| Inflatable boats are a very popular way for | | | | Again, a simple method of inflatable boat repair |
| people to get out on the water for fishing, | | | | using a patching compound and a patch is the |
| traveling, or just relaxing in the breeze. However, | | | | best bet, as the patch can create a second seal |
| with these boats comes the most dreaded of | | | | along the seam and provide an interim repair for |
| concerns - the leak. For many who have boated | | | | the boat. However, if the seam is torn too much, |
| with inflatable boats, this has been an all too | | | | the boat may be beyond immediate repair. In that |
| common reality, being out on the water when an | | | | case, more extreme resealing of the seam may |
| unexpected incident results in the inflatable boat | | | | be necessary. |
| springing a leak. Thankfully, there are some simple | | | | A third common problem with inflatable boats is |
| inflatable boat repair tips that can be utilized in | | | | the loss of buoyancy over time. As time passes, |
| case of a similar situation so you as a boater | | | | and the boat's structure is worn down, the boat |
| don't end up all wet. | | | | may not float as well or may begin to leak air |
| The biggest problem with an inflatable boat is the | | | | slowly. In these cases, the best method of |
| threat of a leak, usually due to a pressure point | | | | repairing the boat is to refresh the hull material. |
| applied within the boat or a collision with a jagged | | | | Various methods are prescribed in this case, but |
| piece of debris floating in the water. In these | | | | the typical method is to add a sealing compound |
| cases, the leak may be a smaller puncture and | | | | similar to a tire patching compound to the inside |
| can be easily dealt with. To combat these, the | | | | of the boat. |
| main option available is a quick patch method. | | | | As this is sprayed inside, it reinforces the inside of |
| Keeping an inflatable boat repair kit with you while | | | | the craft, providing additional structural support, |
| boating is a good practice. If the puncture is inside | | | | and sealing off slow leaks to prevent further loss |
| or on the exposed side of the boat, apply the | | | | of air. This sealant spreads around the inside of |
| patch with a securing compound, and then get to | | | | the boat, creating a second structural layer |
| shore for further repair. | | | | around the rubber or plastic of the vessel. This |
| Another common problem with inflatable boats is | | | | insures additional sealing combined with adding |
| tearing along the seams. Seams can rupture, | | | | some buoyancy to the boat, making it an ideal |
| preventing the boat from retaining air completely. | | | | inflatable boat repair for older boats. |