Repair Patch

mccabe · 01 December 2001, 13:25

Hi All,
As a novice to this Rib sport I had the misfortune of a small tear
in the rear tube caused by a metal object.Earlier I had been on
a trip to Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland in my 5 M
Lencraft.I repaired with Bostic 2402 Etc and no problems since.
Q1- Does patch have a lifespan or wait till a leak occurs?
Q2- What you do if it happens on island ? ie tips to get you home as tear was 2 ins and near waterline on main rear tube.
Thanks in advance
Alan

Pete7 · 01 December 2001, 13:33

For a temporary repair, try the following, first using a sail maker needle and thread sow the split up. Dry the area and apply patches and glue int he normal manner. There are number of good kits for Ribs witheverything included. If not ordinary evostick has proven effective in the past.

Alan Priddy · 01 December 2001, 14:56

Altenativly for a very quick repair and better than stitching, use a good grade super glue. If the tear is not repairable in an emergancy, the inflation valve should be removed so any water that gets in the tube can come out as you are going along. You run the risk of doing more damage to the tubes if you let water get into them under pressure. A plasic bag and an old sock will aslo get you home, but that is another story.Alan P

brew · 01 December 2001, 19:09

For some tears, the best way is to put a repair patch on the inside.This is usually easier on damage that is 2 inches long and above.The preparation is exactly the same as if you were patching the outside of the tube.

Christopher · 05 December 2001, 19:29

Another idea for "temporary get you home reapirs" is to carry an emergency bladder. They are generally made from a lightweight PU film material, which does not have a base fabric. In the event of a tear in the tube, simply get the bladder, insert through the tear, and inflate. The bladder inflates to fill the whole chamber regardless of the shape of the chamber. The Royal Marines (SBS) carry some as standard spares on some of their RIB,s. If the tear is too small (less than a couple of inches) simply cut a slightly larger hole, which can be permanently repaired at a later date.
I must declare a commercial interest, They can be made by Henshaw,s and cost for a standard size bag around £40.00

Alan Priddy · 06 December 2001, 16:16

Chris

Why havn't I got one of these on my boat? Can you make me one for Spirit please? Cheers Alan Priddy

Christopher · 06 December 2001, 19:35

Alan

You never asked us!!! And besides, we were told that you were such an experienced and careful driver that emergency repairs would never be needed.

Yes we can make one for you, and will gladly donate , which will make a big hole in our sponsorship budget for the year!!

Chris

Alan Priddy · 06 December 2001, 19:51

To Chris, my best friend, Cheers I promise not to be too annoying
at LBS

Garygee · 12 December 2001, 20:26

Christopher

Sounds like this is a should carry item.
How small do they pack down?.
Do they blow up with a normal foot pump, tell us more and can you send me some details of how to get one suitable for a 4.8 M rib.

Thanks Gary

Alan Mckewan · 16 December 2001, 07:59

Another (easier & cheaper?) temporary repair device is available. It is a type of metal & rubber clamshell which can repair a tear up to about 3 inches. It is in two halves, you just insert one half thru the hole, put the other half on top and tighten up the clamp screw. There is a bendy wire on the inside one to help stop it being dropped in thru the hole, and they are reuseable. I dont know who sells them ( I scrounged a couple from a "secure" friend) but they cant be more than a tenner. I'll attach a photo.

Alan Mckewan · 16 December 2001, 08:18

Like this..

Alan Mckewan · 16 December 2001, 08:19

And this..

Alan Mckewan · 16 December 2001, 08:22

Then for smaller holes there is always the hollow tapered ribbed rubber bung thingys (photo to follow)

Christopher · 16 December 2001, 21:17

Gary

The emergency bladders pack down to about 6 x 6 x 3 inches and have a standard Leafield C7 valve(same valve as fitted to probably 75% of RIB's), Takes a standard foot pump. Can be obtained from Henshaw Inflatables Ltd.

mail@henshaw.co.uk

Chris

Garygee · 22 December 2001, 18:32

Thanks Christopher I will get one sorted out for next year. Also I like the clamp thing, bet I could make one of them as don't look much to them.

Things like these, if you have then you never need them if you dont, you know what will happen.

Regards Gary

Alan Mckewan · 23 December 2001, 07:47

Does anyone know who makes the clamp things, or where they can be got from? I've only got one in the Humber, its a bit rusty and I could do with another one for the searider. I know the police/army have used them in the past but maybe the bladder thing has replaced them.