While the mobility and space-saving advantages of inflatable kayaks are fantastic, they are also more prone to punctures. So what should you do if your inflatable kayak suddenly starts to leak? In this article, we’re going to provide you with all the information you want for restoring your inflatable kayak to peak condition.
How To Repair Your Inflatable Kayak
Find the leak
Locating the leak is the first step in inflatable kayak repair. If you discover the leak while on the water, you could have punctured your skin after running into something sharp.
Most likely, the leak will be on or around the front or side chamber of your kayak. Sometimes it may be difficult for you to locate the leak; in this case, your kayak may be losing air from a seam.
Examine the base, side chambers, front, and back of your kayak with great care. Look over the top of your kayak as well to see if you utilized any sharp equipment while paddling that may have fallen into your cockpit.
Tips To Locate The Leak
Put your ear along the surface of your inflatable kayak once it has been fully inflated and listen for a hissing sound. Search along the seams if you can hear it but not see it. When you press against the seam, the air will exit more quickly and hiss louder as a result.
By submerging your kayak in the water and diving beneath, you may determine if your inflatables bottom has a minor leak. Search the base for any little bubbles as you move. The leak is in the area where bubbles are coming out of the inflatable kayak.
Soapy water may be used as another cool trick. You should apply a soapy solution on your kayak when it has fully inflated. Start checking for air bubbles once the soapy fluid has covered your kayak completely. Soap in the water will cause bubbles to develop when air escapes from beneath it.
What Is Your Inflatable Kayak Made Of?
Understanding the composition of your kayak is the first step in applying a fix. Use a patch material that is appropriate for your kayak. With an inflatable kayak, the material of your vessel will either be PVC or Hypalon. PVC is a thin, flexible plastic with enhanced durability provided by a nylon or polyester fabric.
The substance hypalon is more resilient. It is constructed from synthetic rubber. Similar to PVC inflatables, hypalon inflatables have a neoprene inner and an outside made of nylon or polyester fabric.
You may choose your adhesive after you are aware of the material that your kayak is composed of. The adhesive will depend on the substance. For instance, your patch won’t adhere if you put adhesive designed for PVC inflatables on a hypalon kayak.
Start Your Repair
Repairing Small Leaks
A very sticky kayak repair glue can be all you need if you have a very minor leak that you can feel but not necessarily see. You may repair weak seams and minor holes by using liquid glue. Adhesive glues help you repair the kayak most of the time, but you might need to reapply the glue over time. For PVC kayaks, sticky glues that have low pressure often work well.
Deflate the kayak before cleaning and drying the hole’s location before applying an adhesive. Apply the adhesive, and then wait at least eight hours for it to dry and properly fix the hole. You might need to apply a second layer, depending on the adhesive you choose.
Some glues could need more time to dry, while others might require you to inflate your kayak before using them. Make sure you abide by the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repairing Bigger Leaks
Sand the surface of your kayak and the patch lightly to begin your repair. Sanding the surfaces will increase friction, which will help your patch adhere to the surface better. After you’ve sanded the surface, give it a thorough cleaning to remove any remaining residue.
Next, spread your adhesive over the kayak and the area where you’ll be applying the patch. To get a truly tight seal, it might be helpful to reheat the glue using a hair dryer. Place the patch over the hole after applying the adhesive. Apply pressure to the patch starting at one end and working your way to the other using a flat, plastic scraper. You can remove any air pockets effectively by applying pressure. Give it about 24 hours so that the adhesive may set.