Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:  (click on the question to find answer)

-- Why should I Purchase my new inflatable boat from SeaBright Marine?

-- What is the SeaBright Marine PRICE GUARANTEE ?

-- How do I Assemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

-- How do I Disassemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

-- High Pressure Airdeck Floor Vs. Sectional Aluminum Floor for my Foldable inflatable boat - Which should I choose ?

-- What is the Warranty on my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

-- What is a Foldable inflatable boat ?

-- What is a RIB (Rigid Bottomed) inflatable boat ?

-- PVC Vs. Hypalon Fabric - What is the difference?

-- How do I provide Proper Care for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

-- What Products are safe for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

-- How do I Repair a leak in my PVC inflatable boat ?

-- How do I Repair a leak in my Hypalon inflatable boat ?

Answers:

-- Why should I Purchase my new inflatable boat from SeaBright Marine?

The simple answer "Quality", "Value", and "Customer Service".

• Quality:

You may have noticed that there are now several companies in Canada and in the US that are selling inflatable boats with what appears to be very attractive pricing. With very few exceptions these boats are manufactured using Korean or Chinese PVC.

We are not suggesting that all Asian PVC is poor quality because that is not true. In fact some of the PVC from Asia is perfectly acceptable. Our SeaBright inflatable boats (from 2004 to 2007) were built using very good quality Korean PVC. This particular PVC manufacturing company was specifically recommended to us in 2004 and our overall warranty return rate with over 500 inflatable boats sold in that period was less than two percent. Unfortunately, as of August 2007 that particular company has stopped manufacturing PVC fabric.

That being said it is a fact that there is a lot of very poor quality PVC that is also being manufactured in Asia. We have first hand experience with this. In 2006 we experimentally purchased a few boats made from another brand of Korean PVC. The boats looked beautiful when new but by the end of the first season of use these boats were already showing significant UV radiation damage from exposure from the sun.

Unfortunately it is impossible to determine the quality of the PVC fabric in a new boat. It is the "test of time" that is the true judge.

For 2008 SeaBright Marine was faced with a decision. Do we attempt to find another Asian PVC manufacturer that produces quality fabric? Since it really is a guess, we decided not to take the chance.

So beginning in 2008 we decided to purchase the highest quality premium PVC fabric available on the planet today. Mehler-Valmex® PVC is produced by Mehler Texnologies in Germany and is used by most of the reputable builders of quality PVC inflatable boats in the world. For legal reasons we are not allowed to mention the names of these companies but you probably have a good idea which ones we are referring to.

If you are in the market for a Hypalon boat we have pretty much the same story to tell. While it is possible to purchase Hypalon fabric from Taiwan, we opted not to do this. There are two Hypalon fabrics that are considered to be the best quality in the world. They are Achilles® Hypalon from Japan, and Pennel ORCA® Hypalon from France. All of our Hypalon boats are manufactured using one of these two Hypalon fabrics..

• Value:

We honestly believe (and the vast majority of our customers agree with us) that SeaBright Marine offers the best value for your dollar in all of Canada. Our inflatable boats are custom made for us to our own specifications. At the end of each season we are busy planning enhancements and changes that we plan to implement in the following season to ensure that each year our products are just a little bit better, a little bit more functional, and a little bit higher in quality.

Now that our inflatable boats are being manufactured with the same fabrics as used by most of the more well known companies out there we can say with sincerity that the quality is every bit as good as can be found in any high quality boat in the market place today. The one large difference is PRICE, and that is precisely why we sell so many boats.

We listen to our customers comments. When customers ask about a feature that they would like to see we keep track of those comments and take them into serious consideration when planning our next season.

• Customer Service

We pride ourselves in exemplary Customer Service and believe strongly that this is the reason why we now get so many sales through referral of previous customers. At SeaBright Marine we believe in "the good old days" when good customer service was the norm both at the time of sale and also in the form of After Sales Support.

Please take a moment to read some of our customers comments on our "Testimonials" page. We are extremely proud of this aspect of our business and firmly believe that this is the single most important reason why we are being successful. Thank you.

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-- What is the SeaBright Marine PRICE GUARANTEE ?

We are so confident that we have the best prices in Canada that we guarantee it !! If you can find a comparable inflatable boat in Canada that has a better retail price we will beat that price by 5%

** Comparable inflatable boat means same size, same quality fabric (Achilles® Hypalon, Pennel ORCA® Hypalon, or Mehler Valmex® PVC), same hull type (foldable, single hull RIB, or double hull RIB), same standard equipment, etc

** Retail price means regular retail price and does not include sale pricing, inventory blow-out pricing, or liquidation pricing.

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-- How do I Assemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

• Your boat has several main inflation valves. Use them to inflate the boat approximately 20%. It should now have its general shape but should still be very "saggy". This can be accomplished by using the manual pump that is supplied with the boat, with a 12 volt electric pump, or with a shop vac.
  
  
• If your boat is a RIB, please skip down to the section that instructs you to install your seats.
  
  
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, Install it as follows …..
  
  
  
  • Install piece number "1" into the nose of the boat (number up). Make sure that you push it as far forward as possible. If you are having difficulty then perhaps there is too much air in the boat.
    
    
  • Install the remaining pieces in number order except for the last one (rear most piece).
    
    
  • Install the last piece. To do this hold the rear edge of the second last piece up about 10 inches. Fit the last piece into the groove of the second last piece and then push them both down so that they "snap" into place making sure that the rear of the last piece is resting against the transom and is underneath the 2 small transom strips that are screwed into the lower transom.
    
    
  • At this point check at the very rear of the last piece. The gap between it and the pontoon should be the same on both sides. If it isn't then pull it back up where it connects to the second last piece (about 10 inches), readjust, and snap back down. You need enough room on each side to be able to install the stringers.
    
    
  • Install the stringers onto each side of the floor. They need to be installed so that they overlap the joints of the floor pieces. This is what will provide stability. This is tricky because it is a tight fit. It may help if you put something under the transom to lift the rear of the boat off the ground by a few inches. If you are having trouble getting the stringers in, try using a rag or cloth to apply some soapy water onto the fabric where the stringers will touch. This will provide a slippery surface and the stringers may snap into place easier. Regular soap will not harm the fabric.
    
    
• If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor, Install it as follows …..
  
  
  • Place the deflated airdeck floor in the boat with the floorboard underneath. The floorboard is in a sleeve and its primary purpose is to keep the floor flat when the keel is inflated. The easiest way to install the airdeck is to press the floorboard down under the 2 tubes at the very rear of the boat because this is where the boat is the widest. Now get into the boat and gently pull the floor forward making sure that the keel board stays securely under the 2 tubes. Do not apply great force. If the floor will not move forward then inspect it to see where the "bind" is. After you install the floor 2 or 3 times it will be easy. When you can see the inflatable keel valve through the "hole" at the front of the floor then you have pulled it forward far enough. The rear of the floor should now be almost touching the transom. Now walk around the boat tucking the floor down underneath the tubes.
    
    
  • It is time to inflate your airdeck floor. You want the floor to be hard enough so that you can walk on it without sinking in very much. Don’t be afraid to put lots of air into it. A good indication that it is inflated properly is when it becomes difficult to push down on the plunger handle of your pump.
    
    
• If you want the seats installed, install them now. *Note* It is not necessary to install the seats if you prefer to run without them.
  
  
• Now you can inflate the main tubes the rest of the way. They should be fairly hard to the touch, and you should be able to sit on them without sinking into them more than an inch. . **NOTE** Inflate the main compartments in a 2 or 3 step sequence. If you fully inflate one main compartment when the others are empty you may damage the internal bulkheads that separate the compartments.
  
  
• Please disregard this step if your boat is a RIB. Finally it is time to inflate the keel. The valve should be clearly visible and should be pretty much in the middle of the hole in the front of the floor. The boat will rise as you inflate the keel. The keel should be harder than the tubes. A good indication that it is hard enough will be when the pump handle is beginning to be difficult to push down.
  
  
• Install the oars, put in the valve protectors, and you are ready for a day on the water. Enjoy!
  
  

****Assembly Notes****

• The valves should be in their "closed" position prior to inflation. They are closed when they are popped up. If you push the valve down and give it a quarter turn it will stay down in the "open" position. Do this when you wish to deflate the boat. If you inflate the boat with the valve in the "open" position the air will rapidly escape as soon as you remove the pump.
  
  
• It is not recommended that you use a compressor to pump up your boat. Compressors are designed for very high pressures and you could easily damage the boat.
  
  
• If you have access to electricity one of the easiest and quickest ways to inflate (or deflate) your boat is with a "shop vac". Give it a try. It really works great. You will need to have the valve down in the "open" position to use a shop vac. Be ready to very quickly pop the valve back up into the "closed" position when you pull the shop vac nozzle away to prevent the air from escaping.
  
  
• If your boat isn’t “planing” properly or seems to be too “flexible” when under power it is probably under inflated. If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor and/or an inflatable keel, they should be fairly hard, and the tubes should be hard enough that you can sit on them without depressing them more than an inch.
  
  
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, It is highly advisable to assemble your aluminum sectional floor for the first time outside the boat in order to learn how it all goes together. After you are familiar with how the floor pieces and stringers all fit together it will be much easier to assemble it properly when doing it inside the boat.
  

Recommended Pressures:

Please Note: Your manual pump is equipped with a pressure gauge. This is a new feature and to be perfectly frank we are not sure yet how accurate the gauge really is. Please be careful and do not rely entirely upon the gauge when inflating your boat, the keel, and the airdeck floor. We have included instructions that will enable you to inflate your boat "by feel". This method works very well and most folks prefer it after they have a bit of experience inflating their boat a few times.

Main Tubes: ......................................... 3.6 pounds
Inflatable Keel: .................................... 5.8 pounds
High Pressure Airdeck Floor: .......... 10.0 pounds

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-- How do I Disassemble my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

• Your boat has several separate air chambers and valves. First of all open all of valves by depressing them and turning a quarter turn.
  
  
• If your boat is a RIB, deflate the pontoons using a vacuum cleaner or a 12-volt electric pump. Leave a very small amount of air in each chamber will ensure that the fabric is relaxed and not too severely scrunched. Close the valves and install the valve protector caps. **Hint** A shop vac does an excellent job. You are finished and can disregard the remainder of this section.
  
  
• If your boat is a Foldable Inflatable Boat, use a vacuum cleaner or a 12-volt electric pump to deflate the inflatable keel. Close the valve and install the valve protector cap. **Hint** A shop vac does an excellent job.
  
  
• If your boat is equipped with an Aluminum Floor, it is now time to remove it. Remove the “stringers” from either edge first. Now, lift the floor about 10 inches at the rear most seam (between the last and second last floor pieces). Carefully lift the pieces out and place them in their carrying case.
  
  
• If your boat is equipped with a High Pressure Airdeck Floor, remove the air from it and install the valve protector cap. It is not necessary to remove the floor from the boat unless you wish to clean the boat at this time.
  

• Next, deflate the front section of the boat. As it is deflating pull up on the bow ropes. This will make it easier to fold later. Close the valve.

• Deflate the main pontoons. As they are deflating pull up on the side ropes so that the boat will fold in properly. You want the pontoons to fold in so the entire package is not wider than the transom. It is a bit tricky the first couple of times. If the pontoons are not folding in properly then put a bit of air back into them and repeat the deflation procedure until you achieve the desired result.
  
  
• Now open all main valves to let a small amount of air in. Leaving a very small amount of air in each chamber will ensure that the fabric is relaxed and not too severely scrunched. Leave the valves open for the remainder of the process.

• Fold the pontoons in so that they are laying flat and are no wider that the transom.

• Fold the cones in.

• Begin rolling up the boat from the transom.

• Fold the nose of the boat in.

• Finish rolling up the boat.

• Put the boat and its accessories into the carrying case.

• Ready to go.

****Disassembly Notes****

• The valves should be in their "open" position for disassembly. They are open when they are in the “down” position. They can be alternately placed in their up (closed) and down (open) positions by pushing them down and turning one quarter turn.
  
  
• Make sure that each chamber in your boat has a very small amount of air in it to prevent severe “scrunching” of the fabric so that damage doesn’t occur while your boat is being stored.

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-- High Pressure Airdeck Floor Vs. Sectional Aluminum Floor for my Foldable inflatable boat - Which should I choose ?

SeaBright Foldable inflatable boats are available with either a high pressure Airdeck floor or a sectional aluminum floor.

**Note **

• Boats ranging from the 7.5 foot SeaBright 230 to the 12.5 foot SeaBright 380 are available with either floor.
• The 13.8 foot SeaBright 420 and larger models are only availaible with the sectional aluminum floor.

High Pressure Airdeck Floor - Characteristics

• one piece inflatable floor
• lighter (between 15 and 25 pounds lighter than same boat with aluminum floor)
• easier to assemble than aluminum floor. simply install, tuck in, and inflate
• more comfortable to sit or kneel on than aluminum floor
• very stable, stiff platform .... only slightly less stiff than aluminum floor
• highly recommended for all models up to (and including) the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270

Sectional Aluminum Floor - Characteristics

• the triangular “bow” piece is marine grade plywood with a grey epoxy coating. The main rectangular pieces are non-skid aluminum
• pieces fit together “tongue and groove” style with aluminum stringers running down each edge for rigidity
• heavier (between 15 and 25 pounds heavier than same boat with high pressure airdeck floor)
• makes the boat a bit stiffer and less flexible (This only noticeable in boats larger than the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270, and when you wish to run at higher speeds while “planeing” with a larger outboard engine.)
• highly recommended for all models larger than the 8.9 foot SeaBright 270, especially if you wish to "plane" your boat at higher speeds.

Our Recommendations ......

• High Pressure Airdeck:

- if your boat is not larger than the SeaBright 270.
- if your boat is larger than the SeaBright 270 but will only be rowed or used with an engine that is too small to “plane” the boat.
- If you are concerned about overall boat weight.

• Aluminum Floor:

- if your boat is larger than the SeaBright 270 and you wish to operate it at higher “planeing” speeds.
- if you have a large dog whose claws may puncture the high pressure airdeck floor.
- if you will regularly have sharp objects on the floor of the boat.

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Our 2017-18
Warranty

*** Please Note ***

This warranty is valid only for Sales since Jan 1, 2017

For warranty information related to boats purchased from 2004 to 2016 please contact us for details.

-- What is the Warranty on my new SeaBright inflatable boat ?

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-- What is a Foldable inflatable boat ?

All SeaBright “foldables” are equipped with inflatable keels that when inflated stretch the hull into a nice tight “V” shape to provide tracking stability when towing, rowing, or when carving around corners with an outboard engine. The bottom of each tube and the bottom of the “V” have extra protection to provide extra durability.

All SeaBright foldables come equipped with either a high pressure airdeck floor or a sectional aluminum non-skid floor.

Advantages of a Foldable Inflatable Boat:
• Easy transportation because it can be folded and stored in carrying cases.
• Lighter than a RIB

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-- What is a RIB (Rigid Bottomed) inflatable boat ?

-- PVC Vs. Hypalon Fabric - What is the difference?

There are 2 main types of fabric that 99% of the inflatable boats on the planet are made of. They are .... PVC, and Hypalon. At SeaBright Marine we sell both types of boats so you can be sure that we have the boat that is right for you. As is the case with most things there are Pros and Cons to both ....

PVC
Pro--significantly less expensive then Hypalon
Con-- won't last as long in the direct sunlight as Hypalon before it starts to break down (if left unprotected).
Con-- does not tolerate gasoline spills as well as Hypalon.

-- How do I provide Proper Care for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

Taking care of your SeaBright inflatable boat is easy.

During the Season:

• Keep your boat clean and free of debris and grime.
• Check the bottom regularly to make sure there is no excessive build up of marine life.

• UV Radiation is - The Number One Enemy of PVC Inflatable Boats
  • With this in mind, We recommend that you cover your boat when it will not be in use for extended periods of time. While we realize that it is not practical to cover your boat every time you get out of it, if the boat is not going to be used for several days it is advisable to cover it.
  • Temporary protection from the sun can also be achieved by applying AeroSpace 303 Protectant® or Aurora Polyguard®. These products are very effective but must be re-applied periodically in order to maintain their effectiveness.
    
    
• Sunscreen - from the arms and legs of your passengers can be harmful to PVC fabric.
  • Care should be taken to ensure that sunscreen is washed off of the boat promptly. Applying Aurora Polyguard® to your inflatable boat will protect it from damage due to sunscreen.
    
    
• Fuel Spills and Engine Exhaust - can damage the fabric of your Inflatable Boat.
  • Take care to clean up fuel spills promptly if they ocurr.
  • If using a davit system you should position your Inflatable Boat so that it will not be subjected directly to exhaust fumes.

End of Season:

• If you have a foldable inflatable boat remove your high pressure air floor or sectional aluminum floor. You will need to partially deflate the boat to get the floor out.
• Reinflate the boat without the floor installed.
• Wash your entire boat with warm soapy water or a boat wash product that is approved for use on the fabric that your boat is made from (PVC or Hypalon).
• Allow the boat and accessories to dry thoroughly.
• Store your boat in a dry location
• *** Notes***
  • It is not necessary to store the boat deflated. If space is not an issue it is perfectly fine to leave your boat inflated during off season.
  • Your boat should be clean and dry.
  • It is not necessary or store your boat in a heated area.
  • Make sure that your boat is not stored "wet", especially if it will be subjected to freezing conditions during storage. Freezing and thawing water can damage the seams of the boat.

*** CAUTION *** Never use "Armor All®" on your boat

• Never use any product that contains silicone on your inflatable boat, such as "Armor All®". Applying silicone to your boat will make it extremely difficult in the future to apply a patch to your inflatable boat should it ever need repair. Even years later it will be difficult to successfully apply a patch.
• Do not use any product on your inflatable boat that is not approved for use on the fabric that your boat is made from (PVC or Hypalon). When in doubt check with the product manufacturer to make sure that the product will not harm the fabric. Always make sure that the product does not contain silicone.

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-- What Products are safe for my SeaBright inflatable boat ?

Here is a list of products that we recommend for use on your SeaBright Inflatable Boat. None of these products will damage your boat or inhibit the ability to apply patches to your boat should it be necessary at a later date.

More information on 303 Aerospace Protectant® is at http://www.303products.com/

More information on Aurora® products is at http://www.auroramarine.com/

• Good, old fashioned soap and water - Cleaner
  • For regular dirt and grime this is still the best method, and the most economical
    
    
• Aurora Speed Clean® - Cleaner
  • Quickly & Easily Removes Stubborn Dirt, Grime, Stains, Oxidation & Scuffs From All Inflatable Boat Surfaces
  • Best PVC and Hypalon, and fibreglass cleaner available on the market
  • Easy to Use: Wipe away tough Dirt & Stains with a Damp Sponge or Brush
  • Removes Scuffs, Chalking, Oil, Diesel, Soot, Oxidation, Stains, Bird Droppings, etc
  • Safe for Hypalon, PVC, Fiberglass & Stainless Steel
  • Environment Friendly and Biodegradable
    
    
• 303 AeroSpace Protectant® - Protectant
• UV Inhibitors: Protect Against UV Damage, Chalking and Fading
• Protects fabric from "color fade"
  
  
• Aurora PolyGuard® - Protectant
  • UV Inhibitors: Protect Against UV Damage, Chalking and Fading
  • Protects fabric from "color fade"
  • Protects PVC fabric against damage caused by sunscreen from the arms and legs of your passengers.
  • 2 Coats Provides 4-6 Months of Boating Season Protection
  • Fast and Easy to Use: Wipe On and Let Dry
  • Luxurious Shine
  • Protects Against Dirt, Grime, Diesel, Soot, Stains, Stains Bird Droppings and More
  • Made from a Space Age Polymer - Does NOT Contain Silicone or Wax
  • Not Greasy: No Slip Sliding Around - Won't stain clothing
    
    
• Aurora Repelin® - Prevent Marine Growth
  • Prevents marine growth (Algae, Barnacles & Zebra Mussels) on PVC, Hypalon, and Fiberglass
  • Easy to Apply - Two Coats Lasts All Season
  • Perfectly Clear: No Discoloration of Your Boat
  • Hard, Smooth, Flexible Surface: Won't Rub Off When You Beach Your Boat. - Won't Rub Off on Your Skin
  • Reduces Fuel Consumption & Improves Maneuverability
  • Environment Safe & Biocide Free
  • Wipe On & Wipe Away Haze for a Super Slippery Protective Barrier
    • ** NOTE ** DO NOT Apply Repelin Directly to PVC or Hypalon - Clean Inflatable with Speed Clean - Apply 2 coats Poly Guard to all PVC or Hypalon surfaces &
      allow a minimum 24 hours to cure. Failure to follow this guideline may make it difficult to apply a repair patch in the future should the need arise.
      
      
• Aurora Inflatable Boat Bottom Spray® - Remove Marine Growth
  • Removes Algae, Barnacles & Zebra Mussels from tubes & RIB's
  • Worlds 1st Bottom Cleaner Made for Inflatable Boats
  • Spray directly onto marine growth, brush & rinse away
  • A Clean Boat Bottom Equals Better Performance

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-- How do I Repair a leak in my PVC inflatable boat ?

Small repairs and the addition of small accessories may be attempted by the owner if factory gluing instructions are followed closely.

Rips or holes larger than one inch in the air chambers or within two inches of a seam should be repaired with internal and external patches by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility.

Recommended solvent: MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It is often available at paint, hardware or plumbing stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer thinner. For non-critical bonds you might substitute acetone.

Glue: Your boat came equiped with a tube of one part PVC glue. This glue will work well for very small holes (pin holes) but for larger holes or seams you should use two part PVC glue. Do not use glue that is not specifically intended for PVC fabric. Hypalon glue will not bond properly with PVC.

Humidity: Humidity must be less than 70%.

Temperature: Do not glue in direct sunlight. Temperature should be between 64 and 77 degrees F.

Preparation:

• Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut out, position noted and marked. It always leaves a neat tidy finish if you tape off the perimeter of the patch area with masking tape to avoid over glue.
• If using a 2 part glue, mix accelerator and glue thoroughly either now or while waiting between the solvent wipes below. Accelerator is toxic; keep off skin. Keep mixed glue covered (foil or wax paper) when not using. Pot life is about 1 hour. It may still look liquid, but will have lost effectiveness.

Solvent Cleaning: (3 times - to prepare the fabric for a chemical bond with the glue)

• Scrub both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on a rag to clean surface. Be careful not to wipe the MEK on areas of the boat or patch that will be seen as MEK will make the fabric sticky and shiny. Use masking tape around the perimeter to minimize this. Wait 5 minutes after the first MEK wash. (time it)
• Apply two more solvent wipes with 5 minute waiting time (timed) between them.
  You are preparing the fabric for glue adhesion. Abrading these PVC fabrics is not recommended or necessary.

Glue Application: (3 thin layers)

• Apply a thin glue layer with stiff brush to both sides. Aggressively work it into the fabric with the brush. If it looks too thin, it is probably correct!
• Wait five minutes (timed) If glue still looks wet, wait longer.
• Repeat the 2 steps above (total of 3 layers with 5 minute open time between)
• Wait 10 minutes after third layer of glue.
• Join the surfaces during the next 10 minutes. Start from one edge and slowly lay the patch or accessory down onto the glued area.
• Press out all air bubbles and wrinkles from the center to the edges. On deflated boat rub as hard as possible with smooth tool, e.g. the back of a large tablespoon - force air out from between boat and patch. Careful not to scratch the fabric.
• For davits and hard based accessories, deflate boat and press through from other side to make sure of adhesion. Wipe off excess glue with solvent.

• If over 10 minutes or if glue has spots of white haze the glue has picked up moisture and you should try to "reactivate" it. With a clean rag wet the glue surface with MEK but do not rub the glue off (one quick swipe). Then assemble immediately. Press hard. For accessory on an inflated boat you can rub it down vigorously with a rag. Make sure there is no MEK on the rag when using it to run down the part or patch.

• Wait at least 48 hours before use.

• Pressure test if you want to be sure. Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight.
• Go boating!

Never fiddle around with these. Bond strength drops very rapidly with heat or high humidity. Take your boat indoors. Don't even think about trying to glue on the dock or near the water or in direct sunlight. Professionals use a specially built, climate controlled room, and still don't attempt to work on a rainy day.

Note (when using a 2 part PVC glue): The solvents in the glue must evaporate before assembly. When ready to assemble parts, the glue must not be tacky at all to the finger. It must not have spots of whitish glaze. If so, you may have spread the glue too thick, not waited long enough between coats, or a sudden drop in temperature or gust of humid air may have occurred. Someone may have opened the door, or you may have leaned too close and breathed on it. Plan to stay in the room until finished.

If using small cans ( 1/4 L) mix the entire can with the dose of accelerator. Inaccurate measurement will weaken the glue. Once opened the accelerator cannot be kept. Do not try to save it. The quality of your final bond depends on it.

Apply glue with a paint or glue brush with the bristles cut short (1/2 to 3/4") so they are stiff. It must be natural hair (i.e. OK for lacquer); bound in metal not plastic; preferably with wooden or metal handle. Careful not to get glue on areas of your boat besides the repair area.

Old glue must be completely removed -- solvent, sandpaper, scraping, grinding with a Dremel tool. Glue will not stick to old glue. Clean it off thoroughly. Be careful not to burn or melt the fabric if using a Dremel tool. Constant motion with the tool will prevent this problem.

If your boat has ever been protected with ArmorAll® or another silicone or petroleum based product, you may have great difficulty getting a bond. Wipe the repair area well with MEK, follow the gluing instructions closely and hope for the best.

To find tiny leaks, take floor boards out, inflate boat hard. Put some liquid detergent in a bucket of water and with rag or big wash brush, scrub it all over boat. Keep watch for elusive, tiny bubbles. When you find the first leak, keep looking. You might as well fix them all at the same time! Remember, the number one cause of slow leaks is a poorly seated valve. Unscrew, clean. Make sure little rubber O-rings are good. They are the cheapest repair possible.

If patching, cut patches 1 to 2 " larger than tear in each direction and round the corners (a quarter makes a good template for the edges). Little one inch circles pasted over a pin hole won't last. Try to get the same fabric used by the manufacturer for your boat. The inside and outside surface may be different. If you can't match color, sometimes a cleverly shaped patch in contrasting color can be made to look like decoration instead of a Band-Aid. e.g. arrow, lightning bolt, even a new D ring if in right spot. Professionals often put one on each side to look like they came with the boat.

Inflate boat to apply accessories. Deflate to patch air leaks, even if very small. Air pressure will bubble the patch before glue sets.

BE SAFE
Do Not Smoke! Glues and solvents are flammable. No open flames (e.g. furnace or pilot light when working in a cellar.)

Use in a well ventilated area. Fumes can be overwhelming. A carbon filter respirator is recommended. MEK solvent smells, but is relatively safe. It is recommended that you not use Toluene - the factories do but it is quite dangerous.

Accelerator (small bottle) is toxic. If spilled on on your skin WASH IMMEDIATELY with soap and water. If in your eyes, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH WITH WATER for at least 2 minutes and consult a physician. (Accelerator is an isocyanate based product.)

Always wear safety gear as recommended by the manufacturer of glue, solvent, accelerator, etc.

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-- How do I Repair a leak in my Hypalon inflatable boat ?

Small repairs and the addition of small accessories may be attempted by the owner if factory gluing instructions are followed closely.

Rips or holes larger than one inch in the air chambers or within two inches of a seam should be repaired with internal and external patches by a professional repair technician at a certified repair facility.

Recommended solvent: The solvent used at the factories is called Toluene or Toluol. It is often available at paint, hardware or plumbing stores as a cleaning solvent.

You can also use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone). It is often available at paint, hardware or plumbing stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer thinner. For non-critical bonds you might substitute acetone.

Glue: Your boat came equipped with a tube of one part Hypalon glue. You can also use Zodiac #7097 Universal Glue, Avon Adhesive (one or two part), Bostik® or other Hypalon or rubber glues. Do not use glue that is not specifically intended for Hypalon fabric. PVC glue will not bond properly with Hypalon.

Humidity: Humidity must be less than 70%.

Temperature: Do not glue in direct sunlight. Temperature should be between 64 and 77 degrees F.

Preparation:

• Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; timer with second hand or stop watch; make sure all the old glue is cleaned off; get your patch cut out, position noted and marked. It always leaves a neat tidy finish if you tape off the perimeter of the patch area with masking tape to avoid over glue.
• If using a 2 part glue, mix accelerator and glue thoroughly either now or while waiting between the solvent wipes below. Accelerator is toxic; keep off skin. Keep mixed glue covered (foil or wax paper) when not using. Pot life is about 1 hour. It may still look liquid, but will have lost effectiveness.

*** NOTE *** IN ADDITION: you must abrade/scuff the fabric to remove any oxidation and to allow the glue to attain a mechanical bond to the scuffed area. Use 100 grit sandpaper or a Dremel tool. Do not cut into the threads under the protective coating. You just need to cut through the surface to allow the solvents and glue to penetrate. Some accessories rubber surfaces have been preprocessed and do not need abrading, rub just the boat fabric. Wipe clean to remove grit and residue.

Solvent Cleaning: (2 times - to clean the fabric for a strong "mechanical bond" with the glue)

• Scrub both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on a rag to clean surface. Wait 10 minutes after the first MEK wash. (time it)
• Apply one more solvent wipe with 10 minute waiting time (timed) between them.
  You are cleaning the fabric for glue adhesion.

Glue Application: (2 thin layers 20 minutes apart)

• Apply a thin glue layer with stiff brush to both sides. Aggressively work it into the fabric with the brush. If it looks too thin, it is probably correct!
• Wait 20 minutes (timed) If glue still looks wet, wait longer. Check for no tackiness with knuckle, no adhesive should stick to your skin. Humidity control while glue is drying is critical. Keep door closed. Don't breathe on glue area while inspecting.
• Repeat the 2 steps above (total of 2 layers with 20 minute open time between)
• Wait 10 minutes after second layer of glue.
• After 10 minutes, join the parts together. Start from one edge and slowly lay the patch or accessory down onto the glued area.
• Press out all air bubbles and wrinkles from the center to the edges. On deflated boat rub as hard as possible with smooth tool, e.g. the back of a large tablespoon - force air out from between boat and patch. Careful not to scratch the fabric.
• For davits and hard based accessories, deflate boat and press through from other side to make sure of adhesion. Wipe off excess glue with solvent.

• If over 10 minutes or if glue has spots of white haze the glue has picked up moisture and you should try to "reactivate" it. With a clean rag wet the glue surface with MEK but do not rub the glue off (one quick swipe). Then assemble immediately. Press hard. For accessory on an inflated boat you can rub it down vigorously with a rag with MEK on it.

• Wait at least 48 hours before use.

• Pressure test if you want to be sure. Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight.
• Go boating!

Never fiddle around with these. Bond strength drops very rapidly with heat or high humidity. Take your boat indoors. Don't even think about trying to glue on the dock or near the water or in direct sunlight. Professionals use a specially built, climate controlled room, and still don't attempt to work on a rainy day.

Note (when using a 2 part Hypalon glue): The solvents in the glue must evaporate before assembly. When ready to assemble parts, the glue must not be tacky at all to the finger. It must not have spots of whitish glaze. If so, you may have spread the glue too thick, not waited long enough between coats, or a sudden drop in temperature or gust of humid air may have occurred. Someone may have opened the door, or you may have leaned too close and breathed on it. Plan to stay in the room until finished.

If using small cans ( 1/4 L) mix the entire can with the dose of accelerator. Inaccurate measurement will weaken the glue. Once opened the accelerator cannot be kept. Do not try to save it. The quality of your final bond depends on it.

Apply glue with a paint or glue brush with the bristles cut short (1/2 to 3/4") so they are stiff. It must be natural hair (i.e. OK for lacquer); bound in metal not plastic; preferably with wooden or metal handle. Careful not to get glue on areas of your boat besides the repair area.

Old glue must be completely removed -- solvent, sandpaper, scraping, grinding with a Dremel tool. Glue will not stick to old glue. Clean it off thoroughly. Be careful not to burn or melt the fabric if using a Dremel tool. Constant motion with the tool will prevent this problem.

If your boat has ever been protected with ArmorAll® or another silicone or petroleum based product, you may have great difficulty getting a bond. Wipe the repair area well with MEK, follow the gluing instructions closely and hope for the best.

Pinhole size leaks in most Hypalonfabric or PVC boats sometimes may be repaired simply by use of either Seam Seal or Air Seal liquids. You might be able to avoid a patch on the boat.

To find tiny leaks, take floor boards out, inflate boat hard. Put some liquid detergent in a bucket of water and with rag or big wash brush, scrub it all over boat. Keep watch for elusive, tiny bubbles. When you find the first leak, keep looking. You might as well fix them all at the same time! Remember, the number one cause of slow leaks is a poorly seated valve. Unscrew, clean. Make sure little rubber O-rings are good. They are the cheapest repair possible.

If patching, cut patches 1 to 2 " larger than tear in each direction and round the corners (a quarter makes a good template for the edges). Little one inch circles pasted over a pin hole won't last. Try to get the same fabric used by the manufacturer for your boat. The inside and outside surface may be different. If you can't match color, sometimes a cleverly shaped patch in contrasting color can be made to look like decoration instead of a Band-Aid. e.g. arrow, lightning bolt, even a new D ring if in right spot. Professionals often put one on each side to look like they came with the boat.

Inflate boat to apply accessories. Deflate to patch air leaks, even if very small. Air pressure will bubble the patch before glue sets.

BE SAFE
Do Not Smoke! Glues and solvents are flammable. No open flames (e.g. furnace or pilot light when working in a cellar.)

Use in a well ventilated area. Fumes can be overwhelming. A carbon filter respirator is recommended. MEK solvent smells, but is relatively safe. It is recommended that you not use Toluene - the factories do but it is quite dangerous.

Accelerator (small bottle) is toxic. If spilled on on your skin WASH IMMEDIATELY with soap and water. If in your eyes, IMMEDIATELY FLUSH WITH WATER for at least 2 minutes and consult a physician. (Accelerator is an isocyanate based product.)

Always wear safety gear as recommended by the manufacturer of glue, solvent, accelerator, etc.

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