Choosing glue for boat repair from PVC

Fishing is a favorite hobby for many. And those who take it seriously enough can not do without the acquisition of boats. PVC is a material that is usually used for their manufacture. It is a very strong and damage resistant material. But even he will not stand in a collision with shards of glass, lids of cans, stones and sticks. But all these dangers await you on the shore and in the reservoirs themselves. Another threat is mice that can gnaw through the shell. But even such damage is not the end for pvc boats. The glue that comes with the repair kit or is purchased separately will help return the boat to service.

How to choose glue?

To choose the glue for boats, you need to know what types of compounds are available on the market.

• One component adhesive. It is suitable for repairing minor and minor damage. One-component compositions are also divided into two types. There are high-temperature ones - they are not so convenient for repair right on the hike, because for proper use it is necessary to heat the damaged surface. For these purposes, a building hair dryer is usually used, and its use in nature is complicated. There are also low-temperature adhesives. To use them not at home is much easier. But there is a significant drawback - under the influence of sunlight, the composition heats up, because of which the attached patch can peel off. Therefore, such glue is better to use to repair the bottom - it is always protected from the sun.
• Another view is a two-component. A feature of this composition is that a special hardener is sold with glue. Thanks to this substance, the mixture hardens faster and more securely fixes a patch on the surface of the boat. In addition, weather conditions (humidity, temperature) are not so important for this glue. This is the best option for repairing more serious damage to the surface of PVC boats.

Well-known manufacturers

Usually, a repair kit is also sold with the boat, in which you will find suitable glue. But what glue to use if you did not have a suitcase with all the necessary means? There are some of the most famous manufacturers.

• Texacol. This glue is found both in a single component and in a two-component form. When working with it, you can use a building hair dryer or other tool for heating, but even without exposure to high temperatures, it will also fulfill its functions. It is specially designed for application on PVC. Texacol is perfect for repairing damage, because it is also used in the boat manufacturing process. It is sold in containers of different volumes - from fifty milliliters to one liter.
• Bostik Vinycol 1520. It was also created specifically for the production and repair of boats. Together with Bostik glue DESMODUR hardener can be used. This compound will securely fix the patch to the surface. He is not afraid of high humidity. On sale found in large volumes (from ten liters) or in bottles.
• For repairing minor damage "Moment"designed for boats. It is sold in small tubes. To apply it, you do not need to heat the surface.

Types of damage

So, you have chosen the glue. But now you need to figure out how to seal the PVC boat so as not to aggravate the situation.

There are several types of holes.

• Scratch. In this case, only the coating is damaged, slightly revealing the inner material. This is not dangerous, but the boat's protection level is reduced, so you need to fasten the PVC as soon as possible.
• The hole is not more than five centimeters. Also not a very serious defect.You can eliminate it at home, but it is just as easy to deal with it in nature.
• Holes more than fifteen centimeters. Here glue and patches may not be enough - it is better to consult a specialist.

Tip

To repair medium holes, it is better to use two patches. One is attached from the outside, and the other from the inside.

How to detect damage?

Before sticking a PVC boat, you have to work hard to find the place of damage itself. Of course, this is easy to do when it comes to large holes. But often you don’t even find out that the boat’s integrity has been violated until you notice that it’s gradually blown away over time. This is usually the result of the appearance of small holes that leave fishing hooks or sharp stones. Another option - the boat is poor-quality and holes appear at the seams (to prevent this from happening, bona fide manufacturers fix these sections with PVC tapes).

Correctly detecting the area where you want to make repairs will help the usual dishwashing detergent.

1. First of all, you need to inflate the boat (not necessarily completely).
2. Then dissolve the detergent in a small amount (half a bucket is enough) of warm water.
3. Spread this liquid with a sponge in areas where holes and scratches are suspected to be (especially for joints).
4. In the damaged areas, bubbles will begin to form.

DIY boat repair

When you find a damaged area, you can glue a patch on it. Repair includes several stages.

1. First of all, you need to clean the damaged area from contamination. But you should not resort to such a radical method as the use of sandpaper: it will erase the surface and reduce the life of the boat. For complete cleaning will have to make a lot of effort.
2. To glue better fixed on the surface, it must be degreased. Usually, solvents are used for this, acetone is also used. Not the most successful, but also suitable option is alcohol. Most importantly, do not apply too much liquid, because solvents can ruin the coating.
3. After carrying out these procedures, you can proceed to the repair itself. First you need to cut the patch. Estimate the approximate damage size and add a couple of centimeters - the patch should be larger than the hole.
4. Next, apply glue with a brush on the patch and on the surface of the boat. Leave on for ten minutes. Then apply another coat and let it dry again.
5. If the instructions provide for this item, then use a building hair dryer to heat both surfaces. It is only necessary to heat the glue, but not to dry it.
6. Attach a patch to the boat and smooth it with a sponge or roller.
7. Leave for three days without inflating the boat all this time.

Output

There are several types of glue for boat repair. Polymer compositions are divided into two-component and one-component, which, in turn, are divided into low-temperature and high-temperature. It is difficult to say which is better - they differ in application methods, however, they are all quite reliable and able to deal with damage. To repair small holes, you can do with a special “Moment”, which is sold in small tubes.

The repair process itself is quite simple. You will need glue, patch material and a building hair dryer (if you need to heat the adhesive).