Dingy Repair

[Stephen Butler]

We have an 11 foot Avon dingy, hyperlan material, with wood floor (4 slats) and wooden transom.  Great dingy and in great shape!  However, the continuous rub rail has separated from the craft, making the dingy look bad as well as loosing the protection.  We would like to have it back on, but to date our efforts have failed.  We have tried Avon's glue, glues from WM, etc., and all have failed.  Our yard is suggesting that we first clean the area to be glued with Toluene (available at HD), cut the continuous rub rail into 2 to 3 foot sections, and then use 2 part epoxy to attach each section. Has anyone had this experience?  Will Toluene damage the fabric?  Any advice would be helpful.
 

[Ken Juul]

Might want to ask either of these folks.  Bought a used outboard from the first one and have talked with the second one at the boat show.  Both were friendly and helpful.  May have to wait till monday, not sure if they are open weekends now.

www.inflatablexperts.com or www.dinghyparts.com

[Hawk]

Stephen,
Toluene is a solvent used for removing glues and the like. I use it to wipe down my top sides after the acetone wipe before cleaning/waxing etc the gelcoat. Toluene takes any old wax residue off while acetone removes oil/grease. It shouldn't harm the dingy.

Hawk

[Ron Hill]

Steve : Most of the dink "repairers" recommend that you use MEK (mythel ethyl keytone) to clean an area before you apply the glue! 

[Stephen Butler]

Gentlemen all, many thanks for your recommendations; they will be used.  A further question....one part or two part glue and which of the dozen brands?  Any experience to pass on?  Many thanks again!