How to Repair an Inflatable Boat

If your inflatable boat has sprung a leak, do not worry; you can easily fix the leak in your inflatable boat with a simple patch kit. After repairing the leak, your inflatable boat will be as good as new again, and ready to use in no time.

1. Locate the source of your leak in your inflatable boat. You can easily tell where the leak is by submerging your boat in the water and watching to see where the bubbles are coming from. Mark this spot so that you can easily find it later.


2. Deflate your inflatable boat completely removing any air from the inside of the boat.


3. Place your inflatable boat on a lean, dry flat surface so that you can repair the leak.


4. Clean the area of the leak, as well as the surrounding are thoroughly. Do not use a cleaner that is going to leave behind a film that may interfere with the patch adhering to the surface of your boat. It is best to simply use a small amount of mild detergent such as dish soap and warm water.


5. Locate the leak and measure out two inches from the source of the leak. Mark this area on your boat so that you can quickly locate the area to be patched.


6. Cut down your patch that came with your inflatable boat or in a patch kit that you purchased to the size that you need it to be in order to cover the leak, as well as an area of two inches around the source of the leak. It is best to curve the edges of the patch to prevent them from peeling up later.


7. Apply the adhesive material to the underside of your patch that you have cut out and place it on the center of the leak. Use the marks on your boat that you have made to help guide the placement of the patch.


8. Apply firm pressure to the patched area for about 60 seconds so that the adhesive is properly bonded with the material of your inflatable boat.


9. Allow the boat to sit undisturbed overnight before refilling it and using it again.