Wow! Crazy quote to retube a 3.1 m dinghy with Hypalon.. $16000.
The product used is Orca but the most expensive Hypalon can be bought on their website for $170 a metre. I will ask if I can supply the material and the quoting business do the creating, we'll see but I doubt it.
Why is it just so expansive to retube?
When at this price who would do it over buying a new one???
Any tips for other rib repairers,replacers in WA greatly appreciated, thanks
Thats the i dont want the job price.
I once glued new hypalon over a sun damaged rib. The bottom section from the rub strip down was still very good so I just covered the top section from rub strip to half way down on the inside. Took careful planning because you only get one chance with the glueing. The method i used was to make plastic patterns first, then glue the hypalon along one edge first before applying glue to the whole section.
It worked very well and was hard to see that it had been re skinned. The boat wasnt leaking to begin with which helped a lot.
I bought a boat which came with a small tender which had glue issues. It is way cheaper to just buy a new boat. Sad really as throwing it away just adds to landfill. I really hate this disposable life we all live in these days.
I think there are only two places in WA that do RIB repairs so they have a fairly captive market. I think it only makes sense on large expensive RIB's.
DM
Good idea stray, do you remember the glue you used?
No. Was 20 years ago. Whoever sells the hypalon will have it though.