I have West Marine (Force 4) inflateable that is suppose to be PVC
fabric.. Even though it is over 10 years old, it has only been exposed
to sun and weather for 4 summer seasons.

Last year I notice an area, about the size of my hand, that was
discolored and slightly tacky to the touch. I tried cleaning it with
mild soapy water, along with the remainder of the surface, at the end of
the season. Even though the tackyness seemed to go away, the surface
discoloration remained.

This summer the inflateable has seen further heavy useage and the area
has doubled in size and has gone from tacky to gummy.

I also note that this area is where my stern mooring line lays across
this tube. I suspect that there are occasions when this mooring line has
come in contact with spilled fuel mix or oil residue.

Now that the damage is done and the possible cause has been identified,
how can I repair this area??? The surface is now beyond just cleaning
since I think I could scrap the outer layer down to the fabric (don't
want to do this).

I'm thinking I should obtain a patch, slightly larger than the area,
clean the surface and apply the patch with the tube inflated.

How much pressure is required to apply a PVC patch?? Is it just a
contact glue??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions