The uses for inflatable rafts are extensive and they include rescue missions, white water rafting, and lounging on the lake to name a few. Being fabricated out of plastic materials that are durable makes these kinds of rafts strong and lightweight as well. Apart from being completely waterproof, these rafts which are lightweight are also highly portable.Although the material used for these inflatable rafts is rigid PVC, they still remain susceptible to tearing as well as the occasional puncturing. If you are knowledgeable in how to properly patch the hole, then whenever something like this happens you will be able to save the raft. Not only will you be able to extend the life of the raft but also have a serviceable watercraft in an hour or less.With this you can easily save the raft not to mention have a serviceable and functioning watercraft without taking too much of your time.In a few simple steps you can fix your raft and head on back to the lake.When you experience tearing with your inflatable rafts, what you should do is gently inflate the raft and then press down on it to determine where the leak is coming from. When you find the origin of the leak, use a pen or marker to encircle the specific areas where the leaks have been found.Considering that you might be dealing with multiple holes in the raft, cut out a piece of patching material for each hole. Tears in inflatable rafts need patching material that is big enough to cover three inches from each hole in all sides. What this does is make the patches more durable. To prepare the raft, you need to sand the specific areas down and the patches as well. If you do not do this then the patching material will not adhere properly to the surface of the raft when glue is applied. On most occasions, the rubber material used to make inflatable rafts have tiny bumps in the surface and so you need to sand this down until you end up with a surface that is smooth and shiny. Avoid sanding the surface too much or else it will feel too thin and appears sheer when held against the light. Considering that you might over sand, you can cut another piece of patching material for the specific area. As you patch inflatable rafts, remember that you should always have raft repair glue and a small craft sized brush and be sure to let each application of glue dry for about 15 to 20 minutes.After wards you need to apply a thin coat of glue to every piece of patching material and to all of the holes as well letting them dry for 10 minutes. After this you should stick on the patches to the holes until they adhere to the surface. Allowing the glue to dry completely is necessary for all inflatable rafts.Before patching, you need not deflate the raft and for all inflatable rafts you should be aware that if you apply a thick coat of glue to the holes and the patching material, they will not adhere properly to the surface. Most of the time, rafting repair kits will come complete with patching material and glue. It is easy to obtain the rest of the materials you need from your local sporting goods store if your repair kit is incomplete.
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In a few simple steps you can fix your raft and head on back to the lake. To prepare the raft, you need to sand the specific areas down and the patches as well.
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