Dinghy repair advice needed

[Ericsstinnett]

I have a 2007 12' Saturn dinghy. All the parts are there. Only problem is every seam is coming apart. The glue must have deteriorated. These boats are hand glued and not welded. It is PVC. Would a rain or shine PVC glue work. The owner manual does say yo clean the repair area with PVC cleaner, same kind as sold in hardware stores, before glueing. This cleaner will actually begain to melt the PVC. I have experience with this in plumbing with PVC. Many glues harden after just a few months. This will be inadequate for repair work on dinghys. What would be the best glue to used. I'll need to reglue every seam.

[sailorcherry]

I would try researching your specific issues with the keyword 5200. Every boat owner does (or should) have some onboard.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by sailorcherry

I would try researching your specific issues with the keyword 5200. Every boat owner does (or should) have some onboard.

While patching with 5200 as an adhesive is feasible, using it for re gluing all the seams in an inflatable would be damn hard to do. The main reason is the long cure time and the lack of sufficient tackyness to hold thing together whilst the glue sets up.

The only type of adhesive that will succeed in such a big repair is one of the bespoke 2-pot numbers designed for PVC materials. Anything lesser will be a big waste of time and effort.

Jim

[sailorcherry]

People have posted of success with inflatable repairs using 5200 and duct tape (or even clean packing tape), right? 5200 and duct tape to us is like vinegar or barkeepers friend for cleaning, brightening and disinfecting on the cheap and going green.

[jmpapon]

Problem is: PVC is a hard, stiff material. To make it flexible manufacturers use an additive which, over time, dissolve the glue. So, even when using the two parts glue, eventually all PVC glued seams open. Only real cure is welded seams or dinghies made of Hypalon.
Sorry for the bad news but I have been through the same ordeal with my previous PVC Zodiac, inhaled a lot of toxic fumes trying to fix seams with the two parts glue and MEK solvent required for the job to no avail.
Good luck though!

[Aquadome]

I recommend you try Clifton Urethane Adhesive.

[HopCar]

Your dinghy has reached the end of its life. Replace it.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Ericsstinnett

I have a 2007 12' Saturn dinghy. All the parts are there. Only problem is every seam is coming apart. The glue must have deteriorated. These boats are hand glued and not welded. It is PVC. Would a rain or shine PVC glue work. The owner manual does say yo clean the repair area with PVC cleaner, same kind as sold in hardware stores, before glueing. This cleaner will actually begain to melt the PVC. I have experience with this in plumbing with PVC. Many glues harden after just a few months. This will be inadequate for repair work on dinghys. What would be the best glue to used. I'll need to reglue every seam.

Have you investigated sending back to the MFG. for repair?

[kclancy]

I would try Stabond Glue. I use it for all my repairs on the PVC whitewater rafts. It works the best. Clifton is good too.

Its going to be a real chore to repair failing seams. You might be able to get the seams to hold, but I have my doubts. Saturn rafts are notorious for seam failures.

If you purchase a new raft, go with hypalon or welded PVC. Both will give you 20-30 years of life if properly taken care of. All that usually needs to be done is to use some 303 Protectant a few times a year.

[Sailon1]

I tried HH66 on my zodiac when the bottom fell out. Worked for a while but now glue is coming undone after about two months. Perhaps call zodiac or other manufacture for advice

[lordgeoff]

I agree Clifton Urethane Adhesive is an excellent product for PVC repairs. Hard to get outside of USA.
I Use G Clamps and sections of timber cut to size to spread the pressure of the G Clamps over the length of the seam being repaired. Eventually all the seams will fail due to UV exposure and exposure to daily high temp over summer. (After a few years)
Next dinghy? I'll have covers made to protect the tubes and seams. Treat your dinghy as a consumable item and replace as necessary?

[Aquadome]

Originally Posted by Aquadome

I recommend you try Clifton Urethane Adhesive.

Might I also add that I do my boating in South Florida and the Bahamas and take it from me if you decide to purchase a new tender get a Hypalon (I like the AB Rib models). To keep it for many years get a quality cover and keep it covered when not in use.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Your dinghy has reached the end of its life. Replace it.

Wisdom in two sentences!

Jim

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by HopCar

Your dinghy has reached the end of its life. Replace it.

[Compass790]

Yes agree with other posts it's difficult to do a whole pvc dinghy. I'll never get another glued PVC. I found ICI/National 1957 polyurethane adhesive with catalyst to work on PVC dinghy but they have been taken over by Henkel now I believe so unsure what product no. is now or indeed if it's still produced. Would go with stabond or Clifton if I was US. based as suggested in other posts ( I couldnt get them here in NZ). Yes I found out thru experience you cannot use PVC or CPVC pipe cement as its too brittle.
My recommendation would probably be get a good used welded seam PVC or Hypalon dinghy if yr budget doesn't extend to a new one unless you want a project of course.