REPAIRING AN INFLATABLE KAYAK: HERE’S HOW

If you’re looking for how to repair an inflatable kayak, I can help you. It’s not complicated, you can do it yourself, but you must avoid mistakes. I’m going to tell you how to do it, and what errors to avoid.

Everyone who buys an inflatable kayak fears the moment of a puncture, and even more so if it occurs at the worst time. My experience tells me that it is not easy to puncture a modern kayak, although it is possible. The most normal thing is usually a loss…more than a big puncture.

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And to avoid a leak, crack or puncture, you must have been careful with your inflatable kayak beforehand. And that means adequate
maintenance
, and not doing crazy things to it. The latter usually happens during embarkation or disembarkation.

Okay, now I’ll take off my dad hat and stop repeating “I told you so.” You arrive one day to your inflatable kayak and see it limp and deflated, and now you want solutions. No reproaches. You have to repair the inflatable kayak puncture.

FIRST OF ALL, FIND OUT THE MATERIAL OF YOUR CANOE

Before starting the repair, you must know very well the materials that the manufacturer has used. You must use patches and glues suitable for the fabrics your kayak uses. If you use things that are not compatible, you will not fix it and you can even ruin it.

If in doubt, read the manufacturer’s instructions, or contact them. In most cases, they offer repair kits and it is normal for them to give you one when you
buy the kayak
.

Patch placed on a PVC Intex

The most common materials that we are going to find in a kayak are some type of PVC, Polyurethane (TPU) or Hypalon. Depending on each material, we will have to use different glues, patches and techniques.

LOCATE THE PUNCTURE IN THE KAYAK

The second thing will be to locate the puncture or leak. Something that is not easy. There are several systems. The first thing is to inflate the kayak to the maximum.

Find a quiet and peaceful place. Listen for the sound of air to detect the leak.

An alternative method is to pass a sensitive and humid part of the body. As this alternative may generate perversion, wet the back of your hand and run it over the surface of the kayak. Another way is a bucket with some diluted soap. If you pour it over the floats, and they find a leak, it will generate small and sonorous bubbles.

HOW TO FIND THE LEAK WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FAILS

Submerging the inflated kayak in a bathtub or calm water space, I recommend it only in the case of desperation.

Once the leak is located, you must mark it with a marker or some system to have it located and work it properly.

FIND A SPACE TO REPAIR YOUR INFLATABLE KAYAK

We have the leak and the repair elements. Now it is about finding a suitable place. With space, shade and ventilated. Keep in mind that glues are toxic and usually need hours for the gluing to be correct. And the ideal conditions for this are a relative humidity of less than 60% and a temperature between 18-25°C.

PREPARE THE SURFACE OF THE KAYAK

  1. Completely deflate the kayak.

  2. Thoroughly clean the area around the leak with the recommended solvent cleaner.

  3. Lightly sand the surface to create a rough texture that promotes patch adhesion (don’t overdo it)

  4. Clean again to remove any sanding residue, and let it dry well.

STEP-BY-STEP REPAIR OF KAYAKS WITH REMOVABLE AIR CHAMBERS

  1. Unscrew the valve and remove the chamber from its textile wrapping.

  2. Unroll the chamber and locate the leak.

  3. If the leak is in a weld, consider that the repair may not be permanent.

  4. Mark the area of the leak and completely deflate the chamber.

  5. Lightly sand the damaged surface in a radius of approximately 6 cm.

  6. Cut a circular or oval patch (to prevent it from peeling off at the corners) approximately 5 cm larger than the leak in all directions.

  7. Apply a first thin layer of adhesive to both the patch and the damaged area and let it dry for 30 minutes.

  8. Apply a second layer of adhesive to both surfaces and wait until it is sticky to the touch (5-15 minutes).

  9. Place the patch over the damaged area and press firmly.

  10. Carefully remove any air bubbles using a spatula, working from the center towards the edges.

  11. Clean the excess adhesive around the patch.

  12. Place a weight on the patch to keep it pressed down for 24 hours.

  13. Reinsert the chamber into its housing and screw on the valve

These clamps tighten the patch so that they stick better

STEP-BY-STEP REPAIR OF KAYAKS WITHOUT REMOVABLE AIR CHAMBERS

  1. Partially inflate the leaking section.

  2. Locate and mark the leak.

  3. Clean and sand the area as described above.

  4. Follow the same steps to apply the patch, making sure to maintain optimal temperature and humidity conditions.

The steps as you see are almost the same. Only the adhesive and the patch material change. Did you like it, do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to send me an email.

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