Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

[Wipers]

Hi, I bought this achilles dinghy and noticed that it has some cracks under the tubes. One tube is rock solid while the other loses air. I am wondering whether it's possible to fix this as it is cracked in various areas. I looked up liquid rubber and am wondering if this will work? This is what it looks like. Any help/ advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

Welcome to Iboats,

Cracked Hypalon fabric is not repairable it’s already shot, you have already a delamination issue. Seems that 20-30 years oldie sib had its Waterloo time ago. Before throwing that sib away, your last chance would be to keep patching exterior or applying Hypalon paint all you want as long you intend to continue using that nice brand sib. Probably not cost effective for what remains of use.

Liquid rubber is used mainly for sealing many tiny tube's pinholes and don't want to use too many exterior fabric patches or if fabric becomes pourous on the exterior and starts losing air. Seems sib was left unattended for long time periods flipped upside down, sun already has dried and burnt lower tube badly and now is cracking & delaminating, start saving for a replacement ASAP.

Happy Boating

 

[Wipers]

Re: Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

Thanks for the reply. One tube is rock solid just needs a little hypalon paint; the other has a leak which i've found and am wondering how much it would cost to replace that section of tube or the whole tube in general. An estimation would be appreciated. I plan on using this boat for awhile until I save up for something a little roomier. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

Replacing Hypalon tubes should cost at least 70% of that sib price, try to patch it as it is to keep on using some more. Sometimes it's much more cost effective to buy a new boat than repair an oldie, unless it's for hard sentimental issues...

Happy Boating

 

[Wipers]

Re: Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

I got it for 140 so spending 1-200 bucks on it wouldn't break the bank as long as I can use it for a year or more. I ordered a restoration kit from inland marine and am hoping that I will be able to restore it so it lasts a couple of years. My plan is to patch the leak paint over it with liquid rubber and then use a tube seal to seal it from the inside. Hopefully that does the trick and I can use it while saving to buy a rib. Thanks for your advice and input. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Achilles Dinghy Hypalon/paint cracking Possible to repair?

Wispers,

You are welcome any time, post end results, just for the record...

Happy Boating