INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPAIRING INFLATABLE PVC BOATS

SMALL PUNCTURES:  (Less than 50mm (2 inches) long)
1.   Clean surface surrounding puncture with soap and water or Lancer Solvent Boat Cleaning Fluid.  If the Fabric is very old the surface should be roughened slightly with fine sandpaper.
2.   Cut patch with well rounded corners to cover the puncture by at least 30mm.  Both surfaces to be joined must be completely dry before application of adhesive.
3.    There are two methods of bonding with PVC, the first method is called Dry Stick and should only be used in the case of emergency.  The second method is called Heat Reactivation and this is the preferred method as it is more likely to produce a stronger air tight bond.

DRY STICK
1.    Apply a moderately thick coat of Lancer Adhesive  PVC, to both surfaces (preferably with a 12mm paint brush) allow the adhesive to become touch dry which will take approximately 7 1/2 minutes in a shaded area.  It is critical that the surface does not come completely dry.  
2.    Apply the patch and smooth out evenly with no wrinkles or air bubbles.  Press the patch firmly onto the boat using a roller or other smooth object.  
3.    Lightly inflate the boat so that the tube just starts to take some shape.  Do not inflate to full pressure until at least 24 hours.

HEAT REACTIVATION
The second method is Heat Reactivation.  
1.  Apply moderately thick coat of Lancer Adhesive PVC, to both surfaces and allow to dry for approximately 20 minutes.  Use a hot air dryer such as a ladies hair dryer to apply heat to both glued surfaces.  The surface should be heated to a point where it is slightly hot to touch but be careful not to burn or scorch the plastic.          

2.    After heating the adhesive it will still feel dry to touch but while it is still warm it will have an enormous grab when both surfaces are contacted - be careful to ensure accurate alignment when closing the joint.  Apply the patch to the boat avoiding touching the adhesive surface with the fingers and smooth out evenly with no wrinkles or air bubbles.  Press the patch firmly onto the boat using a roller or other smooth object.  If necessary a little more heat can be applied at this stage.  
3.    Lightly inflate the boat so that the tube takes some shape but do not inflate full pressure for 24 hours.

NB: The adhesive used is a “contact” type and will “grab”.  It is important therefore, to place the patch correctly the first time, since once the adhesive surfaces touch, movement will be difficult.

LARGER PATCHES  (Greater than 50mm)
The above steps 1 and 2 should be followed.  Then before following Step 3, sew the edges of the damaged material together with nylon thread, using a herring-bone stitch.  This locates the edges correctly whilst bonding the patch into place.  Proceed with Step 3 above.

TRACING SMALL PUNCTURES
Trace the leak by painting over the Boat with soap lather and mark the spot where bursting bubbles develop.