Inflatable Boat Care & Repair
With proper care, inflatable boards and boats last for years. Here is how to handle repairs.
Finding a Leak
Inflate the board to 10 PSI. Mix soapy water in a spray bottle and spray the surface —look for bubbles. Common leak areas: valve base, seam edges, and around fin boxes. For hard-to-find leaks, inflate the board, submerge sections in water (or apply soapy water), and watch for bubble streams. Mark each leak with tape.
Repairing Small Punctures
For punctures under 1/4 inch: clean the area with alcohol, apply PVC adhesive from your repair kit, place a patch, and press firmly. Weight the patch for 24 hours. For punctures up to 1 inch: use a larger patch with rounded corners (sharp corners peel). Deflate the board completely before starting any repair.
Repairing Seam Separations
Seam separations require more care. Clean both surfaces with acetone. Apply two thin coats of PVC adhesive to each surface, letting each coat dry to tacky. Press together firmly and use a seam roller. Apply heat (hair dryer on medium) to activate the adhesive fully. Let cure for 48 hours before inflating.
Valve Replacement
If air leaks from the valve, the valve core may need replacement. Use a valve tool (available from Aquafarer) to unscrew the core. Take the old core to a dealer for a matching replacement. Apply PTFE tape to the new core threads and tighten. Test at full pressure before hitting the water.
When to Seek Professional Repair
Some damage requires professional attention: large tears (over 2 inches), damage to the drop-stitch threads, delamination of the deck pad, or valve base separation from the PVC. Contact Aquafarer support for authorized repair center referrals. Attempting DIY repair on structural damage can void the warranty.
Preventive Care
Most damage is preventable. Avoid dragging your inflatable on rough surfaces —carry it. Inflate to correct pressure (12-15 PSI) —under-inflated boards flex more and are prone to crease damage. Store away from rodents and sharp objects. Rinse after saltwater use. Inspect your board before every outing.