How airtight are your boats?

[markus]

Hi,

I have just finished my v3 packraft. I fixed all the seams with Seamgrip and after closing some small leaks I can´t find any more using soapy water. Only at the end of the zipper there are some small bubbles.

But the raft still loses some air (about 1-2 deep breathes per hour). Is this normal or has one of you a boat which keeps all the air over night?

All the best from Austria!

Markus

Topic

[ColdBike]

Because the zipper surround is uneven at the top and bottom of the zipper, I found mine leaked at both ends. I applied seam grip around the edge of the inside of the zipper where it joins the boat, not just on the patch sealed to the outside.

To answer your question, I need about 3 breaths after 3 hours of paddling.

[Derek]

Like Matt said, I’ve had good luck cleaning and relubricating the zipper to obtain an airtight seal again.

[Matt (Admin)]

Hi Markus,

It sounds like the air is escaping through the zipper – a few small bubbles could add up to 1-2 breaths per hour, no? This could probably be resolved by cleaning the zipper and reapplying lubricant. If the zipper isn’t leaking and the seams are all sealed and the fabric isn’t damaged and there’s no dirt in the Boston valve or top-up valve, the packraft should hold air overnight.

Cheers!

[Author]

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