USER GUIDE

PVC AND HYPALON FABRIC

Two types of fabric materials are used in the manufacture of inflatable boat pontoons: PVC and Hypalon. It is important to know which fabric your inflatable boat is made from.

PVC Fabric

PVC fabric is used in most production manufactured inflatable boats from brands like Honda, Quicksilver, Seamax, and Zodiac.

Characteristics:

• Usually the same color on both sides.
• Sanding PVC will scratch the surface but it remains glossy with no difference in color.
• Wiping the PVC surface lightly with MEK or Acetone solvent will make the surface feel tacky.

[Visual Description: Swatches of PVC fabric showing different colors like red, green, yellow, blue, white, and black, labeled "Usually Same Color on Both Side".]

Hypalon Fabric

Hypalon is chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber (CSM). Hypalon fabric is used in inflatable boats from brands such as AB, Achilles, Avon, and Zodiac.

Characteristics:

• Hypalon fabric has a black inner side.
• Sanding Hypalon will produce some dust and suede on the surface.
• Wiping the Hypalon surface lightly with MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) or Acetone solvent will leave an oxidization on the surface, but Hypalon itself will not be affected.

[Visual Description: Swatches of Hypalon fabric showing different colors, labeled "Usually Different Color on Both Side".]

ADHESIVE PRODUCTS

Seamax offers a range of adhesives and repair materials for inflatable boats.

Adhesive Products:

• HYPALON 2-Part Glue: 1x 250ml Hypalon glue (Aluminum Bottle) + 1x 25ml hardener (Aluminum Bottle)
• PVC 2-Part Glue: 1x 250ml PVC glue (Aluminum Bottle) + 1x 25ml hardener (Aluminum Bottle)
• PVC 1-Part Glue: 1x 15ml PVC (Tube) or 1x 100ml PVC (Aluminum Bottle)
• Methyl Ethyl Ketone - MEK: 1x 100ml MEK (Aluminum Bottle)

Boat Fabric for Repair:

• PVC Boat Fabric: Used for repairing damaged PVC tubes and floors. Available in Red, Black, Dark Grey, and Camo.
• Hypalon Boat Fabric: Used for repairing damaged Hypalon tubes and floors. Available in Black and Dark Grey.

[Visual Description: Two bottles labeled "PVC GLUE 250ML" and "HYPALON GLUE 250", along with a smaller bottle labeled "HARDENER 25ML", showing usage instructions and warnings. The bottles are made of aluminum.]

Repair and Patch PVC or Hypalon Boats

These adhesives are suitable for adhering patches, D-rings, Bimini pontoon fittings, and other pontoon accessories.

[Visual Description: An image showing a person working on an inflatable boat, possibly applying a patch or repair material. Another image shows various repair components like glue bottles, hardener, tape measure, and fabric.]

[Visual Description: A photo of a Zodiac Mark I PVC Boat transom repair job, serviced by Seamax Marine.]

Seamax Marine & Outdoor Contact Information

Company: Seamax Marine & Outdoor

Toll Free: ? 1-877-907-7766

Address: 102-19155 38 Ave, Surrey, BC, Canada V3Z 0Y6

Email: ✉️ info@seamaxmarine.com

Web: ? www.seamaxmarine.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Glue, hardener, MEK, and all chemical materials are dangerous goods with harmful contents. Store them in a cool and safe place, and keep out of reach of children. ??

• May cause sensitization if inhaled. Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking.
• In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of fresh water and seek medical attention.
• Use ONLY in well-ventilated outdoor areas.
• Keep away from sources of heat, sparks, and fire. ?? NO ignition. ? NO smoking.
• Do NOT breathe adhesive vapor and spray.

PREPARATION FOR OPTIMAL USE

For the best gluing results, follow these preparation steps:

• Environment: Relative humidity should be less than 60%. Ambient air temperature should be between 18°C to 25°C (65°F to 77°F) and avoid direct sunlight.
• Cleaning Surfaces:
  • For PVC fabric, use MEK patching solvent and cleaner. After applying the solvent, the area will become tacky, ensuring good glue adhesion.
  • For Hypalon fabric, which has a coating layer, sand the repairing surface of the inflatable and the patch until it is abraded. Clean any trace of dust and finger oils.
• Tip: Using a Heat Gun or Hair dryer ? can help the material become soft and the glue dry faster, significantly aiding the repair process.

GLUING INSTRUCTION

Glue can be used as a single-part solution without hardener, but a two-part (glue with hardener) solution ensures better overall repair quality and extends the bonding life time. For air-leaking repair jobs, using the two-part solution is recommended.

• Mixing Ratio: Mix approximately 5% hardener with glue before use. In Cold Weather (10°C-15°C) or High Humidity (50-75%), use a maximum of 10% hardener. Do NOT mix more than 10% hardener with glue.
• MEK Usage: MEK can be used as a glue thinner. If glue hardens, up to 10% MEK can be added to reactivate it. Use a paper cup as a container for mixing.
• Brush Preparation: Prepare a new, small paint brush with bristles cut down to about 1 inch (20-25mm).
• Glue Application: Use the brush to apply 1 to 3 thin glue layers on both material surfaces.
  • Apply 1 to 2 glue layers on the new patch fabric surface.
  • Apply 2 to 3 glue layers on the old repairing fabric surface.
  • For wood or plywood surfaces, apply 3 to 4 glue layers.
  • For aluminum surfaces, apply 2 to 3 glue layers.
• Drying Time: Wait at least 5 minutes between applications to allow the glue to dry.
• Attaching Patch: Attach the patch to the patching area to make the two pieces of material stick together.
• Air Bubble Removal: Once the patch is applied, use a teaspoon or similar tool to work from the patch center toward its edges to force out any air bubbles.
• Pressure: Apply pressure to the repaired patch area for a minimum of 24 hours.
• Curing: Allow 48 hours for full cure before using the boat.

For more information and instructions, visit: seamaxmarine.com/pages/downloads

INSIDE AND OUTSIDE PATCH

For damage that is 2 inches (50mm) or larger in any direction, it is recommended to use the Inside and Outside patch method.

[Visual Description: A diagram or set of images illustrating the "Inside and Outside Patch" method for repairing larger damage on an inflatable boat, showing how patches are applied to both the interior and exterior surfaces.]

GOOD TO KNOW

• Mix only the sufficient amount of glue and hardener required for the current repair job. Do NOT use glue mixed with hardener for more than 6 hours.
• Seal the glue and hardener in their original bottles right away after each use. Store them in a cool and dark space.
• The glue and hardener, when sealed in their original bottles, may be kept for up to 3 years.
• If the glue and hardener turn to crystals or become sticky, they are no longer usable. Please dispose of them properly.