Slow leaking dingy

[Bayou Sailor]

My new to me Cal 34 came with a Seaworthy brand 8' foldable dingy. It has been folded for many years in the PO garage. It had a couple of small holes in the corners where it was folded. I repaired them with Tear-Aid and repair glue. I replaced both of the valves. After a couple of days work it seemed that all was good. It held air for a few hours (I think) and then about 8 hours later I could tell it was losing air. I have washed it a couple of times since, concentrating mainly on the repairs and valves and no bubbles. I am a day sailor and don't really need a dingy, but it would be nice to have. I know that the dingy must be at least 15 years old because I think that's when Seaworthy went out of business. Any ideas?

[mike d.]

Real soapy water, like waht the tire guys used to make sure the bead wasn't leaking, checking for leaks ! Start at the bottom working up slowly ! It has to show at some point ! Do this in a shady area, as the sun will dry the solution to fast, where you are located !

[Bayou Sailor]

Thanks for the reply. I am in New Orleans. I like the idea of shade and more soap.

[BugzyCan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJY6bhYUfHw

[Bayou Sailor]

Thanks for the reply. I am in New Orleans. I like the idea of shade and more soap.

[chris mac]

We have developed a leak in ours too. Soap and water didn't show it. I ended up inflating it to max pressure(3.65 psi for ours) and then soap test again.
Leak was in between the tube and aluminum frame. So no patching without really cutting it apart.
We used the inland marine sealant(seals from inside tube)
It has helped, I plan to do a second treatment this weekend as well.