PVC repairs are easy once you know the tricks. The process is exactly the same for the hull, pontoons, and topside.
Here is what you need:
- MEK cleaner (or 200 grit sand paper)
- PVC glue
- Heat gun
- Painters tape
- PVC patch (not Hyplon)
Glue recommendations:
Two-part glue is best, but is a challenge to use in the field. We use 1-part HH-66 in the field and 2-part Stabond in our shop.
Prepare the surface:
- Deflate the chamber (you have to do this for holes, but you don't do this if you are attaching things like ribports).
- Create a patch that covers the hole plus extends at least 1cm (.5") in all directions.
- If the patch has corners on it, square or round them off a little bit so that there aren't sharp edges to get caught.
- Place the patch on the hole and mask the area around the patch with painter's tape so that when you apply glue it doesn't make a mess.
- Use MEK or sand paper to prepare (roughen) the surface of the patch and the surface with the hole.
Glue the patch:
- Having prepared the two surfaces, put a thin layer of PVC glue on both surfaces.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- On both surfaces, use a heat gun for about 5 seconds per 1cm square area. This activates the glue.
- Immediately after heating, press the patch on to the other surface and rub it hard for 20 seconds.