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How to repair oarlocks and the bottom of a PVC boat? Fishing, whether on a trophy trip or just a casual outing to the nearest body of water, most often takes place using specialized watercraft, such as a raft, boat, motorboat, etc. Most fishing enthusiasts have their own preferences when choosing a floating vessel.
Inflatable, comfortable boats have long been particularly popular. Today, manufacturers offer products made from a variety of materials (rubber, PVC, polyurethane, neoprene), but PVC boats have become more popular. But what should you do if your boat leaks?
What do you need to repair rowlocks yourself?
It's no secret that any repair begins with acquiring the necessary tools and materials. Therefore, we'll begin by discussing what's essential for high-quality rowlock repairs.
Tools and materials
As with most activities related to PVC boat repair, you will need:
· Hair dryer;
· A set of new oarlocks;
· Acetone;
· Special glue for polyvinyl chloride;
· Hardener for Desmodur glue.
This simple set will allow you to carry out repair work reliably and quickly.
Step-by-step instructions for repairing oarlocks:
1. Boats should be inflated first.
2. After this, heat the oarlock being replaced to 60°C with a heat gun. Be careful not to overheat it, as this could damage the existing layers of the boat.
3. Wet a piece of cloth in acetone and wipe it, thoroughly removing the old glue.
4. Mix the glue. You'll need about 75 ml of it, about 17 ml of acetone, and 6 ml of the Desmodur hardener mentioned above.
5. Degrease the surface of the boat and apply the prepared adhesive mass, then glue the new rowlock in place.
How to repair a boat bottom yourself?
If the fabric begins to peel or the seams on the bottom begin to separate, immediate repairs are necessary. The following tools and materials are required:
· Special glue for polyvinyl chloride;
· Activator for it;
· PVC fabric cut to the required dimensions;
· Acetone;
· A roller to roll the surfaces to be glued.
The repair is carried out as follows:
1. It is necessary to apply a bandage.
2. Strengthen the partition by restoring the adhesive joints.
3. Glue the PVC fabric to the bottom surface. To do this, place a small piece of it against the bulkhead.
4. Finally, make patches on the outside and inside.
Instead of an epilogue
Repairing a PVC boat yourself is easy. The key is to have the necessary tools and materials on hand. It's worth noting that timely repairs improve safety and allow the boat to be used for many years.
After the repair, the PVC boat will continue to help anglers significantly increase their catches, effectively performing its intended functions. Then, you can confidently set off on a trophy fishing trip to the Putorana Plateau and hunt for taimen or other salmonids.
