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Conference unifix::sailing

Title:SAILING
Notice:Please read Note 2.* before participating in this conference
Moderator:UNIFIX::BERENS
Created:Wed Jul 01 1992
Last Modified:Mon Jun 02 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2299
Total number of notes:20724

1750.0. "Inflatable Dingy Bottom Repair" by SALEBT::HEARNS () Mon Jul 01 1991 11:27

	I have an inflatable digny that after three season of sitting outside
has started to leak thru the floor.  While this is not a safty issue it terms
of the boat sinking, it is not fun to get wet every time we use the dingy.

	When I look at the bottom of the boat it appears that do to sunlight
or UV or something the coating on the fabric that makes up the bottom is 
cracked and in certain places  has chiped off and is letting water in. Also
where the floor board rest under the inflatable portion of the boat the 
coating has been rubbed off by the movement of the floor boards when underway.

	Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this, other than
just patching ever whole I can find.  Is there some type of paint or 
coating that could be applied to stop the leaks.

	Any help would be appreciated
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
1750.1Coating availableKBOMFG::LOESTTue Jul 02 1991 03:177
    Recently I have read an article in the magazin YACHT. They have tested
    a new special coating for inflatables with very good results. If you
    are interested I can pull out the article. 
    
    Regards,
    
    Klaus
1750.2Yes, pleaseSALEBT::HEARNSTue Jul 02 1991 09:0316
    Very interested, if you could send me the article I would be most 
    grateful.
    
    
    			Fletcher Hearns
    			Site: PVO
    			5 Catamore Blvd.
    			East Providence, RI 02914
    
    		or      FAX: 401-438-0290
    
    
    			thanks in advance,
    
    
      Any one have any other ideals???
1750.3Check SoundingsOFFPLS::RYANTue Jul 02 1991 10:405
    If you look in June's Soundings, there is a company that claims it
    specializes in fixing inflatibles.  I don't have the magazine, but
    perhaps you could check it out, call them, and go from there.
    
    Bob
1750.4? Fender Cote ?SALEM::KLOTZMon Jul 08 1991 14:0926
    
    Just a thought -- based on a different experiance:
    
    I had a problem -- when I put the dink on my swim platform it covered
    the name (documented boat).   I was looking for a method of putting
    the name on the bottom of the inflatable - neatly - script as on the
    stern - yet durable enough to take the flexing, to roll up & stash away
    and to handle the rocks in Maine.    My wife came up with the idea of
    using "Fender Cote" - this is a paint made to restore fenders.
    
    Well we tried it & it works great.  The name has been on the bottom
    of the dink for 4+ seasons - spends the week baking in the sun & the
    weekends scraping on the beaches - and looks as good as the day we
    applied it.
    
    I suspect that if the material is fairly sound and its the coating that
    has worn and leaks - this may do the job.  It's interesting on mine
    that I can see the bottom of the dink itself starting to wear; but, the
    name still looks in top shape.
    
    I suspect that some of the new 'paints' for inflatables are indeed of
    the same or similar composition.
    
    Ass I said - Just a thought,
                                 Take care,
                                           Lou
1750.5Where do I buy?SCAACT::CLEVELANDTue Jul 30 1991 22:027
    Where does one procure Fender Cote? I've looked in the Boat US catalog
    and don't see it listed. Since I have the same problem as described in
    the base note, I'm willing to give it a whirl.
    
    Suggestions on where to purchase anyone?
    Thanks,
    Robert