Every owner of an inflatable vessel sooner or later faces the need to maintain fittings, and PVC-boat-liquor This element is responsible for the rigid fixation of the inflatable floor (BND) or inflatable stringer cylinders, ensuring the correct load distribution and hydrodynamics of the shell. During operation, especially in conditions of active fishing or frequent descents, the profile is subjected to mechanical stress, ultraviolet light and temperature changes, which over time leads to its destruction or deformation.
Loss of leakage at the joint of soldering or rupture of the profile can cause a serious accident on the water, so you can not ignore the condition of this element. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose a quality analogue, what tools will be required to replace and how to perform the work so that the boat lasts for many years without leaks. Competent approach to repair This will save you a lot of money that you would have to give in a specialized workshop.
What is a Liquor and why is it needed in the design of the boat
Likpase (or lyctross) is a special profile made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is welded into the fabric of the sideboard or cylinder, its main function is to create a rigid groove into which the edge of the inflatable floor or stringer is inserted. Without this element, it would be impossible to ensure a tight fit of the soft bottom to the sides, which would lead to the "cruising" of the structure under load and loss of the stability of the vessel.
Constructively lipase It is a complex geometric shape in cross-section, often resembling the letter "T" or having special hooks for hooking. The material from which it is made must have the same elasticity and thermal expansion coefficient as the main fabric of the boat. If you use incompatible materials, when heated in the sun or cooled in winter, the soldering sites will experience tremendous stress, which inevitably leads to detachment.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to replace the liquor with a regular hard plastic or profile from another technique. PVC profile It is able to withstand multiple bends and maintain the tightness of the seam.
In addition to mechanical fixation, the likpaz acts as a buffer, softening the impacts on the water and preventing the friction of the inflatable element against the rough fabric of the board. lyctrose It has a smooth interior surface, making it easier to assemble and disassemble the boat even in the field, where the fingers may be frozen or wet.
When buying a new boat, pay attention to the width of the boiled liquor – standard sizes may differ from one manufacturer to another, which will complicate future repairs.
Types of profiles and criteria for selection of material
The inflatable boat repair market offers several profiles, and choosing the right one is critical to the longevity of the repair. The main difference is the geometry of the cross section and the thickness of the wall. The most common is the T-shaped profile, but there are more complex configurations with additional stiffness ribs or special locks for specific boat models.
When choosing a material, you need to pay attention to its density and elasticity. Cheap analogues are often made from secondary raw materials that have an uneven structure and can crack at the first strong bending. The original liquorAs a rule, it has the manufacturer's marking and is sold per square in specialized water-motor stores.
Although black is considered to be universal and less noticeable on darker fabrics, it is better to choose a gray or beige variant for lighter boats to maintain the aesthetic of the product. PVC mixtures.
- 🔹 T-shaped profile: The classic option for most models of inflatable floor boats, provides a reliable grip.
- 🔹 Hook profile: It is used for fixing stringers, has a curved shape for better pressure retention.
- 🔹 Reinforced Lipase: It has an increased wall thickness, designed for large-sized boats and increased load capacity.
- 🔹 Flexible lyctross: Special composition for areas with a strong bend radius, where the normal profile may break.
Before buying, be sure to measure the width and configuration of the old profile, if it is preserved at least partially. Even a millimeter mismatch can cause the bottom to be inserted too tight or, conversely, dangling, creating danger on the water.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Quality replacement of liquor is impossible without the right tool and surface preparation. Repair work with PVC materials requires cleanliness, dryness and a certain ambient temperature. The optimal temperature for gluing is considered to be from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius at a humidity of not more than 60%.
To work, you will need a set of specialized tools that will allow you to carefully dismantle the old profile and prepare the fabric for the installation of a new one. Using improvised tools such as conventional scissors or a stationery knife can damage the cloth cord, which will make further operation of the boat impossible.
Particular attention should be paid to the degreasing of surfaces. acetone Or special PVC cleaners should be of high quality and contain no oily additives, any residue of fat, dirt or old glue will negate all repair efforts.
| Tool. | Appointment | Features of use |
|---|---|---|
| Hair dryer | Warming up glue and fabric | Adjusting temperature to 300-400°C |
| Roller | Pressing layers | Hard silicone or wooden roller |
⚠️ Attention: When working with a hair dryer, be careful not to melt the boat's fabric itself. Keep the tool at least 5-7 cm from the surface and move it constantly.
Also, be sure to prepare protective gloves and a respirator, as the adhesive and solvent vapors can be toxic, and it is best to do the work in a well-ventilated room or outdoors, but not in direct sunlight, which can dry the adhesive too quickly before docking.
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the old profile
The process of removing the damaged liquor is the most time-consuming phase of repair, and the main task here is to remove the profile without damaging the main tissue of the cylinder or bottom. If the fabric is cut or thinned, repair will require a larger patch, which will worsen the appearance and flexibility of the product.
First, you need to heat the profile with a building hair dryer, and heat softens the adhesive layer, and it makes the PVC more elastic. You take your time to pull the profile by force, which is a sure way to tear it off with the pieces of fabric. You move gradually, warming up small areas of 5-10 centimeters.
Use a thin metal spatula or a special PVC cutting knife to pull the edges of the profile. The movements must be sliding, parallel to the surface of the fabric. If you feel resistance, add more heat, but do not exert excessive mechanical effort.
☑️ Dismantling of liquor
Once the main profile is removed, the tissue will remain remnants of the old glue and possibly parts of the liquor itself, which must be thoroughly cleaned, which can be done by using a soft abrasive sponge or gently scraping it with a knife, trying not to damage the textile cord, and the surface must be matte and clean.
Technology of gluing a new liquor
The new profile requires strict adherence to two-part gluing technology, which provides a monolithic bonding of materials, first, you need to apply the first layer of glue on both the glued surfaces, both the fabric and the inside of the liquor, which serves as soil and penetrates the structure of the material.
After drying the first layer (usually 10-15 minutes, but it's better to follow the instructions on the glue jar), a second, basic layer is applied, which creates a strong bond, and it's important to apply the glue evenly, without gaps and clots, and let it dry to a "stick" state, when the finger is no longer sticking, but the stickiness is felt.
A critical point is to activate the adhesive layer before docking. To do this, both surfaces are warmed by a hair dryer to a temperature of about 50-60 degrees, the glue becomes glossy and begins to melt, at which point you need to quickly and accurately match the profile with the installation site.
Right after you dock, you need to roll the seam with a roller carefully, and you need to move from center to edge to squeeze out all the air bubbles and make contact, and you need to control the pressure, because if you press too little, you can hold the glue out, and if you press too hard, you can squeeze all the glue out of the seam.
The secret to the perfect seam
Use a wooden bar with a rounded edge wrapped in fabric to final roll the corners, which allows you to press the profile in hard-to-reach places where a standard roller does not reach.
Drying, quality control and safety measures
Although the adhesive is fast enough, the full strength of the joint is gained within 24-72 hours, during which time the boat should not be assembled, inflated or subjected to any loads, and early operation will lead to a shift in the profile and leakage.
Once the glue is fully polymerized, you need to do a visual and tactile inspection of the seam, and then you need to swipe your finger along the junction, and there should be no detachment, no bloating, no sticky areas, and if you find a defect, you need to fix it immediately by warming the place up and rolling it over again.
The first descent after repair is best carried out in calm conditions, near the shore, so that in case of an emergency you can quickly dock. Watch the behavior of the bottom and stringers under load - they should sit tight, without distortions and sagging.
- 🔸 Do not inflate the boat completely in the first day after the repair, leave a small margin to compensate for the expansion of air.
- 🔸 Avoid getting sand and dust on the glued surfaces – this is the main enemy of adhesion.
- 🔸 Use only specialized glue for PVC, universal adhesives ("Moment", "Superglue") are not suitable.
⚠️ Attention: The glue residues on the tools freeze instantly. Always keep a rag moistened with solvent on hand to wipe the roller and spatula immediately after use.
Regular care of the liquor will prolong its life. After each fishing or walk, it is recommended to wash the profile with clean water, washing off salt, sand and silt, which can act as an abrasive when moving the boat.
The quality of surface preparation and compliance with the temperature regime during gluing is more important than the brand of glue used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you replace the liquor on the boat without removing the old one, just gluing the new one on top?
In theory, it's possible, but it's not recommended that you stick a new profile over the old one, and it changes the geometry of the groove, and the bottom stops being inserted normally, and you can't assess the condition of the tissue under the old profile where the breakup processes might have started.
Which glue is better to use for gluing lipase?
Two-component polyurethane adhesives (e.g. Kleyberg, Texacol or specialized adhesives for PVC boats) are best proven to provide an elastic seam that withstands strain and water exposure.
What to do if the tissue under the lipase has thinned or rubbed?
In this case, simply replacing the profile will not help. You must first put an internal or external patch of the same PVC fabric, covering the damaged area with a margin of 3-5 cm, and only then glue a new liquor.
How long does the glue dry at a temperature below +15 degrees?
At low temperatures, the polymerization process slows down or stops significantly. It is not recommended to repair at temperatures below +10 degrees, since the glue may not catch at all. In the cold season, work should be carried out in a heated room.