What type of raft material?

[dvanhouten]

Someone gave me a raft this fall, that needs a couple repairs. But, I have no idea what type of material the raft is made of. Are all rafts made of the same material? I'm a kayaker and have never owned a raft. The raft was custom made, so unfortuantely doesn't have manufacterer's markings or labels. Thanks for the help!

Doug

[tuberslickmysweatyballs]

No, rafts can be made from hypalon,pvc and then urethane coated over pvc rafts. Also neoprene coatings,I think. It's easy to tell which is which with some experience but kind of hard to explain online.

[Andy H.]

You could take the raft to a local raft repair shop or an outfitter and they could tell you what its made of.

--AH

[rhm]

who is the manufacturer of the raft. most manufacturers use the same material for all of their boats. for example maravia uses pvc, avon uses hypalon. if you can figure out the manufacturer that will narrow down which material it is.

[oarboatman]

Put MEK on a rag and wipe it on the boat. If the material does nothing it is hyplon. If it melts, it is PVC. You can use Staybond on either material and it works great. Prep surface, 2 coats of glue, let stand as long as you have patients for, place patch in position, hit it with a heat gun to re-activate the glue, and finally use a good roller to get the best stick. Good luck