You could coat it with System 6, but a new RMR might be cheaper. Fix the leaks and send it?

 

Where are you located? I ask because I might be able to show you a good fix, but it is hard to explain. If you are close enough to me you could bring your raft by and I'll show you how.

 

Blemishes, funny.

Do you want an honest answer based on your photos? It is amazing that it holds air. Man, RMR's have thick "fabric".

With love and sympathy, good luck.

 

Looks like another RMR that was left out in the sun and probably driven through snowy conditions with Mag Chlroride on the road. I've seen a few of these that did that. Some were replaced under warranty but others you just deal.

I'd probably clean it as best you can, 303 it, and then just run it till it falls apart. I'm kinda curious to see what others come up with though... could be cool.

 

I think a new RMR would be a great option and would last a lot longer if taken care of by someone who gave a shit. That's really sad to see the shape of that boat, and to know that someone let it go to hell like that.

 

The sticky stuff and mildew stains may come off with light use of a magic eraser and dawn.

 

That's about as bad as I've ever seen. AIRE's do the same thing if you don't take care of them. I know a guy that followed the method K2 speaks of on an AIRE, and it came back pretty well. Lots of time and elbow grease...

 

Yuck.

Intensive prep and System 6 or a new raft are about the same cost.

Or time and elbow grease, run it 'til it dies and save your $$ for a new one in 2-3 years. You could at least hang onto it to loan to people you don't trust. haha

 

Walmart has cheap imitation Magic erasers, (looks like you might need a whole case), use those along with the NRS boat cleaner.. seems to get most everything off my RMR (except pine sap). Then some System 6 and one hell of a patch kit. Good Luck

 

Glue 6 magic erasers to a soft backing pad on a 7" disc grinder and go to town!!

 

Thanks everyone. Agree that it's a shame. I think I'll put a bit more elbow grease into it (I'll try some magic erasers but don't want to spend the equivalent of a new raft on them), 303 it, and see how it holds up. Not expecting a ton of life out of the boat, so I will have an emergency fund for a new RMR when the bell tolls for this thing.

 

Glad to know that we did not discourage you. In about 1982 I bought sight unseen an 18' Maravia that had been christened and labeled in 12 inch tall letters, "Splat". That she was, low on the water especially on a cold Idaho morning.

Everyone enjoyed and loved her. She got their gear down the river; several Middle Fork, Dinosaur and other trips.

Never much rowed her which I'm glad but trained many friends(x-friends) with her.

May I suggest a majestic christened name, Phoenix. Risen from the ashes, which is what that black tar material is; organic (ash) residue from PVC vapors made by UV degradation.

Love her, give Phoenix a good home and cherish the days with friends that she has left.

Please keep us posted.

 

That thing looks like a California raisin that fell asleep tanning on the sun. I wouldn’t trust it on a wilderness trip of any length, or anything not roadside.

 

My early RMR did the same thing. When I contacted their warranty department they mentioned that some fabric from that time frame had really bad reactions to sunscreen that accelerated the UV breakdown. I will say that RMR was honest and forthcoming about the issue, stood by their product, and I left a happy customer who now owns two RMR boats.
As for fixing the tar problem, the cleaning methods others have mentioned work well. Inflatable boat cleaner, stiff bristles, rinse, repeat as necessary, magic erasers on tough areas, and 303 til your arm falls off can shine it up well. The only problem is after a day or two on water, the tar returns. By day three or four of a multiday there is a nice coating of dust, sand, and dirt that cover up the tackiness. But it still holds air like a champ! Sure, on a chilly morning it may need a stroke or two from the K-pump...
Clean it as much as you care to and run it til it bursts!