When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, few things are as enjoyable as spending time on the water. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking, or simply taking a leisurely cruise, there’s nothing quite like being out on the open water.
The only downside is when your favorite pastime is interrupted by a pesky leak in your inflatable boat hence this guide on how to repair inflatable boat leak.
Don’t despair – with a little know-how and some common tools; you can easily patch up that leak and get back to enjoying your day on the lake.
What Kind of Inflatable Boat Do You Have?
The first step in repairing a leak in your inflatable boat is identifying the type of boat you have. There are two main types of inflatable boats – those with an air floor and those with a rigid floor.
An air floor boat has, as the name suggests, a floor made of air-filled bladders or tubes. These boats are typically lighter and easier to transport than their rigid floor counterparts.
However, they can be more difficult to repair if you’re unfamiliar with the air floor system.
Rigid floor boats have a floor made of aluminum or another solid material. These boats are usually heavier and require more effort to set up, but they’re much easier to repair if you have a leak.
No matter what type of inflatable boat you have, the steps for finding and repairing a leak are generally the same.
How to Find a Leak in Your Inflatable Boat
The first step is to locate the leak. If your boat is leaking air, the best way to find the leak is to listen for it.
A hissing sound is a tell-tale sign that you have an air leak. Once you’ve located the general area where the leak is coming from, you can start your search for the exact source of the leak.
If your boat is leaking water, things are a bit more difficult. You’ll need to inspect the entire boat, paying close attention to areas where the hull may be damaged or rubbing against something.
Once you’ve found the general area where the leak is coming from, you can start your search for the exact source of the leak.
Read: 6-person inflatable boat with motor
How to Repair Inflatable Boat Leak
Once you’ve found the leak, it’s time to work on repairing it. The type of repair you’ll need to do will depend on the size and location of the leak.
Small Leaks
You can use a patch kit for small leaks, such as those around valves or smaller holes in the hull. These kits have everything you need to patch up a small hole, including adhesive and a patch.
Simply clean the area around the leak, apply the adhesive, and place the patch over the hole. Once the adhesive has dried, your boat should be as good as new.
Read: How to get into an inflatable kayak
Larger Leaks
For larger leaks, you’ll need to use a bit more material. Depending on what’s easier for you, you can either patch the leak from the inside or the outside of the boat.
To patch the leak from the inside:
- Start by cleaning the area around the leak.
- Cut a piece of fabric that’s slightly larger than the hole and place it over the leak.
- Use a brush or your fingers to apply a good amount of adhesive to the fabric. Once the adhesive has dried, your boat should be leak-free.
To patch the leak from the outside:
- Start by cleaning the area around the leak.
- Cut a piece of fabric that’s slightly larger than the hole and place it over the leak.
- Use a brush or your fingers to apply a generous amount of adhesive to the fabric.
- Once the adhesive has dried, apply a second layer of fabric over the first. This will help to reinforce the patch and prevent the leak from coming back.
Inflatable boats are a great way to enjoy time on the water. But when a leak springs up, it can put a damper on your fun. With a little bit of know-how and some common tools, you can easily patch up that leak and get back to enjoying your day on the lake.
Read: NRS inflatable boat cleaner
Frequently Asked Questions on Sealing Inflatable Boat Leaks
What Glue Can I Use on an Inflatable Boat?
Many people assume that they need to buy a special adhesive, but the truth is that any good-quality vinyl glue will do the trick. Just be sure to clean the area around the repair with alcohol before applying the glue, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. With a little care and attention, your inflatable boat will be good as new in no time.
How Do You Find a Leak in an Inflatable Boat?
If you suspect your boat leaks, there are a few ways to track it down. The first step is to check all of the boat’s seams and valves. If you find any cracks or holes, use a patch kit to repair them. If the boat is still leaking, fill it with water and submerge it in a tub or pool. Once you’ve located the leak, mark the spot with a piece of tape to easily find it later. Then drain the water from the boat and dry it off completely. Now you’re ready to apply a new patch and get back out on the water.
How Do You Fix an Inflatable Air Leak?
It’s quite easy to fix an inflatable air leak in an inflatable boat. The first thing you need to do is find the leak’s location. This can be done by running your hand along the boat’s surface until you feel a stream of air coming out. Once you have found the leak, apply a good amount of patching compound to the area. Then, use a brush or finger to spread the compound evenly over the hole. Be sure to extend the patch slightly beyond the edges of the hole. Finally, allow the patched area to dry completely before inflating the boat. With a little bit of effort, you can easily fix an inflatable air leak and get back on the water in no time.
Repairing Your Inflatable Boat: What if It’s a Bigger Problem
So, now you know how to repair an inflatable boat leak. But what if it’s a bigger problem? What if the entire tube has a hole and is slowly deflating?
In that case, you need to take your boat to a professional for repairs. We hope you never have to use this information, but knowing how to fix an inflatable boat leak can come in handy when you least expect it.
Have you ever had to repair an inflatable boat before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
