Home >> Hobbies >> Other Hobbies

How to Repair a PVC Boat

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) boats have become very popular recently in the boating community because of their portability. They range from from dinghies to inflatable kayaks that can be stored in the trunk of a car and later inflated on site to provide people with a boating experience. The only down side is that unless caution is taken, it is easy to puncture the boat. Most inflatable boat manufacturers have taken this into account with the design so that a puncture will leak only in one compartment, not deflating the entire vessel and sinking its occupants. Always carry a patch kit and learn how to use it; a few minutes and a little knowledge will have your boat operating as new.

Things You'll Need

Vinyl patch kit
MEK solvent
Brush

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the inflatable boat from the water and place it on a dry, flat surface. Open the air valve and remove the remaining air from it by pressing down on the pontoons, removing as much air as possible. Wipe the area around the hole with a cloth and allow the surface to dry.
- 2
  Dip a stiff brush in MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) and brush an area extending at least 2 inches beyond the tear or hole. Repeat this procedure, making sure the area is free of any dirt or grease. Allow to dry.
- 3
  Apply vinyl glue to the cleaned area with a small stiff brush, being sure to work the glue into the fabric as much as possible. Peel off the clear plastic from a patch, leaving a smooth exposed surface. Apply glue to this surface and leave the patch upright to dry.
- 4
  When the glue is slightly tacky to the touch on both the boat and the patch, apply the patch to the glued surface on the boat. Press down evenly on the patch to remove any trapped air and allow to dry for 24 hours before inflating.
- 5
  With the boat fully inflated, apply some soapy water over the patch and observe if there are any bubbles forming around the edge of the patch. Formation of bubbles will indicate a small leak and the patch should be replaced by tearing it off and repeating the repair steps above. Applying the patch as directed should minimize the chance of a leak.

Other Hobbies