A guideline to performing basic raft repairs.

1.      Determine what kind of fabric you are repairing and use the correct adhesive. PVC requires a MEK base adhesive (StaBond) and Neoprene or Hypalon require a Toluene base adhesive (Shore 1 or 2 part. We always use 2 part adhesives). Some newer Urethane base adhesives can be used on either fabric (Urethanes are also available in 1 and 2 part varieties).

2.      Two part adhesives will always cure out stronger than 1 part adhesives making them more desirable for permanent repairs.

3.      Always cut patches in a circle or oval. Large rectangular patches should have rounded corners. The corners of square patches will always work loose.

4.      Any hole bigger around than a nickel or longer than an inch should have an inside patch applied before applying the outer patch.

5.      Mark the outline of a patch to guide you when sanding or cleaning. After preparing the surface remark the outline of the patch and make two reference marks about an inch apart that go from the patch onto the boat to guide you when the glued patch is to be placed. An incorrectly placed patch will always end up with an edge of the patch traveling off the glued area.

6.      A repair will always fail if the surface is not prepared properly before applying the correct adhesive. Hypalon and Neoprene fabrics need to be sanded thoroughly to the outline of the patch and then cleaned with Toluene. Most PVC fabrics do not require sanding but do need to be cleaned thoroughly with MEK. Urethane coated PVC fabrics need to be sanded very thoroughly and then scrubbed with MEK.

7.      Two coats of adhesive are always required. The 1^st coat should consist of a nice even coat of glue on the boat and patch. More glue is never better as it will result in a patch that will come apart on a hot day. Let the 1^st coat dry for at least 30 minutes (60 minutes or more is better) and then apply a 2^nd even coat of glue.

8.      Always test the 2^nd coat of glue with the knuckle test before applying a patch. (Use the end of a knuckle to test glued surfaces for the correct time to apply a patch. There should be good tack and moisture on the glue surface. If the glue is wet enough to stick to the knuckle then it needs to cure longer.)

9.      On a Neoprene or Hypalon patch always apply the patch and then apply heat with a hair dryer or heat gun. The patch should be heated to a good warm temperature and then rolled out with lots of pressure.

10. On a PVC patch always apply heat with a hair dryer or heat gun before applying the patch. The patch and boat should be heated to a warm enough temperature that the adhesive becomes very tacky and then apply the patch and roll it out with lots of pressure.

11. Apply a patch by sticking it down so the reference marks line up perfectly while keeping the remainder of the patch from contacting the glue. Slowly roll the remainder of the patch down while using fingers to apply slight pulling pressure away from the reference marks. When the patch has been rolled down to near the middle, start working the patch down from the center to the edges with your fingers to avoid air bubbles from getting trapped under the patch.

12. If you have the time to let the completed patch sit overnight, flatten the patch area and apply weight (sand bags or bags filled with lead shot work best).