How to repair this BURN hole in Avon

[lll100]

So we had a spring break on the trailer axel. The fender dropped on the tire and heated up burning this hole in the boat before we could stop. Thinking of pulling back the rubber chaffer and Just applying a patch? Any ideas out there. Think I need to cut burned/melted material out? Have done lots of patching but this one is a bit more interesting.

[idahofloater]

wow, looks cooked for sure. I would be concerned about the material all around the hole. Might go brittle over time. I just don't know. I'd drive by ROW downtown and talk with them. They might have a plan for that kind of damage. I hate to see a awesome boat go down like taht. It might be work for a pro.

[laterwagged]

Not a great spot...

Looks like it needs to have an internal/external patch to me. I would also trim some of the damaged fabric back so the external patch is holding mostly to the internal patch. Either way the chaffer needs to come back.

[BCJ]

I'd take that to a professional and let them do it. Long term value of the boat can be affected by a bad patch job, not to mention your own enjoyment over time. But, if you gotta do it yourself, probably needs stiching first and/or an inside patch (difficult to do without taking it apart at a seam first) and then a good outside cover patch that would likely extend beyond and underneat the chaffe strip. Seam tape is not as wide but in that case the seams are lapped first, so they don't need to be. With a hole that big you need the patch to extend somewhat beyond the rip, etc. Mmmmm. Think I would definitely spend a few dollars and let a pro do it.

[BCJ]

PS I haven't deal with the "new" Avon fabric (not sure it's calendered hypalon through and through the way it used to be) however, one of the reasons they always last so long is the integrity of the INSIDE of the tubes is the same as the OUTSIDE. With that kind of burn, if the fabric is laminated vs calendered, you can get seepage and delamination over time if it isn't completely and properly covered/glued/fixed from both sides, which once again suggests letting a pro do it.

[wildh2onriver]

It looks to me like the the great white has made a meal--is that a problem--since several kayakers smell like tuna and b o ?

[NWO Whiewater]

I don't think its too bad of a job if you've got some experience, patience, and a heat gun. Definately needs an internal patch (I'm not a proponent of sewing, but some are). Cutting back some of the fabric to facilitate more internal to external patch contact is a good idea. Lay the internal patch with the glue pretty much dry, then use the gun to re-activate the glue once in position. Also, use the gun to pull up the chafer a bit, then make your repair. When you relay the chafer at the end, it will only strenghen your patch job

With good materials and fresh glue, you'll be able to do it as well as the pros

[yesimapirate]

For once the ads on mtn buzz might help you out. Even if it's just to consult with them.

http://www.raftfix.com/repair.html

[upshitscreek]

since the material has melted and burned away and not a clean tear, you definitely don't want to sew anything. that will make a mess with a kinked surface.

not that sewing is that great to begin with.

two big internal/external patches and pull away the chaffer. trim the damaged edges away too.

[lll100]

Other problem is the baffle. It sits 1" to left of hole in pics. This ups the difficultly a bunch. The internal patch will have to glue onto the baffle.