Boat repair

[dilan_414]

hello I have a problem with a 2005 cfr 260 (airdeck).. the underfloor seams have detached at some places(causing very big water entries)... can i repair it by myself... if yes using what kind of glue or bonding product? or should i bring it to a rib shop to get an expert check it out?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Boat repair

You could repair it by yourself if you know how to do the work, will need lot's of things,time and patience, will need to remove complete floor fabric, clean all parts and re glue again. Probably the experimentation job is not worth it, take it to a repair shop that knows it's job and have a quote, probably an ouch!!! one.

Happy Boating

 

[dilan_414]

Re: Boat repair

actually the underfloor is debonded in the front part the seam is opened about 5 inches. I called a rib shop and they told me to use a specific zodiac glue that costs around 70$. I know the surface has to be clean and have no glue residues. are there any other material needed?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Boat repair

Mek to clean the unglued parts, 2 part pvc glue, roller to squeeze out air bubles, controlled room temperature. If that floor already is ungluing in some spots, chances are high that will begin ungluing in other floor parts as glue is already dried out and it's not eternal. That's why is better to re glue complete transom to bow floor, but there's cost, skilled hand labor and patience involved to do it right.

Happy Boating

 

[dilan_414]

Re: Boat repair

I bought all the necessary material and got explantions from a pro shop the only detail i forgot is do I leave the boat inflated to glue the bottom? (It would seam easier to work with the boat inflated) any advice?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Boat repair

Is the floor beginning to unglue on top or bottom floor fabric, remenber that side fabric has a triangle like double internal fabric glued to tubes, yes need to have sib's tubes inflated to at least 2/2.5 psi prior to repair. Are you going for full floor reglue or just portion that has unglued ?

Happy Boating

 

[dilan_414]

Re: Boat repair

The guy at the rib shop told me to pull the seam hard until it would stop ungluing i used a dremel tool to take off the excess glue and will soon start the long sticking process. i will keep the boat inflated since its going to be easier to work with and the seam are opened both interior and exterior.

 

[Peter_C]

Re: Boat repair

Yes you want to work with the boat inflated. Wear a respirator mask and chemical gloves when working with the MEK. Wear nitrile or latex gloves when working with the glue.

As said above the chances are if it is failing in a couple areas the WHOLE thing probably needs to be reglued. The PVC that is thermobonded will last a long time, it is the glue that fails. Heat and sun are the enemy.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Boat repair

If going by portion repairs, check other sib's interal/external floor fabric for same ungluing issues to make one mayor portion repair.

Happy Boating

 

[dilan_414]

Re: Boat repair

I finally finished repairing the seam. checked for any other damages and pull on the seam to verify their strength. The process wasn't as terrible as i thought. now (24hr later) the seam is impossible to open glue process seams to have worked great. I'll try it on the lake this week-end and give some news about the hold of my bond. only thing i forgot was using a breathing mask and gloves but I'm still alive today!

 

[stefan_d]

Re: Boat repair

Had the same issue on my 98 cadet 285 airfloor. Re glued floor seams, and then added 3" wide strips over the seams, insid and out. Reworked where the transom is glued to the floor as well... A bit labour inintensive and required patience, but turned out real nice. Did it all in my basement with a box fan pulling out air thru window casing, no smell in the house but a respirator zone for sure working near the glue... Bone dry and rock solid, when that wears out it will be time for a new boat