Seam/Sponson repair recomendations

[Skinner2019]

After a recommendation for professional sponson repairer in the Essex/Suffolk area..
I have a Ribtec Freeway which was manufactured with the sponson endcaps (for want of the appropriate terms) seams joining externally at the rear. The seam for the halves under the water has started to lift again, when i bought the boat the owner glued them, the lifting is a few millimetres but very disconcerting as I don’t want to be out and suddenly the whole seam lets go hence ideally getting a professional. Or would you do this yourselves and also would you patch over the seam with a hypalon strip or just reglue? I know that when it was “fixed” it was wet and cold so wont have been ideal.

Any advice greatly recieved.

[spartacus]

You're right to flag it up. If you were underway it would likely open further with water pressure. Whoever has repaired this has made a complete bodge. You need decent ambient temperatures, low humidity and plenty ventilation for a good bond.

Part of the trouble with these seam joins is you need to open it up to clean and prepare. I'd also be inclined to add a strip of hypalon on both sides after the initial repair if it's a known weak spot. Polymarine have gluing instruction on their site for hypalon, but if you're looking for a professional workshop, Rib Shop isn't a million miles from you in Southampton.

[Skinner2019]

Thanks Spartacus, I had Suffolk Marine Safety recommended but no response, will try again or get brave and give it a go!

[Orwell boy]

Originally Posted by Skinner2019

Thanks Spartacus, I had Suffolk Marine Safety recommended but no response, will try again or get brave and give it a go!

I had a small repair done at suffolk mr last year ,very profesional ,,mada a nice job for me in a tricky spot

[Skinner2019]

Originally Posted by Orwell boy

I had a small repair done at suffolk mr last year ,very profesional ,,mada a nice job for me in a tricky spot

Good to hear, I’ll try them again. I would rather have peace of mind that it’s been done properly than be flat out thinking I hope my handy work stands up to this