11
Patching
The most common
repairs are a puncture or
small cut. A penny size
patch is sufficient for
repairs of this type.
Trace the outline of
a penny on the patch
material and cut using
scissors. Trace the
outline of a penny on
the boat. Coat the patch
and boat with the repair
kit glue.
Wait about 5 minutes
or until the surface of
the glue hazes over
then apply the patch.
Do not apply wet glue
to wet glue.
If you have access to
electricity, heat the
glue with a hair dryer
then apply the patch.
This method produces
the best results.
Mate the patch to the boat
and smooth down until
the patch adheres. Do
not inflate, allow at least
24 hours to cure before
inflating.
Patching Tips:
• The the chamber must be deflated or the air will force a
path through the glue.
• Keep the patch size to a minimum, the bigger the patch,
the harder it is to seal. The most common repair failures
occur because the patch is too big.
• For repairs larger than a puncture, overlap the damage
area by about ½” on each side.
• Do not apply the patch while the glue is wet.
• Covering a leaking patch with another patch rarely fixes
the problem. To remove a patch, heat it with a hair dryer
and peel it off.
• Never
use a heat gun on your boat.
• Clamps and weights are not needed.
For a demonstration of good patching technique, please
view the How to Repair video on the instruction page of
our web site. There is a link at the bottom of every page at
SeaEagle.com or type “instructions” into the search box.
Warped Skeg or Skeg Base
If the skeg is bent from storage or use, heat it up with a
hair dryer and bend it back into shape. It will hold it’s shape
after it cools. The same can be done with the skeg base.
If not folded properly, the base can get warped in storage.
Never hammer the skeg into a warped base as it will break
the skeg.
Leaking Drain Valves
If you suspect the drain valves are leaking they can be
tested by pouring some water in the boat and checking
under the boat for water dripping from the valves.
Flush any sand or debris from the threads. Check where
the caps screw into the floor that the O-rings are smooth
and without dents.
If you see a dent in an O-ring, heat it up with a hair dryer,
and the dent will ease out and return to its original shape.
This also works if the base is bent or misshapen.