Tube Repair

[mesajeeper]

Please forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong place. I have two questions for you. I have a "big mable" two person tube thingy. The tube seem split and I have about a 1" opening. Can this be repaired? Will any vinyl patch kit work or are certain brands or types better? I a second note, while towing the big mable, the front end dipped into the water. By the time I saw it, the preasure ripped the straps from the cover. Any advise on getting this fixed? Can a upholstry shop sew on a new strap?

Thanks in advance for any advice. I just hope I don't have to go and buy a new $300 tube. I am a partner on the boat and we have the you break it you fix it policy.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Tube Repair

You can try any kind of patch made for that material, but if the seam is split, you might not be too successful. But it costs very little to try.
Any canvas repair shop should be able to re-attach the strap, or maybe even a skilled shoe repair place.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tube Repair

Reality says it is time for a new one in my humble opinion. You have precious cargo aboard.
My 2 cents.

 

[sethjon]

Re: Tube Repair

Patching a seam is almost impossible. Its doubtful. Don't make yourself miserable, cough up the money and get a new one.

 

[Thad]

Re: Tube Repair

We have the Big Mable. The first time out with it, the strap broke.
My, at the time 13 yr old, daughter called the company and complained. They sent her a new cover only requesting that a part of the old cover be cut out and returned. No problems, right? Well, not until the next time out with the NEW cover. A few hours later, broke!

So, I will not tell you to call the company for a new cover. I will instead, tell you what we did. (The story gets better, I promise)

I took it to the local upholstry guy. (By the way, he makes tarps for semi trailers...this is important later)

He looked it over and desided that it is a design flaw in the entire strap set up. Two days later I got it back. I do not know how to tell you what he did, but I know he used tarp material and the original strap and a ton of stitching out into the cover moreso than from the factory. Two years of hard use later and the top side is wearing faster than the straps.

I will take some pics of it tonight with my phone. If they turn out, I will post them here. If they do not, I will figure some other way. (left my camera in the rain)

As for the tube itself......A buddy of mine took his to the tire shop and had it repaired. His was torn at the seam. He's had it back for three weeks and still holding air.