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Danger
Glue and solvents used for repair are highly flammable. Perform repairs in a well
ventilated area. Avoid breathing the vapors, wear protective gears ( goggles, filter
respirators, latex gloves).
CAUTION:
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Do not use abrasive or aggressive chemical compounds
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Warm soapy water is best in most situations
■
Do not use any solvents, petrol, etc (PVC models)
■
Use solvents sparingly only on Hypalon models
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Test any cleaner on a piece of patch material if in doubt
2. Tube repair
Repair Kit contains:
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Fabric patches
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Ready to use tube of special glue
Conditions necessary for a successful repair:
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Humidity max 60%
■
Temperature range between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius
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Repairs should not be carried out in direct sunlight, wind or rain
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Repairs should, however, be undertaken in a well ventilated area
Repair PVC boats:
Highfield Inflatables that have tubes constructed with Valmex PVC coated fabrics require PU based adhesive
and RC hardener. Acetone solvent is recommended to prepare the surface before gluing . Use only
recommended solvent and adhesive.
Identify the area to be patched. This can be done by running water over the suspect area or spraying or
brushing with soapy water.
If the hole is only small, cut out a round patch of no less than 60mm diameter. Larger holes or cuts will
require proportionately larger patches but always ensure you have at least 30mm of patch around the
perimeter of the cut or hole and the corners are well radiused.
Next hold the patch on the tube and mark out around it with a pencil.
Clean both surfaces with solvent and spread a thin layer of adhesive over them ensuring there are no lumps.
When the first coat is dry to the touch (about 10 to 15 minutes) apply a second thin coat. After waiting 5 or 6
minutes, touch the adhesive with the back of your hand. If it no longer appears wet, heat both areas with a
hot air gun to re-activate the glue and join the patch to the tube and then clamp or roll the surfaces together.
For the best adhesion, roll over the patch with a roller or over the bottom edge of a bottle.
Do not inflate the boat fully for 24 hours.
Repair Hypalon boats:
Highfield Inflatables that have tubes constructed with Orca Hypalon coated fabrics cannot be bonded with
plastic adhesives or by welding. They require neoprene based glue and RFE hardener. MEK solvent is
recommended to prepare the surface before gluing. Use only recommended solvent and adhesive.
Identify the area to be patched. This can be done by running water over the suspect area or spraying or
brushing with soapy water.
If the hole is only small, cut out a round patch of no less than 60mm diameter. Larger holes or cuts will
require proportionately larger patches but always ensure you have at least 30mm of patch around the
perimeter of the cut or hole and the corners are well radiused.
Next hold the patch on the tube and mark out around it with a pencil.
Use a grinder, course sand paper or scratch stone, rough up both the back of the patch and the area marked
on the tube.
Clean both surfaces with solvent and spread a thin layer of adhesive over them ensuring there are no lumps.
When the first coat is dry to the touch (about 10 to 15 minutes) apply a second thin coat. After waiting 5 or 6
minutes, touch the adhesive with the back of your hand. If it no longer appears wet, heat both areas with a
hot air gun to re - activate the glue and join the patch to the tube and then clamp or roll the surfaces together.
For the best adhesion, roll over the patch with a roller or over the bottom edge of a bottle.
Do not inflate the boat fully for 24 hours.
3. Upholstery
Highfield is using marine grade upholstery fabric to offer best resistance to UV and ageing. Periodic washing
with mild detergent and warm water is the best way to keep your upholstery look good. Special vinyl cleaner
can also be used to remove difficult stains. No fabric can last forever when constantly exposed to the
elements. We therefore recommend you to cover your boat when not in use.
Storage
When not in use boat should be removed from water.
Before storage the boat should be cleaned and rinsed with fresh water.
Do not cover boat before it is completely dry or mildew could grow under the cover and damage the tube
material.
Service assistance
For assistance please contact your Highfield dealer and visit Highfield Inflatables
website: www.highfieldboats.com
