G flex by west systems

[landonshaw]

Has anyone used g flex by west systems on a dinghy. I am thinking of using it on handholds that keep coming off. I understand that it is next to impossible to remove items glued with g flex. The handles have always been put on by a professional in a humidity controlled shop. Still tend to come off.

[michaeld]

I have used G-Flex, but not on a dinghy. West Systems technical support is what I recommend for best advice. They are friendly and competent.

[Spot]

That sounds like a difficult joint, assuming two different types of materials, both man-made. What are the parent materials? What type of glue did the professionals use?

[s/v Jedi]

If this is an inflatable dinghy with pvc or hypalon tubes I recommend masking both parts accurately and using 3M 5200. It requires a 7-day cure before you can load the joint but it will not let go. Both surfaces need tobe cleaned with alcohol, then sanded with 220 grit.

[mlydon]

Check out polymarine.com - they have the correct procedures for that.....

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

If this is an inflatable dinghy with pvc or hypalon tubes I recommend masking both parts accurately and using 3M 5200. It requires a 7-day cure before you can load the joint but it will not let go. Both surfaces need tobe cleaned with alcohol, then sanded with 220 grit.

I used both 5200 and MarineTex Flex Set. G-Flex I believe is quite similar to Flex Set. Have an older Hypalon Avon with a PVC rub rail that came off. Spent a few hours researching including calls to tech support at several companies including West and Marine Tex. Decided to go with the Marine Tex.

I could only find it in small syringe size 2-3 oz as I recall and it was expensive. Ran out about halfway through so grabbed a tube of 5200 to finish. Several years later both sides are still firmly attached. Based on cost and easier access to the material I would go with 5200.

BUT as Jedi says, mask it off because it is extremely messy and will get EVERYWHERE. Also due to the long cure time before you start the job make sure you have a way to hold the work in place until it's cured.

For the rub rail I decided a full but soft inflation was the best option for working. Check that as well.

[Flatswing]

Originally Posted by mlydon

Check out polymarine.com - they have the correct procedures for that.....

I have had excellent results on pvc with the 2 part polymarine. You must spend a lot of time doing meticulous prep. I found 3m rolodiscs medium were best. Be sure to mask before gluing, you need MEK to get a good prep melt as per their instructions. I have repaired zodiac transom & handles in this way. Need to wait 7 days for full cure also.

[bcboomer]

I used g flex on a pvc dinghy to reattach the oar locks. Worked very well.

[chouliha]

We used West system G flex to reattach the aluminum floor to the inflatable sides on a AB dinghy. It worked great

We have tried using 5200 numerous times and after a few years it would fail

[wrwakefield]

I used G-Flex to glue the oarlock mounts on our hypalon RIB this summer, as well as replacing one molded handle. So far everything is holding up well- although we rarely row the dink I see no evidence of any issues...

FWIW Bill

[RickG]

We use g-flex for patches and re-attaching oar locks. I got the tip from Carolyn Shearlock of the boat galley when we were in Boot Key Harbor. I was having problems with humidity with the 2-part Polymarine. It works, stays flexible, and is stronger than the Hypalon. Our old dinghy looks like it's been through hell given the docks it has been beat against and the nail heads that have hit it.

G-flex is unforgiving if you do not clean up immediately. I did an emergency repair on the deck of our boat and a small drip that dried was removed with gentle heat, scraping, acetone, and sand paper.

Cheers, RickG

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by RickG

We use g-flex for patches and re-attaching oar locks. I got the tip from Carolyn Shearlock of the boat galley when we were in Boot Key Harbor. I was having problems with humidity with the 2-part Polymarine. It works, stays flexible, and is stronger than the Hypalon. Our old dinghy looks like it's been through hell given the docks it has been beat against and the nail heads that have hit it.

G-flex is unforgiving if you do not clean up immediately. I did an emergency repair on the deck of our boat and a small drip that dried was removed with gentle heat, scraping, acetone, and sand paper.

Cheers, RickG

You can just leave the drop and the sun will quickly take care of it

[Boatguy30]

If the handholds already are falling off who cares about a few drips of epoxy.

Yes, the stuff works great. Make sure to sand especially the PVC handholds a bunch. The really cheap ones seem to leech chemicals more. All PVC does leech some and all glues will eventually fail.
But the G-flex properly done should outlast anything else.