DIY: How to repair your inflatable SUP in 6 steps by Christophe aka Cid Paddle

1. « Kn cked-up » Couine-Marie
DIY: How to repair
your inflatable
SUP in 6 steps
by Christophe
AKA Cid Paddle

2. 0 - Before (the blister just after the heat stroke )
It’s a boy!... 

3. 1 - Getting ready: the tools and cleaning with MEK*
Methylethylcetone (Butanone, C4H8O).
Same PVC glue as for rigid-hulled inflatable
boat: 27 €
* MEK : Butanone, also known as methyl ethyl ketone,
is an organic compound with the formula.
This colorless liquid ketone has a sharp,
sweet odor reminiscent of butterscotch and acetone.
It is produced industrially on a large scale, and also
occurs in trace amounts in nature. It is soluble in water
and is commonly used as an industrial solvent.
More expensive
but milder than
acetone: 15 €.Liter (!)

4. 2 - Drilling (draining the air out), “Caesarean”
(opening) & Gluing #1 (3 layers, 10 min. in between).
 Mix the glue and hardener in
plastic bottles. Keep remaining
bottle parts to part the PVC
skins. 3 layers glue, 10 min.
between each layer.

5. 3 - Sticking: press firmly to remove air bubbles.
Reinflate to see whether the
bubbles are coming back
(if any), deflate, drill if
needed to remove the
bubbles.
Let it rest for 48 hours
and… pray.

6. 4 - Consolidating scars: precut PVC and draw the
patterns on the Couine’s scars

7. 5 – Gluing #2 (3 layers, 10 min. in between idem)

8. 6 – Finish : 48 hours later
…
As a conclusion, if all goes well, you may paddle again with your old
mate Couine and after reinflating her with apprehension, you will go
back to the water:
• Either you will be able to glide
again for a couple of bucks
and much sweat,
• Or she will permanently
“give up the ghost”  and
GongSup team will not drop you
on the shore and probably
propose you a good deal
for a replacement !!
Queen Mary, Couine-Marie, Inflatable SUP, SUP Gonflable, Stand-Up Paddle