Lifting seams on RIB tubes: what should you do?
A seam or joint coming unstuck on a RIB tube does not necessarily mean the whole tube has to be replaced. Depending on where the damage is, how large it is and the overall condition of the fabric, re-gluing can sometimes extend the life of the tube significantly.
This kind of problem should still be taken seriously. An area that is starting to lift can gradually grow, cause a loss of airtightness and weaken the tube further.
So how do you recognise a lifting seam? Can you re-glue a RIB tube yourself? Which products should you use, and when should you call in a professional? Orca Retail explains how to assess the situation and choose the right method.
Why do the tubes of a RIB come unstuck?
Inflatable tubes are subjected to many stresses during their life: internal pressure, temperature changes, UV radiation, humidity, abrasion, impacts and repeated handling.
Over time, these stresses can affect the seams and bonded areas of the tube. The problem can be made worse by:
- prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV;
- large temperature variations;
- intensive use of the boat;
- repeated rubbing against quays, pontoons or other surfaces;
- storage in poor conditions;
- the use of unsuitable cleaning products or solvents;
- natural ageing of the material and adhesives.
The tube material also plays an important part. PVC fabrics and CSM/CR fabrics, often known by the trade name Hypalon®, are not worked in exactly the same way. The choice of glue and repair system must therefore always match the tube material.
How do you recognise a lifting seam on a tube?
A bonding problem does not always show up as an immediately visible leak. It is therefore worth inspecting the tubes regularly, especially on an older or heavily used boat.
Several signs can alert you:
- an edge or joint that is starting to lift;
- an area of fabric that seems to come away when the tube is under pressure;
- unusual bubbles or blisters;
- a gradual loss of pressure around a damaged area;
- traces of an old repair that are starting to come away;
- a seam with a visible gap or deformation.
A lifting seam spotted early enough is usually much easier to deal with than an area that has opened up widely. So don't wait for a major leak before inspecting a bond that looks suspicious.
Can you re-glue a RIB tube yourself?
Yes, in some cases. A small, localised lifting area on fabric that is still sound can be repaired with a suitable bonding method and the right products.
The situation is very different when the material is badly degraded. If the fabric has become brittle, has many cracks, is lifting in several places or shows significant signs of ageing, simple re-gluing is likely to be only a temporary fix.
Before you start, examine the whole tube and not just the area that has come unstuck.
The question is not only whether an area can be re-glued, but whether the material around it is still sound enough to take a new repair.
How do you re-glue a RIB tube?
The method depends on the material the tube is made of and the bonding system chosen. A repair on CSM/CR fabric is not prepared in exactly the same way as a repair on PVC.
1. Deflate and clean the tube
Start by fully deflating the compartment concerned. The surface must be clean, dry and fully accessible.
Remove salt, dust, grease and any residue around the area to be repaired. A poorly prepared surface is one of the main reasons a bond fails to hold properly.
2. Examine the lifting area
Check the real extent of the lifting and make sure the material around the area is still in good condition.
If the lifting comes with a tear, heavy wear or general degradation of the fabric, it is better not to settle for simple re-gluing.
3. Prepare the surfaces
Preparation depends on the tube material and the glue used. Follow the repair system manufacturer's recommendations to prepare the surfaces to be glued correctly.
This step is particularly important: the quality of a bond depends as much on the preparation as on the glue itself.
4. Apply the right glue
Use a glue specifically designed for the tube material. For CSM/CR fabric, choose a system compatible with that material. For a PVC tube, use a glue intended for flexible PVC.
Follow the recommendations on the number of coats, waiting times between applications, temperature conditions and curing time.
5. Reposition and press the area
Carefully position the lifted part, then apply even pressure over the repaired area. A suitable roller helps remove air bubbles and achieve even contact between the two surfaces.
6. Let it cure before reinflating
Do not put the compartment back under pressure straight away. The curing time depends on the bonding system used and must be respected before any reinflation or relaunch.
A repair that looks perfectly successful a few minutes after gluing may still not be strong enough.
Which material should you use to re-glue a tube?
The choice of fabric and glue must be directly linked to the original material of the tube.
PVC tubes
PVC tubes need a bonding system specifically designed for flexible PVC. Using a general-purpose glue or a product intended for another material is not recommended.
PVC can also be particularly sensitive to ageing when exposed for long periods to UV, heat and mechanical stress.
CSM/CR (Hypalon®) tubes
CSM/CR fabrics are known for their good resistance to UV, weathering, hydrocarbons and temperature changes. They are widely used on boats intended for intensive use or exposed to demanding marine conditions.
For a repair, you need a repair fabric compatible with CSM/CR and a suitable glue.
To find out more about the characteristics of this material, see also our guide to Hypalon® and the fabrics used for inflatable tubes.
When should you replace the tube rather than re-glue it?
Re-gluing is not always the best solution. When the problem is widespread, it may make more sense to consider a larger renovation or a full tube replacement.
Several situations should prompt you to ask for a professional opinion:
- lifting in several places on the tube;
- fabric that has become brittle or heavily cracked;
- many old repairs;
- repeated pressure losses despite several repairs;
- significant deterioration of the seams or joints;
- lifting combined with a large tear;
- general ageing of the tube.
In that case, multiplying one-off repairs can quickly become expensive without really solving the underlying problem.
On the other hand, a tube that is sound overall with a single localised lifting area can often benefit from a targeted repair.
How long does a RIB tube last?
The life of a tube depends heavily on its material, its environment and how it is maintained. There is therefore no single lifespan that applies to every RIB.
The main factors to watch are:
- UV exposure;
- the temperatures the boat is exposed to;
- how often it is used;
- contact with salt water;
- repeated rubbing and impacts;
- the quality of storage;
- maintenance and the products used.
A boat that is cleaned regularly, protected from the sun and stored correctly can keep its tubes in good condition for many years. Conversely, a boat left constantly exposed to the weather and UV will age much faster.
The life of a tube is therefore not judged by its age alone. The actual condition of the fabric, seams, valves and various stress points is far more revealing.
How can you prevent tubes from coming unstuck?
Some bonding problems can be limited through regular maintenance and good storage habits.
- Rinse the boat with fresh water after use at sea.
- Clean the tubes regularly with suitable products.
- Avoid solvents and harsh products not intended for your material.
- Protect the tubes from prolonged exposure to the sun when the boat is stored.
- Regularly inspect bonded areas, valves and places subject to rubbing.
- Deal with minor damage quickly before it spreads.
Regular cleaning has another advantage too: it makes it easier to spot the first signs of ageing or lifting.
Re-glue or replace: how do you make the right decision?
| Condition of the tube | Preferred solution |
|---|---|
| Small localised lifting, sound fabric | Re-gluing |
| Small leak or localised tear | Repair with suitable fabric |
| Several lifting areas | Professional assessment |
| Heavily cracked or brittle fabric | Consider replacement |
| General ageing + repeated repairs | Tube replacement |
This table is a guide only: the actual condition of the fabric and the extent of the damage must always be assessed before deciding on a repair.
Can re-gluing really extend the life of a tube?
Yes, when the problem remains localised and the surrounding material is still sound. A properly prepared repair carried out with compatible products can allow a tube to be used for several more seasons.
However, re-gluing cannot make a tube that is reaching the end of its life as good as new. When the signs of ageing are widespread, the problem is no longer just a joint coming unstuck: the material as a whole may have lost some of its properties.
The right approach is therefore to repair early, but not to keep repairing a tube that is ageing badly indefinitely.
ORCA products for re-gluing a seam
- Neoprene glue + hardener kit: everything you need to glue a patch onto Hypalon
- ORCA Glue neoprene adhesive: two-part, mixed with the hardener
- ORCA RFE hardener: to mix with ORCA Glue
- New Magic degreasing cleaner: also use it before any gluing
- TECH 288 reinforcement sheet: to protect areas that rub
- Find an ORCA repairer: for major damage