Glue Procedures for Hypalon/Neoprene Inflatables

Be sure to follow the general instructions to the letter.

Preferred solvent: Toluene (beware: Toluene is much more toxic than MEK. We don't use it, but Zodiac does in their factory). You may substitute MEK (we do). Methyl Ethyl Ketone is often available at hardware, plumbing or paint supply stores, sold as a cleaner for PVC pipes or lacquer thinner. For non-critical bonds you might substitute acetone. We carry small cans of MEK. Use acetone for non-critical bonds only.

 

Glue: We use Zodiac Universal Glue #7097. You can also use Zodiac #7098; Bostik Glue; Polymarine Hypalon Glue.

1. Atmosphere: Humidity less than 70%; not in direct sunlight; Temp. 64° to 77°F.

2. Preparation: Gather rags, glue brush; solvent; timer with second hand or stop watch; old glue cleaned off; patch cut out, position noted and marked.

3. Mix accelerator and glue thoroughly either now or while waiting between the solvent washes below. Accelerator is toxic; keep off skin. Keep mixed glue covered (foil or wax paper) when not using. Pot life is about 1 hour. It may still look liquid, but have lost effectiveness.

IN ADDITION: you must abrade/scuff the fabric to remove any oxidation.

Use 100 grit sandpaper or a Dremel tool. Do not cut into the threads under the protective coating. You just need to cut through the surface to allow the solvents to penetrate. Weaver Davit rubber surfaces have been preprocessed and do not need abrading, rub just the boat fabric. Wipe clean to remove grit and residue.

4. Scrub both sides (boat and patch or accessory) with MEK on a rag to clean surface. Wait ten minutes (time it)

Mix glue and accelerator while waiting, if not done already.

 

5. Apply one more solvent wash with 10 minute waiting time (timed).

(You are preparing the fabric for glue adhesion.

6. Apply thin glue layer with stiff brush to both sides.

Aggressively work it in with brush.

7. Wait 20 minutes (timed) If glue still looks wet, wait longer.

Check for no tack with knuckle, no adhesive should stick to your skin. Humidity control while glue is drying is critical. Keep door closed. Don't breathe on glue area while inspecting.

8. Repeat steps 6 & 7 (total of 2 layers with 20 minute open time between)

9. Wait 10 minutes after third layer of glue.

10. After 10 minutes join the parts with as much pressure as possible.

If over 10 minutes or if glue has spots of white haze the glue has picked up moisture and you may try to "reactivate" it, however, this does not work well will glues other than 7097.

With a clean rag wet the glue surface with MEK but do not rub the glue off (one quick swipe). Then assemble immediately. Press hard. For accessory on inflated boat you can rub it down vigorously with damp MEK rag. Press out all air bubbles and wrinkles from the center to the edges. On deflated boat rub as hard as possible with smooth tool, e.g. the back of a large tablespoon. For davits and hard based accessories, deflate boat and press through from other side to make sure of adhesion. Wipe off excess glue with solvent.

 

11. Wait at least 48 hours before use.

Chemical bond will continue to strengthen over next 7 days. Don't be tempted to shorten the process. We don't release boats to customers for 48 hours to be sure. Don't cut this short: your patch could peel off like a Post It note!

12. Pressure test if you want to be sure. Blow it up to full pressure. Leave it overnight.

13. Enjoy!

We are not trying to sound difficult. These steps are what we really do in the shop every day. We are aware some glue kits have abbreviated the steps. When we asked the manufacturer why? Was their glue different? We were told "no" but the public doesn't want to go through that much work. Believe us, we do not enjoy grinding off dried glue from a botched job. You won't either! 

This page was last updated on 8 October 1998 at 1111 EST.

© 1998 Westport Marina, Inc. These instructions may be copied by private individuals for use in repairing personally owned boats. They may not copied or published in any media including the internet for any commercial purpose or to accompany any product without permission of Westport Marina. [include: '/OLD_Footer.lasso']