Bombard inflatable

[sparerooms]

I have a Bombard inflatable dinghy that hasn't been used for a few years. When I took it out to use it again, to my despair the bottom has dropped out of it (literally).

The floor has come away from the tubes all the way around. The glue has gone very hard a on both the tubes and the flaps on the floor.

Would I be able to repair it by gluing it all back together?

Has anybody ever had to do this before? as any advice would be much appreciated. :grumpy:

 

[mansters]

Re: Bombard inflatable

this might lead you in the right direction

Re-Glue and Repair The Floor on a Zodiac Dinghy - YouTube

 

[sparerooms]

Re: Bombard inflatable

Many thanks I will have a look later.
His old glue looks very clean tho. The glue on my boat in Brown and very hard :-( and doesn't come off as easy

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bombard inflatable

The hardest part of that job will be removing the old glue. It will take a LONG time and a lot of elbow grease along with some judiciously applied heat and solvent. If it's hypalon you'll need Toluene (toluol), MEK for PVC. I have found that a hair dryer works well for applying heat but not too much heat. Good luck.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Bombard inflatable

Yep, Inccop is quite right, the worst part is the long cleaning process on lower tubes and bottom floor fabric, if both are not inmaculate clean parts will not be correctly glued and repair won't last as expected, bad music....Being in UK, there's lot of reputed inflatable shops that can do the tedious work for you, contact them.

Happy Boating

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bombard inflatable

BTW, I did mention using a hair dryer, but in retrospect I don't believe I gave that little piece of equipment its due. I highly recommend using one for this job. It's really quite effective at softening that old glue. It's also good to have around in case you wait too long between applying the second coat of adhesive and joining the two surfaces. It's just a really good thing to keep handy. However, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use the admiral's hundred dollar salon quality hair dryer for these types of applications. Don't ask me how I know this is a bad idea. On the other hand, it did result in her buying me my very own hair dryer for raft repairs and canoe outfitting. As I recall I even dried my hair with it once.:laugh:

 

[sparerooms]

Re: Bombard inflatable

Thanks guys. Yeah I think its going to be a long hard slog with the glue removal.
I will try and sneak the mrs's hairdryer into the shed lol

 

[pro-crastinator]

Re: Bombard inflatable

Just a thought - years ago i bought a paint stripper heat gun for a few bucks. I use it more than I can imagine.
Many times it replaces the torch when I need to losten a stuck bolt.
Sounds like it would quicken your job in a big way.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Bombard inflatable

Heat guns must be used with extreme caution, if too much heat is applied too long on same area could end blistering sib's fabric, very bad music, better ask for a quote at a reputed inflatable shop that knows their job. BTW if you already have a complete unglued floor fabric, expect same on oar holdres, oar locks and handles. Clear symptoms of being an oldie or bad quality glue if not that old. All parts can be reglued again...

Happy Boating