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Cruisin' Threads => sailFar.net Discussion => Topic started by: Grime on February 06, 2011, 09:09:31 AM

Title: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: Grime on February 06, 2011, 09:09:31 AM
I purchased a 9 foot inflatable the other day. The registration numbers are coming off and I need to redo them. What is the best thing to use to clean the boat so that the new numbers will stick?
Title: Re: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: KenR on February 08, 2011, 01:17:56 PM
Cleaning would be based on what material the inflatable is made of. The most common cleaning solvents are:

PVC - MEK
Hypalon - Toluene

Note: Both are very effective at surface preparation for applying adhesives but must be used with caution, especially proper ventilation.
Title: Re: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: Grime on February 08, 2011, 02:42:56 PM
Thanks Ken,

Methyl Ethyl Ketone I'll have to check it out
Title: Re: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: Shipscarver on February 19, 2011, 12:24:22 PM
There is an interesting article in "DIY BOAT OWNER," Issue 3, 2010.  This article, "Tender Care," written by live aboard Capt. Frank Mummery, covers prep work, cleaning, and painting a tender.
Title: Re: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: Captain Smollett on February 19, 2011, 06:13:55 PM
I've not used it myself, but a fellow here in the marina last fall swore by this stuff:

(http://shop.inflatableboatparts.com/images/P/cleaning%20kit%20with%20box%20photo%201lowres.JPG)

Bixler's Elixer Three Part Inflatable Boat Cleaner (http://shop.inflatableboatparts.com/product.php?productid=302)

I've also read of people using diluted Tidy bowl toilet cleaner (but I cannot say yea or nay on this being either effective or safe for the material).

Title: Re: Inflatable needs cleaning
Post by: lecker68 on March 07, 2011, 09:39:19 AM
on my inflatable I am using plexiglas plate to stick the numbers to and fasten to a line on the vessel my reasoning for this is numbers are going to fail premature with deflating and inflating.