Inflatable boat patch kit reviews?

AndrewH

Well-Known Member
Well I am taking my little 8' zodiac on a float plane for a moose hunt this sept so I will be pretty remote if I manage to put a hole in the boat. I was wondering if anyone has used a specific patch kit. I want to bring one in case anything happens but there are so many different types available.

Lots on Amazon, has anyone tried one that works well?
 
Well I am taking my little 8' zodiac on a float plane for a moose hunt this sept so I will be pretty remote if I manage to put a hole in the boat. I was wondering if anyone has used a specific patch kit. I want to bring one in case anything happens but there are so many different types available.

Lots on Amazon, has anyone tried one that works well?
Make sure you match the material type of your boat would be the only thing that comes to my mind. Otherwise glue is glue and rubber is god knows what
 
Make sure you match the material type of your boat would be the only thing that comes to my mind. Otherwise glue is glue and rubber is god knows what


Rain City’s comment cuts to the chase. It’s not a quality thing in patch kits. It’s a material compatibility thing. If you were using an Avon or an Achilles for your trip (material = hypalon or Orca Pennel as it’s referred to these days) you’d want to pack hypalon patches and a glue specific to hypalon and you’d be using acetone to clean and prepare the patch prior to applying the glue.

Zodiacs are PVC construction, generally with heat welded seams. In this case you’ll be wanting PVC patches, a glue specifically formulated for PVC adhesion, and a solvent called “MEC” (methyl ethyl ketone) to prepare the patch prior to applying the glue (or to clean off old glue)

Any patch kit designed to patch PVC material (rafts, beach balls, air mattresses etc) will be what you’re looking for

I’m packing for my Skeena/Haida Gwaii trip for later this Fall and a huge part of my trip will be using my Avon inflatable to access remote places

I wouldn’t think of doing these type of trips without bringing a well-stocked patch kit (that goes in the dry-box so it’s with me in the raft)

Along with glue and patches, I also pack scissors, sand paper and cut-up credit cards that I use to apply THIN layers of glue to the patch


I also carry a pump in the inflatable with me at all times …the name of the game for outdoor adventure is minimizing exposure

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