside of the tubes

Otherwise shoot me a PM, may know someone in Brisbane who can give you a hand

idsebby · 13 August 2016, 17:16

Did you try rebuilding the valves? Replacing the rubber seals? Try and find stuff called storm sure. Deflate the boat and fill all the areas where you think it could be leaking. Works wonders.

http://www.kitepower.com.au/stormsur...-adhesive.html

shedsmith · 14 August 2016, 03:11

Hi, the valves were recently overhauled by the surf clubs glue dude. These valves are glued and wrapped in a serious manner. Rolfhat's suggestion sounds good, I will check with a few repairers during the week, I spoke to one a while back and was told it was virtually impossible to seperate glued hypalon, I have another sib I was going to canabilise for a few parts. Then I told him about all these repairs and restorations with detailed pictures , he's good for fresh glue.
The thought of slopping acrylic/ latex around, seems a bit wrong surely it would detach in sheets over time, but it would certainly fill any pesky track. May be working some adhesive on the inside and pressurising it. Maybe the storm sure is ideal, there should be room to get a finger or tool in. Thanks to you both for help, I'll post what I find out from Ye gods of glue.

idsebby · 14 August 2016, 21:03

Hypalon can be taken apart with applied heat and the right chemicals. Is the valve surrounded by foam?

shedsmith · 14 August 2016, 22:07

im sure it can, there is no foam I believe, these are built for surf life saving, everything is heavy duty. Unlike your rescue craft in the Uk etc, ours have to stand up to the young dick heads ( takes one to know one ). We as a nation have the worst record for hiring stuff, so our attitude to someone else's gear is quite poor.
There is a labyrinth of extra heavy duty bandage around the valve so the idea of a prostrate procedure with adhesive of the right kind sounds good. I use it for spear fishing, which means reliability is paramount. Taking the kids out means putting my life in my own hands. Its the fact of facing the Mrs if anything goes wrong, I'm still a newbie, but these boats are amazing.

idsebby · 15 August 2016, 00:41

Post a picture. Would help a lot

shedsmith · 15 August 2016, 08:48

I tried, spoke to a glue dude he wants a look, I'm keen to give this sort of thing a go. But it's not a straight forward patch, might be best to take it to him for verdict, I thought it would be to much effort to reseat, he doesn't think so. Maybe you wrap it polythene when inserting it back in tube. I'll try my computer instead of iPad to upload photos, there has been an admin error, it's now in progress, I have posted other photos, not this boat.

shedsmith · 15 August 2016, 22:02

I'm thinking the glue dude, Unless some knows the procedure

shedsmith · 15 August 2016, 22:10

I'm thinking the glue dude, Unless some knows the procedure. But I will locate the exact point of leak, it's kept of site, memory reckons its coming from the yellow.
Yes a photo should of been the first thing.

idsebby · 15 August 2016, 22:28

What material is the yellow? Is it coming from where the black meets the yellow? Slow leak? Fast leak?

I don't know your particular boat where is that valve located?

shedsmith · 15 August 2016, 22:39

Slow very slow, the yellow good question. It's of to the Glue Doctor for a check, I found one on gum tree of all places. Several professional repairers have recommended against latex/acrylic I'm not knocking it, just want it done right and also the boat gets a going over while there, I treat it like an aircraft. If you love machinery, machinery will love you back a wise man told me.

shedsmith · 15 August 2016, 23:14

This might help either, Gemini made the for surf rescue they fell out of favour, I spoke to Senoir Clubby who is a shipwright by trade and part of the IRB racing scene. He is a well known and respected, " they are are softer ride, turn better,maybe too good but require more power" he didn't have a reason for them being discontinued.
I'll take better photos next time, maybe during surgery at the Doctors.

prairie tuber · 18 August 2016, 04:29

Hi,

I have a Gemini with highjackers (Dive 470), and yes, they are layered and reinforced unlike any other RIB or SIB I have seen. Definitely do not do the latex thing. It will not work and just create a hug mess inside the tubes.
Why not contact the manufacturer directly and get their advice?

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