Step by Step Guide to Apply a Raft Patch with AquaSeal
The easiest repair needs like small holes and leaky floor dings are met with Gear Aid Aquaseal FD Flexible Durable Repair Adhesive
The fabric of most raft brands today is PVC or urethane, but a few still use rubber coatings like Hypalon. For the latter, I’ve found the Aquaseal adhesive for neoprene repairs works the best.
The most common area that receives repairs in our rental pool is the bottom of the floor and side tubes. For small holes and leaky floor dings the Aquaseal repair is quick and easy.
Some Aquaseal packages come with a separate clear vile of adhesive accelerant. I don’t bother with this. I prefer the FD (Fast Drying) Aquaseal with no bells or whistles.
What Surface Prep is Necessary Before the Raft Patch?
To scratch or not scratch the surface with sand paper is the question? I don’t bother. I treat these external repairs as temporary fixes that may last forever or need replaced miles or months later. Scientifically, a glue bond will adhere stronger to a slightly abraded surface material, but it’s still strong enough without prior abrading. If you prefer to abrade prior to repair, include a small swathe of wet/dry sandpaper in the 80-120 grit category. Clean dust off the repair area prior to applying the adhesive.
Repair Subfloor Leaks
- Sub floors with chips that leak water into the hull need to be repaired from the bottom surface of the raft, not the inside hull surface. Just flip the raft over to expose the floor and dry the surface to be repaired.
- Knead the Aquaseal container before breaking the seal. This blends the distribution of constituents and lends a stronger dried bond.
- Apply a nickel- to quarter-size bead of the Aquaseal and adjust the balance of the raft surface to control the shape and run of the adhesive. Ensure the pinhole is fully covered with the dollop of glue and positioned stable to allow adequate dry time (6-8 hours minimum, 12 hours for best results).
Repair Air Chamber Leaks
Leaks involving air need to be treated a little more skillfully.
- First, deflate the effected air chamber and the neighboring chamber, and leave the air valves in the open position to release positive or negative air pressure at the repair hole. If the air valves are closed during dry time, air bubbles will form small leaky fistulas and the repair will be a failure.
- Squeeze a quarter-sized bead of Aquaseal over the pinhole or small tear and ensure the borders are at least ½” around the hole. If you have glue to spare, ¾” diameter patch around the wound is more adequate.
- Let the patch dry for a full 12 hours before closing the air valves and re-inflating the raft.
