Which adhesive to use?

[RobinScurr]

I bought a Innovative Lighting LED Portable Bi-Color Bow Navigation Light (see pic.) It is made to attach to the bow of an inflatable. I was surprised to see the only reference on how to attach it was "adhesive not included" on the instruction sheet? It has a semi-rigid black rubber (vinyl?) base you're supposed to attach ... my dinghy is hypalon. So, what is the correct adhesive to use?

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by RobinScurr

I bought a Innovative Lighting LED Portable Bi-Color Bow Navigation Light (see pic.) It is made to attach to the bow of an inflatable. I was surprised to see the only reference on how to attach it was "adhesive not included" on the instruction sheet? It has a semi-rigid black rubber (vinyl?) base you're supposed to attach ... my dinghy is hypalon. So, what is the correct adhesive to use?

I'm going to say Sika 291 probably has the best blend of adhesion to those plastics and flexabilty. Sand well.


3M products bond quite as well to molded PVC but might work.

[Terra Nova]

Contact cement should do it.

[Sparx]

Marine Goop would be another good choicej

[Cheechako]

Even Silicone can be tenacious, 3M 5200 permanent.

[Training Wheels]

If it’s a Hypalon dinghy, why not use the Hypalon glue? Is there a reason not to?

[a64pilot]

3M VHB tape, it’s that very tenacious tape that is used for car trim and GoPro mounts etc, flexible too, and tough to remove, but removable

[ZULU40]

Originally Posted by RobinScurr

I bought a Innovative Lighting LED Portable Bi-Color Bow Navigation Light (see pic.) It is made to attach to the bow of an inflatable. I was surprised to see the only reference on how to attach it was "adhesive not included" on the instruction sheet? It has a semi-rigid black rubber (vinyl?) base you're supposed to attach ... my dinghy is hypalon. So, what is the correct adhesive to use?

Probably hypalon glue on the dinghy, let that set, then PVC glue between the hypalon glue and the PVC. This is the proper way to glue a plywood transom into a PVC boat for instance. Which is kind of the inverse of the same problem because PVC glue wont glue to wood or epoxy but hypalon glue will. Use MEK for cleaning solvent before gluing or later removal of the part. But be careful not to buy a lot its quite explosive.

Still Id be tempted to use either 3M 5200 for permanent fixture or 3M 4000 to allow for later removal. Essentially the same stuff but 4000 isnt as strong. Both set with some flexibility (which you need) and grip very well.

As an alternative inflatables usually have mounting knobs around the bow. You could stick the lamp to a flat piece of rubber and strap or rope it to the boat.

[Dave22q]

contact cement. Sand both pieces, apply cement, wait 24 hrs, added 2-ed coat and apply. Note, once it touches it adhears so place it right. also works on rub strakes.

[doublewide]

I like my dinghy running light to be removable so it won’t be lost or stolen. This can be done in several ways. Details upon request.

[SV Bacchus]

Originally Posted by doublewide

I like my dinghy running light to be removable so it won’t be lost or stolen. This can be done in several ways. Details upon request.

Agreed! I have the same light and it is as simple as pulling the pin and lifting the light out. The base stays mounted to the dink.

I only had 5200 on board and used it. It has been fine for the past 8 months.

[Mithril Bham]

Contact NRS. They are very helpful.

[SouthernPride]

Flexseal really works. after to adhere the light to the dingy. It is waterproof. I was really skeptical but it works and lasts. The tape also works really well. You can use the tape over the suction cup to attach it to the dinghy. Since its waterproof it provides you and extra layer of protection in the event the suction cup starts to wear away at the dinghy seams around the suction cup adhesive.

[akprb]

Originally Posted by Dave22q

contact cement. Sand both pieces, apply cement, wait 24 hrs, added 2-ed coat and apply. Note, once it touches it adhears so place it right. also works on rub strakes.

This is great advice.

I use Contact Cement for everything right down to sail repair.

Keep lots onboard :-)

[Mike Banks]

I woukld not mount such an obstructive device on the bow, I would keep it in a waterproof locker untikl needed, and I would have made up a mount for it which clamps to the seat--about the only rigid thing on an inflatable, so that it was above sitting head height. Also well clear of most spray.

My limited liking for inflatables and their poor performance unless rib would not be enhanced by any further additions to the bow. All there is there at present is a rubber clip for the anchor recovery lanyard (it splices into the anchor warp a couple of metres down the warp. I do not need to plunge my arm over the side to reach the warp to retrieve my anchor. A lamp there would just be a bloody nuisance. Mounted amidships on the mid seat, I could tolerate it. I assume one uses a motor at night. If you HAVE to row at night, wear a helmet and mount it on that.