Finding RIB Air Leak

[JLR]

I have a 1996 Novurania RIB that is 16'. The PO replaced all the tubes in 2006. The forward tube has developed an air leak that I cannot find. I have replaced the valve, used the soapy water technique for several hours and have rejected the pour some fancy glue in and turn the boat upside down because it is not practical on a dink this size. I do not have access to a refrigerant or refrigerant leak detector to try that tip. Does anyone have any other ideas, whether low tech or high tech, to locate this air leak. If it matters, it generally takes about 10 days to deflate to the point where wrinkles are clearly visible. Thanks.

 

[Boatsb]

Fill it with propane and use a lighter to find the leak?

 

[SKYCHENEY]

So the first set of tubes lasted 10 years and this set is now 9 years old. Sounds like it might be time for another new set.

 

[saltshaker]

So the first set of tubes lasted 10 years and this set is now 9 years old. Sounds like it might be time for another new set.

If cared for and not left uncovered in the sun, They should last a lot longer than 10 years. 15-20 years for hypalon is pretty standard.

 

[JLR]

Any further thoughts? Novurania is closed on Fridays so I cannot touch base with them today. Checked all over the internet for ideas and came up with nothing. But, I have faith in our HOF to help find a solution.

 

[Vincentc]

If the leak is too small too find, perhaps it is small enough to fix with just sealant?

 

[bobk]

Blow it up to a significantly higher pressure than usual and coat it with kids bubble soap and brush it on over all surfaces.

Bobk

 

[finatic]

Had a RIB with a leak I couldn't find. Almost tried filling it with expandable foam but sold it and purchased a 14.5' Scout Center Console......no more air leaks!

 

[Mambeaux]

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I had a friend with a leak like that and they finally found it leaking under the rub rail. Check the rub rail very closely with soap and water.

 

[Dan Mapes]

I used soapy water on the hard keep it wet, and plenty soapy on a calm day or in a garage. You will eventually find a bubble that grows very slowly. Patience. I used a spray bottle with really soapy water and sprayed it down enough to keep a film on it.

 

[JLR]

Thanks all. I guess it's back to the bubbles to try yet again.

 

[JLR]

Bought some bubbles and tried again. Still no luck. Sure wish there were some aerosol way of finding it. I might have to just buy some of that glue and lift the dink on the davit and try to get some movement while on the hardtop.

 

[Dan Mapes]

Are you doing this in the water?

 

[JLR]

No, on the hardtop.

 

[bobk]

Bought some bubbles and tried again. Still no luck. Sure wish there were some aerosol way of finding it. I might have to just buy some of that glue and lift the dink on the davit and try to get some movement while on the hardtop.

How high was the pressure in the dink? I had a similar issue and the repair service put an air compressor to it and at least doubled the recommended pressure to find the leak. I almost fainted, but that was his procedure.

Bobk

 

[Dan Mapes]

Yes blowing it up good is important, but patience is also. Those slow leaks will form a bubble slowly. Keeping a film on the areas under scrutiny is important.
At first you might think you formed the bubble when you spray or otherwise get the soapy water on.

 

[JLR]

Unless I can find some better idea between now and then, next week I will buy some of that glue and try adding it and sloshing it around while the dink is lifted on the davit. It's very difficult to actually drop the dink where it is currently located.

 

[JLR]

I just got off of the telephone with Novurania. They too use soapy water only. They indicated that I need not bother checking anything but the valve and the seams. No need to check the flat surfaces. Although I have already done this twice, it's nice to know. I am hoping the glue does the trick. By the way, they estimate a charge of 8K to replace the bow tube if that is the way I want to go. I do not, at the moment.

 

[Dan Mapes]

Bull cookies. I had a very small nick that I did not notice until I saw the bubble form. Check the whole surface area as well as the seams and valves. Use a high concentration of soap and perhaps early in the morning before things heat up to keep it from evaporating too quickly.

 

[JLR]

In a last ditch, scorched earth attempt to find this darn leak, I intend to over inflate the chamber by about 50% and then go back to soapy water. If that doesn't work, I will inject a refrigerant into the chamber and use a leak detector to find the leak. If that doesn't work, I will buy some of the glue used to fill the chamber and rock the dink as best as I can on the hardtop while suspended on the davit. If, after those effort, I am unsuccessful in finding the leak, I may resign myself to putting air in every other day for the summer and wait until the boat is south where Novurania can pick it up and find and repair the leak. Shouldn't be this hard but I guess it is one of those things.