How to patch your packraft, kayak or paddle board
Before you start here's what you need: Boat, patch material, glue, soapy water, alcohol wipes or MEK, scissors, masking tape, pencil or marker, sand paper, latex gloves, small brush, rags or paper towels, roller or plastic scraper, respirator or a well ventilated area, 5 pound weight or heavy object.
To glue on a patch:
- Start with a leak test to find the hole and mark it with a pencil or marker.
- Next deflate the boat and lay it out flat.
- Cut the patch in a circle or oval with at least 1 inch of overlap from the hole.
- Very lightly sand or scuff up the patch and area being patched.
- Clean the patch area and patch with rubbing alcohol or MEK with a rag or paper towel.
- Trace out the glue area on the boat with a pencil or marker.
- Use masking tape off around the patch area to prevent glue from going all over your boat.
- With a brush alternate applying one very thin layers of glue to both the patch and the boat with a brush.
- Wait 3-5 minutes and then apply a second thin layer of glue to the boat and patch.
- Allow the glue to get a bit tacky.
- Place the patch and use a roller or plastic scraper to smooth out any air bubbles.
- Place a heavy object onto the patch to help hold it in place. Also using masking tape can help hold the edges of the patch.
- Let the glue dry and cure for 24-48 hours and remove any tape.
- Inflate the boat and perform another leak test or keep it inflate for 24 hours to make sure the patch is holding air.
For PVC to PVC, TPU to TPU, or PVC to TPU Stabond is best glue to use. Cliftons 4009 PVC Adhesive with the Cliffton Accelerator 4844 is another good option. Cliftons 4123 is a one part contact adhesive which is also great. Lastly HH-66 is another option, while not as strong, it is a one part glue that is easier to work with. Aqua Seal FD is also great as a standalone glue to smear over small pinholes with out patch material.