How To: Patch a Hypalon Boat

Properly patching a Hypalon® raft or cataraft isn't difficult, but it does require specific tools, supplies and techniques. In this instructional video, the NRS Repairs Department shows you the materials, adhesives, solvents and skills you need to successfully glue a patch on your inflatable boat. This information applies to Hypalon, Pennel Orca® and rubber inflatables. The same techniques can be used for gluing air-holding patches, D-rings and foot cups to your raft or cataraft. The video also includes tips for making temporary field repairs on the water.

[@jacktrout]

I patched my boat using this video, thank you so much! :) Clients were so happy today. Whooohoooo!! Many rivers to you, Jack Trout

[@NRSWEB]

Glad it helped!

[@kristaps2010]

Good to learn about reactivating wrong patch and reapplying it again. Thank you

[@NRSWEB]

Glad to hear it was helpful.

[@barryzoll9772]

Great information and choice of music

[@MrNacho1946]

If u would've left that background music off, the presentation would've been perfect. Not trying to be funny, remember that you're dealing with a large public and many can't hear too well. Your presentation was the best. Thank you.

[@NRSWEB]

Great question. On Hypalon you can use heat or Toluol (Toluene). Heat approach - Use a heat gun or hairdryer to warm the edge of the patch/glue while using pliers (or other tool) to slowly peel the patch back; heating the crease between the patch and the boat as you progress. With this method you will want to be careful not to melt, burn, or damage the fabric.

[@poppetrurazvan3900]

You can even fill the boat with "pet" empty bottles as shown in the tv island documentary. Just add a watertight dry neoprene zipper, and the job is done. My verry best regards from Cluj Napoca, Romania. Pete.

[@NRSWEB]

Hypalon is pretty amazing fabric that can be used for all sorts of applications.

[@NRSWEB]

Thank you for the comment/question. For a wood or plastic transom we suggest using G/flex Epoxy. G/flex sticks really well to these types of materials as well as Hypalon.

[@NRSWEB]

Thank you for the comment, I'll post a version without music for you to use, and attach the link to this string of comments once I get it loaded. Thanks again for the comment

[@hiltontom]

Thank you for such a quick and detailed response, I shall use my heat gun on the patch as suggested and see how it goes.

[@NRSWEB]

Note, Toluol is very flammable so don't use toluol and heat at the same time, or in close proximity to each other. If you use Toluol first, and then decide to try heat, be sure that all of the Toluol has sufficiently evaporated and that the area is clear of any fumes before using the heat gun. That said, you might find that starting with heat will make it easier to get an edge pulled up as a starting point for both methods.

[@NRSWEB]

Toluol approach - Use toluol on a rag to reactivate the glue so that you can peel the patch up; continually wiping the crease between the patch and the boat as you progress.

[@NRSWEB]

Thank you for the comment. We have a version without the music. I'll send it to you in a personal message. If anyone else would like to see the version without music let me know and I can send you the link as well.

[@rebhyrebhy7373]

NRS call me

[@toadalgea]

I like the music its why i stayed and didnt switch to another repair maybe it reminded me of this old house

[@TrevorNygaard]

Any tips on how to combat the humidity problem needed to patch correctly? I need to patch my dinghy down here in Grenada west indies where the humidity is between 75 and 90 all day everyday. Only thing I can think of is getting it hauled to somewhere with A/C to repair.... but I wouldn't be here on youtube watching this great vid to do it myself and save the hundreds of dollars on it sooooo... kinda in a pickle

[@NRSWEB]

Hello Trevor, Humidity is tough when it comes to this glue. Your best option is to find a space with AC and do the repair there. The next best option is to use the accelerator and wait for a low humidity day. The accelerator will help counter act the high humidity to some degree. No matter where you do the repair or the humidity level the accelerator is a good idea. If you end up doing the repair in high humidity the patch will still probably hold, for a while, but it will most likely have to be replaced at some point. If you have further questions feel free to reach out to our customer service team. Good luck with the repair!

[@marshalltyler7110]

Very nice video! Do you have any thoughts about using 3M-08001 Super Weatherstrip and Gasket Adhesive (used in automotive glass shops) on Hypalon? I have a single 1/4" hole in the center of the inflatable keel. As there is potentially more ware down the center of the keel, is it appropriate to install a 4-5" wide strip for the entire length of the keel?

[@dcook3003]

Toluene has VOCs and is no longer sold in CA. What other solvent can I use? The hardware store said that Xylene is a replacement for toluene. Will this work? Thanks for a useful repair vid! Dave

[@NRSWEB]

Hello Dave, Thanks for your question. Xylene isn't a great alternative to toluene. Its slow drying and doesn't reactivate dry glue. A better option is Acetone. It also wont reactivate dry glue but works well for cleaning the area in preparation for the patch. You'll just have to pay close attention during your repair and make sure you don't let the glue dry too much before applying the patch. If it does get too dry you'll have to apply another coat of glue. Feel free to give us a call if you have additional questions 877-677-4327.

[@nashrulhajar]

I'm staying at Malaysia....where can I get that kind of glue....my boat is 866 grade hyplon inflatable boat.....

[@NRSWEB]

Getting adhesives in foreign countries can be a challenge. Because most of these items are flammable shipping from the US isn't a good option. You're best bet is to explore marinas specifically ones that cater to sailboats. Most sailboats have a dingy and these are often Hypalon. Many marinas will stock repair materials or should be able to point you in the right direction. Good luck with the repair.

[@NgaTran-bc1ck]

I have an XCAT 11, and the wood transom start peeling off the tubes. I think the previous owner repair with some glue that fail and feel like silicon epoxy. I can peel it off like a clear gel. What glue do you recommend? Is HH-66 glue work or G/flex Epoxy? Do you have a video to repair this? Thanks

[@regfendick8542]

I’m repairing a used hypalon RIB I just bought.Two old patches came off without much problem, but the old glue seems to be incredibly difficult to remove. I’ve been sanding like crazy with 180 grit paper and there’s still a faint yellow haze in the patch area. Can I stop standing and start the two-step process yet? Second, there is a tiny leak coming from where the tube is joined to the (flexible plastic/nylon) bracket that hold on the transom. Separating that bracket from the tube is not a road I’m going to go down and a patch can’t be used.. Can I put some adhesive in the leaking area, or is there another fix? Thanks.

[@sriver2205]

Hallo, i have quicksilver boat (pvc material) and i have done the same as you with the big and clear spots.The problem is that i have 4-5 more spots that i lose air that are in a very dificult spots,so i cant patch them.Have any ideas? Thanks

[@grahamcuddy2215]

very informative repair vid

[@dodger7777]

For a repair on the bottom (exterior) of the boat floor, do you follow the same process? What type of material should be used?

[@NRSWEB]

Great question +DD. Yes, the same process applies if applying a patch to the bottom of a boat. We recommend using either Pennel Orca or NRS HD40 Wear Patch Material for more abrasion resistance. These materials can be found on our website here: www.nrs.com/category/2985/rafting/hypalon-parts-materials

[@iainrobertson459]

good info on a new repair, but how do you remove an old patch for repair that's leaking on a Caribe hypalon RIB

[@lindapolverari4270]

What product can be used to seal seams on an aging hypalon dinghy?

[@NRSWEB]

That all depends on how much work you want to put into the boat. Replacing all of the seam tape will fix the problem and last a very long time. If the boat is coming to the end of its life and you're just trying to get another year or 2 out of it them fixing the seam leak with Aquaseal will do the trick.

[@wilsonrcioffi5471]

good night.. please what the name of prduct you used i dont reed to imagens. tanks im im brasil

[@tristansmith5978]

This is perfect. Thank you for the great info. I also would like to ask if this works for glueing the transom back.

[@dservati11]

what do you suggest to use when the hypalon has come off and you can see some fabric, like you showed in the video?

[@cptkirk222]

Urethane

[@funyfuny17sr]

i have a 4" by 2" hole in my dinghy is it possible to fix this?

[@k1dicarus]

I have an old hypalon boat and the valves leak air. They seem glued with the hypalon. Can i just rip them off and place in new ones that get screwed in? I tried putting hypalon glue on the outside ring of the valve where its leaking but the air always finds a new way through it.

[@SrustiVlogs11]

k1dicarus note my WhatsApp number and give me photo to repair your valve.

[@SrustiVlogs11]

My WhatsApp number is [phone]

[@andrewk5074]

Is it the same process for blown seams on a hypalon raft? Do you guys have a video for seam repair? Thanks.

[@NRSWEB]

Yes, Andrew K , a lap seam repair (where one piece of material laps over the other) will use the same procedures shown in this video. Since the seam has been previously glued you’ll need to do the extra step of removing the old glue. If it’s a Hypalon or other synthetic rubber material, use toluene; if it’s a PVC or urethane material, use MEK. Along with the solvents, a small wire brush or Scotchbrite pad can also help with removal. These are very aggressive solvents, work in a well ventilated area and use gloves, eye protection and a chemical respirator. Once you have the seam reglued, gluing a strip of seam tape over the seam will greatly reinforce the repair. Give us a call, 800.635.5202 or email [e-mail] for help with materials, adhesives and further questions.

[@hiltontom]

Nice video thank you. How do I go about removing an old patch that needs replacing?

[@nolankriegel441]

What kind of repair do I use on Sea Eagle 12.6 sr for about a 4 inch tear on top side

[@NRSWEB]

Nolan Kriegel I believe Sea Eagle boats are constructed out of PVC material. If that is the case, we recommend following our instructions on How to Repair PVC and Urethane Boats (Video: www.nrs.com/learn/repair-pvc-and-urethane-boats.asp). Please comment, call or email with any further questions.

[@casalssecurity]

Just a little off the subject but how can you tell the difference between PVC and hypalon

[@NRSWEB]

Great question Serge. It can be difficult to tell the difference when looking only at the top/outer material. However, if you are able to see the back side it is fairly easy to make the distinction. The color of PVC fabric should be the same on boths sides of the material, whereas Hypalon fabric will usually be dark grey or black on the back no matter what the top color is. Feel free to reply back or give us a call at 877-677-4327 if you have any other questions.

[@Whitboxphotohk]

I got AB's Hypalon repair kit for a hypalon zodiac, wish me luck :)

[@NRSWEB]

+Hong Kong Photography Studio Ltd. Good luck! Feel free to call (877-677-4327) or email ([e-mail]) if you have any questions along the way.

[@Whitboxphotohk]

Actually its Strongan fabric, the dealer here is checking his stock of glue...

[@isaacsandoval3218]

What type of roller is that? Did you say, "Pro roller?" Where do you find those?

[@alliellioxenfree]

www.nrs.com/product/1991/pro-roller-hand-tool

[@aspimarker2034]

CAN I HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH OF PRO ROLLER

[@SVBrickHouse]

The roller I have is sold to use with window screen or screen door repair

[@SVBrickHouse]

How much NRS glue to how much accelerant? Is there a standard ratio?

[@NRSWEB]

The ratio is 10 drops of accelerator per 2 ounces of glue. The video is about patching a Hypalon boat so I'm assuming you're talking about Hypalon glue and accelerator.

[@NRSWEB]

Thanks for the great question, feel free to comment, email or call (1-800-635-5202) with any other questions.

[@BlazeStromplekss]

Спасибо. Познавательно. Но почему собственно такой узкий ролик (валик), или вы в принципе в работе не используете широкие?

[@reneos9]

Hi,have you repair courses ?

[@dark991000]

plz how to fixt this

[@rebhyrebhy7373]

I need it How?

[@roderickmcleod4864]

do you need to deflate the boat

[@NRSWEB]

Thanks for the question Blair McLeod. Yes, we recommend deflating the boat when applying the patch. You will want to wait at least 24 hours for the adhesive to cure before inflating the boat again. Please comment, call or email with any further questions.

[@dirtrider5001]

Omg com on there has to be easier way

[@JenniferHundt-ie8kc]

Man. I just can't wait 10minutes between layers. It dries out completely in 10 minutes. Is this the goal?

[@BCDanno63]

Please he's right… very distracting!!

[@dservati11]

what do you suggest to use when the hypalon has come off and you can see some fabric, like you showed in the video?

[@NRSWEB]

Great question +Dave Servati. Check out our learn article, 'How to Repair a Worn Spot on a Raft' (www.nrs.com/boating_tips/fixyourscrim.asp). Feel free to reply to this comment, give us a call (877-677-4327), or shoot us an email ([e-mail]) if you have any questions along the way.