Feeling Deflated. Advice or Rib Repairer?

adamjameswatson · 16 July 2019, 11:06

Hi All, I last used my Narwhal 3.6m rib 2 weeks ago and i uncovered it at the weekend only find it FULLY deflated. I pumped it up in each of the 3 sections and an hour later it had deflated again. I have had it a year and it has always held pressure well so I have clearly sprung a leak. I thought each section was separate, so how are all 3 deflating?

Also, does anyone know of any repairers near south Oxford? I'm not confident myself.

Thanks so much, I am new to ribs and feeling a little deflated.

Phil M · 16 July 2019, 11:34

It seems strange that all 3 chambers would sporing leaks in the same period. There are a few thing's I'd check first to see where the leak is.

Firstly, are the valve centers set to hold air? If you give the central spindle int he valve a turn, it can be set to stay open. Check they aren't open and that the valve caps are put back. Probably worth looking at the sealing o-rings on the valve caps.

Secondly, can you inflate the whole boat from 1 valve? If so, that would indicate that the baffles are leaking between chambers. If you need to inflate at all 3 valves, the baffles are still working.

Third, pump it up and liberally apply soapy water and look/listen for bubbles. this will tell you where the leak is and give an idea of how difficult it may be to fix. Check the whole boat as there may be more than 1.

Phil

adamjameswatson · 16 July 2019, 11:43

Thanks Phil, I will complete those tests tonight and feed back.

adamjameswatson · 17 July 2019, 16:20

I didn't get time to test last night, but I should tonight.

Tim M · 17 July 2019, 16:39

How old is the boat? Narwhal had an issue with what are now older boats where the glue would soften and then the tubes would fall apart. Hopefully yours hasn’t suffered with that but keep an eye on them. Once they go you’re in for a retube. Of all the “projects” I see on eBay Narhwal is by far the most common due to the above.

adamjameswatson · 18 July 2019, 10:09

Thanks for the bad news Tim! Surely all old ribs fall apart eventually? The tubes do look ok visibly, and last night I did pump them all up one at a time before covering them in soapy water. No obvious leaks and they were all soft after 30 mins. :o(

Tim M · 18 July 2019, 10:11

Don’t give up yet - I might well be wrong! Do a search on here on the subject and you’ll find some more issues from others but Narwhals do suffer with seams falling apart.

Phil M · 18 July 2019, 10:36

Did you soap up the valves too? Could be they need a service of toy found no other leaks.

Phil

adamjameswatson · 18 July 2019, 10:39

Yes, no bubbles on the valves either. Apparently my nearest rib repairer is Southampton too. It seems I live in a bad area for ribs, but I will keep investigating.

carldalmas · 19 July 2019, 00:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjameswatson

Yes, no bubbles on the valves either. Apparently my nearest rib repairer is Southampton too. It seems I live in a bad area for ribs, but I will keep investigating.

They are easy fix when you find the leak
Pvc or hyplon ? Use correct glue for fabric
First question picture off area with leak make patch suitable round corners to fit
Clean tube first on area hold patch on area before glue
Draw pencil line around patch
Mask tape close to pencil line to stop excess glue making a mess
Apply correct glue to patch and tube wait till touch dry read glue instuctions apply two coats if nes
When touch dry
Make sure tube is flat and on a flat surface carefully place patch in correct position the First time ! It will stick fast ! Roll it on gently ! Leave 24 hours
Blow boat up soap test it for leaks !
On bad tears it will you will need to put a patch inside the tube ! as well as outside these can be tricky ! Done many

adamjameswatson · 19 July 2019, 08:22

It is PVC. Thanks for the advice, thats very helpful and just the boost I needed!