Your AB boat is supplied with a maintenance kit for patching minor punctures. This kit consists of several patches of Hypalon®-Neoprene material, sanding paper, glue and catalyst, which are exactly the same as those used for the manufacture of the boats.

If your boat has suffered a major accident, the repair should be completed by an authorised service centre in your area. Contact your closest AB dealer for assistance in finding this information.

If your boat is leaking, a test of five hours duration is sufficient  to have a good estimate, but one should stabilise the pressure at 0.2 bar (3 psi) during the first half hour. Any change in temperature can cause modifications ranging from 0.003 bar (0.045 psi) per one degree Celsius (34ºF). It is impractical to look for leaks which do not lower the pressure beyond 0.003 bar (0.045 psi) per hour. 

You must first determine exactly where the air is leaking  from. Please follow these instructions:

1. Check that there is no sand or debris within the air valve.

2. Make sure that the valve gasket is in place.

3. Inflate the buoyancy chamber.

4. Close the cap on all the valves.

5. Rinse the boat with soapy water, including perimeter of the inflation valves.

6. Wherever bubbles appear, that is the location of the leak to be repaired.

7. Mark the area with a PENCIL, not a pen or a marker, as they will stain the tissue.

8. If your leak is located in the buoyancy chamber, please read Repairing a Perforation or Rupture.

9. If the bubbles appeared around the inflation valves , then your valves are loose.

10. The valves are a nut and bolt system: With the tube deflated, hold the back of the valve through the fabric and tighten the front. You may tighten the front either by hand or you may insert the points of a pliers and turn clockwise. USE MODERATE STRENGTH.

 

Inflation Valve

11. If no bubbles appeared either on the fabric or around the valve when the buoyancy chamber was inflated, cover the CLOSED cap of the valve with soapy water. If bubbles appear then the valve must be changed.

12. With the buoyancy chamber deflated, unscrew the front of the valve and replace it with a new one.

13. If none of the above applies, please contact your closest AB dealer.

Repairing a perforation or rupture

Repairs should be carried out on deflated or partially deflated boats.

Repairing a detached accessory

Repairs should be carried out on completely inflated boats.

1. Clean the surface to be repaired. It must be free of dust or any kind of grease.

2. Select a patch of tissue at least 5 cms (2 inches) larger than the tear.

3. Place the patch over the damaged area, and contour it with a pencil, not a pen or marker, as they will stain the tissue.

4. Put masking tape all around the pencil mark. The area where the patch is going to be set must remain free of tape.

5. Very carefully with the piece of sandpaper #80 supplied, sand the tissue. The Hypalon® covering the damaged area must be removed. When a rough or uneven surface appears, you have completed the sanding. It is advisable not to buff distractedly as you may reach the polyester weft. Buff likewise the Hypalon®-Neoprene patch.

6. If repairing a detached accessory remove the old glue by buffing.

7. When both surfaces have been buffed you must remove all dust from the area. You may want to use a solvent to clean the sanded area. Once you have cleaned the rubber, DO NOT touch it with your fingers because you will transmit grease to the surface, and the adhesive will not stick in these areas.

8. Prepare the glue in the following manner: 9 parts of glue + 1 part of catalyst. Mix both ingredients in a clean and dry glass or metal container using a clean metal or wooden stick.

9. Apply with a brush to both surfaces, one coat of glue, as thin as possible and making sure it's spread evenly. Leave it to dry for 15 minutes before applying the second coat. Once the first coat has become tacky, apply a second coat of glue to both parts. Let dry once again for 15 minutes.

Note: In humid, wet or cold weather the glue may dry slowly, and may remain wet/humid. It may be necessary to use an electric hair dryer until the glue dries to tacky state.

10. When the last 15 minutes have elapsed, put the two parts together. Start by affixing one side of the patch, and move slowly to the other side by pressing the surfaces together. This will press the air bubbles out.

11. Take the but of a screwdriver and press it over the already glued together patch or accessory, always from the centre outwards so as to press out any trapped air bubbles. Once glued together remove the masking tape.

12. Let the repair dry during 24 hours.

Slight ungluings

Slight ungluings will be treated the same way as described above. Widen slightly the unglued parts, buff and glue, as instructed.

For the bottom, patches can be applied from the outside. The edges should be pressed down firmly and film of glue applied to the cut edge all around the patch. However we recommend you place a patch on both sides, so as to restore full strength to the original fabric.

Large tears

For large tears please take your inflatable to an authorised service centre.