I just took my Fat Cat out for our summer vacation, and I realized that it had ripped along part of the seam. It is out of warranty. I have attached pictures of the rip and would love some advice about either: 1. Fixing it myself; 2. A good repair shop (Outcast or other shop).
Thanks for any help.
Michael
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The cloth edges look to be stripped so there is not much for thread to latch on to without permanent pinching of that section of tube. Maybe some kind of fabric patch sewn underneath would be the way to fix. That is labor intensive and the material could be scavenged from another tube. Maybe call Outcast for an estimate, but my guess it will be cheaper to get a new one, unless they take pity on you because of a fabric defect. If it is not a fabric defect, then I would suspect overpressure, or storage at high pressure for long periods which can weaken fabric weave. JMHO.
Pon
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I would suggest contacting outcast. My brother in law just recently had a bladder repair that we had to do for a couple small holes. Part of the homework he ended up doing got him in touch with outcast. They pointed out that they will perform repairs on tubes for a cost for things that are beyond the scope of a simple patch. I'm sure there is a limit to what they can do and what is worth the $. If for nothing other then knowing the options I'd contact them to see if they give you a similar response for the outer tube cover area that your seam failed on.
Beyond that I'd defer to the advice of what others here have to share that have dealt with that level of a repair.
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[cool][#0000ff]I have made "make do" repairs on a few seams over the years. Looks like that seam failure was in the PVC section. Heavy fabric. Just get a stout needle and some size D rod wrapping nylon thread. Deflate the tube, remove the bladder and turn the cover inside out. Now do a stitch job. Might need some pliers for pushing and pulling the needle through the PVC fabric. Finish it up by making a bead of Aquaseal along the repair and let it cure. If you do it right it will be virtually invisible from the outside.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Option B is to take it to a shop that makes or repairs tents and awnings. They have heavy commercial sewing machines than can make quick work of such a repair. But, again, it is a good idea to reinforce the repair with some Aquaseal.[/#0000ff]
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Thanks for everyone's advice. I'll get in touch with Outcast and see what they suggest.
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I totally agree with Hnaf, plus that looks like a factory defect to me. seriously, how does one do that?
I have been a factory seamstress before and mistakes do happen.
If nothing else, try that first. It is repairable by adding a piece and making two seams, or visit TD for his assistance as he has been there and done that.
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Sugarhouse awning in midvale, UT has helped me out on a couple of tubes and toons that I own. They do a great job.
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