Outfitting adhesives, Advice

[sganarelle]

NRS sells Vynabond
West Marine has a high strength epoxy
Scotch G-Weld?

Which one should I use?

I will be re outfitting my Genesis: the D-rings for the bag cages, thigh straps and the pedestal.

also D-rings for newly installed bag cages for an Explorer.

[pblanc]

I've been pretty satisfied using Vynabond to glue vinyl D ring patches to the inside of Royalex boats as long as the grey vinyl inner layer is still intact. I have found it generally pretty easy to remove the patches when necessary, without damaging the hull by carefully heating the patch with a heat gun, and slowly and carefully peeling it off.

For foam knee pads and pedestals I use DAP Weldwood contact cement, that comes in a red and black can. It should say "flammable liquid" on it. Multiple coats are needed on foam. I've heard of others using 3M spray adhesive, Seal Cement or Barge Cement with good results. Years ago, Perception made a contact cement called Hydrogrip which has been replaced with a product called "Mondo Bondo". Hydrogrip worked well for me, but Mondo Bondo is not as good and is considerably more expensive than DAP Weldwood contact cement.

When using Vynabond, clean the patch surface and the hull with acetone. Many recommend lightly sanding the hull surface with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper. Others say that the acetone "etches" the hull surface enough and no sanding is needed.

[marclamenace]

Don't mean to hijack the post but how about the 3M 90 spray glue? It says on it to work on PE so maybe for pads and patches on plastic bathtubs/converted Ks?

If anyone has used this one let me know...

[sbroam]

The 3m spray can be used where you would use contact cement (red can Weldwood) - it is not a suitable substitute for Vynabond (D-ring patches to vinyl).

[Bob P]

My recollection is that, when applying Vynabond, apply only thin layers to the vinyl/Royalex, allowing them to tack off. To much at one time will delaminate the vinyl from the ABS and/or foam layers.

[pblanc]

Yeah, you don't want a big pool of Vynabond sitting in prolonged contact with your hull since the methyl ethyl ketone in it can eat into the hull. You also want to allow enough time for the solvent in the Vynabond to "degas" before joining the patch to the hull.

If you wait too long and the Vynabond looses its tackiness all together, you can reactivate it by warming it with a heat gun or apply a second thin layer.

And it is best not to invert the boat right after bonding. If the Vynabond hasn't thoroughly degassed you want it to do so through the patch, not the hull.

[Sam]

If you're using Vynabond apply some heat to the area to make sure the solvents don't eat away the vinyl elements.

[Longboatin]

You could always roll no outfitting, like the longboat crew. If the boat didnt come wid it it aint in there. Plus, lot quicker prepping 4 boatin. Oops, did add foam beer holders, so guess there is somethin beyond stock in there.

[sbroam]

The 3m spray can be used where you would use contact cement (red can Weldwood) - it is not a suitable substitute for Vynabond (D-ring patches to vinyl).

Here is a datapoint for the 3M spray. About 5 years ago I used the 3M spray to put in a pedestal in an ME - it was to be "temporary" so I could get my son down the Nantahala. It was in there til this morning when I loaded the boat and dropped it on my shoulder knocked it loose. Pretty good for temporary.

[JayDavis]

The Vinyl Adhesive NOC sells is a lot cheaper than NRS' Vynabond and seems to work just as well for me, for D-Rings.

Weldwood contact cement from Home Depot or where ever will take care of your foam.