| As durable as an inflatable boat can be, there are | | | | severity. A hole more than a couple inches wide |
| going to be instances where an accident will | | | | may not be repairable, but check with the patch |
| happen. Instead of throwing your investment in | | | | kit instructions first. Now it is time to deflate the |
| the trash, you can easily repair most damages | | | | boat. If the hole is modest, begin applying the |
| right at home. Small tears and rips can be sealed | | | | patch kit. Each kit may have different instructions |
| up with a patch kit. If your boat did not come | | | | but they are pretty basic. Make sure the surface |
| with a patch kit, seek one out online or at your | | | | is dry, and cut a circle out of the repair material |
| local sporting goods store. Most boat repairs | | | | that is about one inch wider than the hole. Apply |
| require little technical experience and can be done | | | | the glue to the patch and apply with pressure. |
| with a pair of scissors and the included materials. | | | | Make sure the glue covers the whole patch so air |
| First you need to determine the severity of the | | | | does not escape. However, too much glue can |
| leak. If you notice that your boat loses rigidity | | | | seep into the hole and bind the chamber together |
| after being on the water, it could be that the heat | | | | when dry. |
| of the sun has causes the material to temporarily | | | | Repairing a simple hole can be fairly easy. If your |
| become more pliable. This is normal, and the | | | | hole is more severe, consider taking it to a |
| plastic will return to its normal state after | | | | professional if you want to save your boat. Be |
| returning to a cool area. However, if the boat is | | | | sure to follow the patch kit directions carefully, |
| deflating considerably, you might have a leak. If | | | | because the manufacturer knows exactly how |
| you cannot find the hole where the air is escaping, | | | | this should be done. Third-party kits can be |
| there is a method you can use. Take a wet cloth | | | | obtained, but first make sure that it is compatible |
| mixed with dish soap and wet the surface of the | | | | with the material your boat is made of. There are |
| boat while inflated. The escaping air will form | | | | different kits that are compatible with different |
| bubbles on the surface that will be visible. | | | | types of plastic and rubber. Buying one specifically |
| Once you have found the leak, check the | | | | labeled as an inflatable boat kit is the best choice. |