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It has been mentioned a few times on here about special tape that can be used for small repairs on urethane bladders. Some of the comments made suggested that this tape can be used for permanent repairs in some cases because the bladders are inside the float tube housing and the tape ends up between the two with the pressure helping to hold the tape to the bladder and that over time the bond strength increases.
So what I'm posting for is first to find out of what "I think" I've read is close to accurate and then two to find out what this product is specifically so I can look into what it takes to buy. What I've found from a google search or two is this type of product from 3m, http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en...657JDCX3gl, but I"m not sure if that is the right product as the description clearly isn't talking about float tube repairs.
Would just like to be able to be better prepared for any future leaks. Any help, info and links would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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[cool][#0000ff]That looks like it might work.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]This is what I have bought and used before.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][url "http://www.patchngo.com/shop.html"]http://www.patchngo.com/shop.html[/url][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Good to keep in your "every trip" supplies. They sell the material in several sizes. Buy the largest piece and add a pair of small scissors to your supplies for cutting and trimming. Rounded corners are less likely to catch on something and lift up. But, if you follow instructions and roll the patches down firmly they do hold well.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]It works on the urethane bladders but not so well on vinyl. You should also carry some alcohol wet wipes to clean the area around the patch before you apply it.[/#0000ff]
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First off, I am going to say, Aquaseal is a perfect repair for Urethane, but, for quick repairs, I went to AIRE which makes the bladders and bought some tape. I gate TD some of this tape and it was gold till I finally found it again.
It looks like packing tape but it is rubbery. You put it on Urethane bladder and rub it with a nickel or something smooth, it actually welds into the material.
About 2" wide....here it is:
http://www.riversports.com/product_detai...-Tape.html
Price is very fair as well as there is a lot of tape on this. I still have one, although, not sure why...LOL
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[cool][#0000ff]I still have (and use) that small roll I traded for some smoked kitty. Just patched TubeBabe's Fat Cat after she got soggy (her tube) at Starvation last Friday. My tube is wearing a couple of patches from that stuff too. Good trade.[/#0000ff]
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Does it have a paper or other type of backing on it or is it stuck to the layer under it on the roll? I'm asking as the usual patch kits make a big deal about not touching the sticky side and it got me wondering now to pull off a length off a roll without stretching it too much or getting the under side messy. Thanks for the link and info!
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Glad I was able to find the source again.
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[quote Hnaf]Does it have a paper or other type of backing on it or is it stuck to the layer under it on the roll? I'm asking as the usual patch kits make a big deal about not touching the sticky side and it got me wondering now to pull off a length off a roll without stretching it too much or getting the under side messy. Thanks for the link and info![/quote]
Like I said, just like packing tape, but it is thicker...be really hard to stretch it out of shape, more rubbery than stretch. Clean hands and clean work area, it is not that hard to do. Handle the stick side as little as possible. It can be done like the paper back side patches.
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Do you use a patch with the aqua seal and i assume your talking about this ? http://www.nrs.com/product/2294/aquaseal...repair-kit
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[#0000FF]The Aquaseal spreads out in a thick blob that cures to a permanent flexible patch. No other patch needed. Just be sure to apply the liquid on a flat surface so that it does not "migrate" while you are waiting for it to cure.
Yes. That is the stuff.
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That is the stuff, but I stay away from the accelerator. As for patch, that would depend on size of hole. For patches, I prefer "Loc tite for vinyl". Aquaseal I use for holes. Specially pin holes. A toothpick and a dot in the hole and not visible. Not that that matters on bladders, but outer covers or bladderless it is nice and clean.
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Thanks flygoddes and tubedude reason I ask is I had a pinch hole from when it was deflated and the bladder got between the frame and the bed of a truck for 250 miles (dont let friends use your tubes) and i used the tape but it only held for about 12 hours I removed it and scuffed it up with sand paper cleaned it and reapplied a new patch going to air it up tonight and see if it holds but if it doesnt i need other options. Bucks swears its urethane as its an old southfork 2
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Then I am betting it is Urethane. I think the Alpine is the only Vinyl now. I use to have Urethane tape. It was great. Put a piece on, rub it with something smooth and it welded to the bladder.
Aquaseal is an easy fix if it isn't too big. How big of hole is it?
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Well its a hair wide and 1/4 inch long I out a 2 inch round patch over it, Thats what i was thinking the alpine was the only one, Its about 4 inches below the valve so its not near a seam and i put a large piece Of uhmw under it and rubber vigorously like the instructions said. If this doesnt work I will pick up the aqua seal 
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I had a pin hole in my Creek Co and I patched it with Aquaseal.
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Thanks Ron Im going to order some in and have it just incase
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I order 6 tubes off ebay. Always pack it. Have only needed it twice knock on wood.
The Cotol 240 also preps the Urethane.
Good tip: Aquaseal is a moisture-cure adhesive. To prevent the unused portion from hardening in the tube, follow these simple steps: Squeeze Aquaseal right up to the opening so there's no air pocket. Then put some vaseline on the threads before screwing on the cap. Now put the tube in a zip-seal bag and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to use the tube again, warm it at room temperature or in the bag in warm water and you're good to go!
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Sounds great Hopefully I wont ever need it again but doesnt hurt to have it on hand thanks for the tip I will get some picked up
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I think everyone that owns an inflatable boat hopes they don't need it.[ ] But, they feel a lot better when they do.
Went to Current Creek with a friend last year. Planned on fishing for three days. First night out, his boat sprung a leak. He hoofed it back to the loading ramp, and I retrieved his pontoon while in my Assault. He would have been done for the weekend if we didn't always carry it.
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Yea thats true and i will have a supply of it after tuesday I orderd 2 tubes and a valve wrench as the second patch didn't hold I'm thinking maybe the adhesive on them was bad or maybe old stock. Do you ever carry extra urethane encase you get a big hole and do you patch the small ones also or just use the aqua seal ?
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I haven't had a bladder for about 6 years, but the boats I had that were bladdered were also Urethane, even my first pontoon way back that was the 6' Alpine. Not sure why they changed that other than maybe budget.
I had AIRE patch tape. Probably still do somewhere. And I used the tape because it was easy, quick and I had it. It is on a roll. Pretty nice.
Again, as I said knock on wood) I have not patched any of my boats).
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