You can easily repair your boat’s minor punctures*, be it either in Hypalon or in Strongan fabric. To find out the fabric of your boat, check the buoyancy tube’s vertical seams. Since 1985, most of Zodiac® boats are made from Strongan fabric.

* 1 cm - for larger repairs, consult your Dealer


Hypalon fabric

HAND-GLUED SEAMS = HYPALON FABRIC

Traditional assembly method for hypalon fabric. The 2 panels are glued, one covering the other. You will only see part of the fabric that covers the other section.

 


Strongan fabric

THERMOBONDED TECHNIQUES = STRONGAN FABRIC

Robotized hot assembly technique: two layers of fabric are welded between an exterior reinforcement band and an interior airtight band. What you see is the exterior band, with 2 borders.

 

Repair kit

Cleaning:

  • Hypalon fabric : rough the material with the pumice stone provided (never use solvent)
  • Strongan fabric: alcohol-type grease remover, or use a pumice stone

Repairing:

  • Patch
  • Tube of special glue, ready for use: check with your Dealer that you are using a suitable glue
  • Brush

Conditions necessary for successful repairs:

  • Relative humidity less that 60%
  • Temperature between 18 and 25°C (64.4 and 77°F)
  • Avoid carrying out repairs in direct sunlight or in rain
  • Check that the buoyancy tube is fully deflated and lies flat

Preparation

  • Cut out a round patch at least 5 cm larger than the cut
  • Draw the shape of the patch exactly where it is to be applied
  • Clean the damaged part of the boat and the corresponding side of the patch
  • Strongan fabric: with an alcohol-type grease remover
  • Hypalon fabric: with the pumice stone only
  • Allow to dry for 5 minutes

Gluing

  • Apply 3 thin layers of glue on both the patch and the roughened area on the boat and let dry for 5 to 10 minutes between each layer until tacky

Putting on the patch

  • When the 3rd layer is dry, apply the patch without pressing and adjust the position if required
  • Press out the air bubbles which may have formed under the patch
  • Smooth the patch with a round object (ex: a spoon) starting from the centre of the patch
  • Clean the excess glue with a solvent

Use the boat after repair

  • Do not expose the repair to sun or rain
  • Let dry for 24 hours before inflating

Caution !

When using the glue:

  • Carefully replace the cap on the tube of glue. If properly sealed, it keeps perfectly
  • Do not leave the tube in the sun or next to heat sources or direct flames
  • Check that the room is properly ventilated, avoid inhaling or ingesting the glue, and avoid its contact with your skin


Notes

FOR MAJOR REPAIRS, TAKE YOUR BOAT TO A DEALER WHO CAN PERFORM AFTER SALES SERVICE.