Changing or Repairing a RIB Tube: Costs and Methods
The inflatable bladders on RIB boats are essential components in ensuring the boat's buoyancy, stability and performance.
However, over time, these bladders can wear out or suffer more or less serious damage.
For boaters, this raises a crucial question: should tube be repaired or replaced?
In this article, Orca Retail helps you see more clearly by addressing the causes of wear, common risks, repair and replacement methods and their respective costs.
Lifespan and wear of inflatable bladders
The lifespan of a RIB boat bladder tube is generally between 5 and 10 years, depending on several factors.
Use, maintenance and the environment all play a crucial role in the longevity of tubes.
For example, use in salt water, without proper cleaning after each outing, can significantly reduce the life of a bladder.
Similarly, exposure to UV rays can also accelerate material degradation, particularly for PVC extrusions.
Regular maintenance, such as washing with fresh water and periodic inspection for any signs of wear, is therefore essential to extend the life of your pneumatic bladders and save money in the long term.
During periods of heavy use, it's advisable to check the tubes every month, especially as the high season approaches. Regularly assessing the condition of the tube helps avoid costly repairs or, worse still, premature replacement.
To find out more, see our dedicated article "How to maintain your RIB boat?".
Frequent risks and accidents affecting RIB tubes
Rib tubes are often exposed to a variety of hazards that can lead to damage. Navigational accidents, such as collisions with tubeing objects or fouling, represent one of the main causes of damage.
Also, when launching or storing, friction with rough surfaces can cause holes or tears.
Young children or animals on board can also accidentally damage the tubes, by pulling on them or playing with them.
In addition to physical accidents, weather conditions can also prove harmful. Extreme heat, frost or prolonged exposure to weathercan affect the structure of socks, making them more brittle.
Finally, chemicals such as gasoline, engine oil or certain cleanerscan deteriorate materials.
Knowing these risks helps to prevent incidents and, if necessary, to act quickly for repairs.
To find out more, see our dedicated articles "What to do if your Zodiac's bladder gets punctured" and "Emergently repairing a puncture at sea".
Change or repair? Solving the dilemma
When faced with a damaged bladder, the question of complete change or repair often arises.
To determine the best option, it's essential to assess the extent of the damage.
Small perforations or leak detections can usually be repaired.
On the other hand, if the tear is significant or the material is too worn, changing the tube may become the best solution.
This decision must also take into account the cost of repair versus the price of a new bladder.
Repairing a RIB is often the most economical way to extend its service life.
For a simple repair, such as a small hole or tear, allow between €50 and €100 labor depending on the complexity of the job, and between €100 and €150 per linear meter of Hypalon repair fabric.
On the other hand, complete tube replacement requires a much larger budget.
Choosing a new PVC bladder:
- Price range: from €2,000 to €10,000 depending on size (from 3.5 to 12 meters)
- Lifespan: between 8 and 12 years
Choosing a new Hypalon bladder:
- Price range: from €4500 to €20,000 depending on size (from 3.5 to 12 meters)
- Lifespan: between 20 and 30 years
Opting for Hypalon therefore represents an additional cost over PVC, but above all it's an investment in the future, as this material is otherwise more resistant.
To find out more, see our articles "PVC or Hypalon: Which to choose for your pneumatic tubes?" and "Everything you need to know about Hypalon: a versatile and durable synthetic material".
Method of replacing RIB bladders
Replacing a pneumatic bladder requires precision and expertise. Here are the key steps to perform this operation:
Step 1: Removal of old tube
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Deflate the bladders completely.
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Remove the fasteners and gently peel the used bladders from the hull. A specific solvent may be required to remove adhesive residues.
Step 2: Preparing the shell
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Clean thoroughly the surface where the new tube will be attached.
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Make sure no residues of old glue or impurities remain.
Step 3: Positioning the new tube
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Place the new tube on the hull to check alignment.
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Mark mounting areas for precise positioning.
Step 4: Glue application
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Apply a specific Hypalon or PVC glue, depending on the tube material, to the hull and to the new tube.
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Let dry according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Step 5: Securing the tube.
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Assemble the tube to the hull, pressing firmly to ensure optimum adhesion.
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Use a roller to flush out air bubbles and reinforce adhesion.
Step 6: Drying and checking
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Let dry for 48 hours before inflating the puddings.
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Check the seal and make sure the tube are properly secured.
Method for repairing bladders with Hypalon fabric
To effectively repair pneumatic Hypalon bladders, follow these steps:
Step 1: Surface preparation
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Carefully clean the damaged area with fresh water and a mild detergent.
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Dry completely and lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper.
Step 2: Cutting the Hypalon fabric
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Cut a piece of Hypalon fabric into a circle or oval shape, larger than the tear.
Step 3: Glue application
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Apply special Hypalon glue to the part and area to be repaired.
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Let dry for a few minutes.
Step 4: Assembly
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Press the piece of fabric firmly over the damaged area.
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Use a roller to remove air bubbles.
Step 5: Drying time
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Allow the repair to dry for at least 24 hours before reinflating.
Find a RIB boat expert near you in France to carry out your repairs or flange changes.
Conclusion
In short, the choice between changing or repairing a RIB bladder depends on the condition of the tubes and the acuteness of the damage.
Sometimes, a simple repair can extend the life of the tube, as well as being more economical.
However, when the safety and integrity of your boat are at stake, don't overlook the importance of making the right decision!