Leaky Zodiac

[diverdad]

Hi all, after my little jolly away on Islay I have developed a little leak on the bottom of the SIB at the back where the cone meets the full tube.
It looks like there is a gap between the tapes.

I have never attempted a repair like this, (other than a bicycle inner tube).

Can anyone offer some constructive advice?







Thanks in advance

Lee

[S4Simon]

Basic rules of repairs. Don't apply a patch over a join in the fabric, as the leak will just move a long the join and leak further along.

I'm not sure exactly where the air bubble is - in relation to the fabric join. If it is away from the join, then apply a small round patch over the hole with a locally supplied adhesive.

If the leak is on the join, then the air is escaping at the weakest point. Usually you would then open up the seam and perform a more comprehensive repair.

If the holes are fish hook size or smaller then a small 1" patch should suffice. Dry the area off and mark the hole location with a pen. Apply a patch with a suitable contact adhesive - with the tubes deflated.

Simon
Australian Zodiac Repairer
www.inflatableboatrepairs.com.au

[diverdad]

Thanks for the advice Simon. The leak looks like it is coming through between the tapes.
I think the best course of action is to peel the tape back that is going up the cone. Is there preferred method of ding this?
Do I just pull the tape and hope it comes off or apply a solvent to remove the glue?

Thanks

Lee

[S4Simon]

Could become a complex repair.

Using a hot air gun will assist in removal of the layers. Use a blunt tool to pry the fabric apart (dessert spoon). Keep applying the soapy solution to try and pinpoint the source of the leak.

If this is your first try at repairs, I wouldn't go too deep.

Clean off any old glue before applying new adhesive. A dremel may help here in cleaning the fabric of old glue.