How to Repair Nylon on an Airhead Slide Boat Tube

Inflatable water toys, like the Airhead, are more versitile than rubber ducks.

The nylon covering on a water toy, like the Airhead Slide Boat Tube, helps prevent damage that the vinyl surface of the towable toy might sustain if towed across an unseen submerged obstruction. Towed behind a power boat, these inflatables appear to offer an experience not unlike that of water skiing without the peril of falling down. Inflatable sleds have become a source of waterborne entertainment that adds a "different" dimension to the sport of boating.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Liquid dish detergent
• Scissors
• Nylon repair tape

Instructions

1. Inspect the damage. You can determine if the vinyl has been damaged by inflating the Airhead. Fill a spray bottle, available at grocery and hardware stores, with water and two tablespoons of liquid dish detergent. Spray the damaged area, press down on the tube and watch the damaged area to see if bubbles form at the site of the damage. If bubbles do not form, continue with the nylon repair.

2. Use scissors to cut a piece of nylon repair tape so that it forms a patch at least 1 inch larger than the damaged area. Peel about half of the backing from the nylon repair tape. Place the uncovered adhesive part of the repair tape above the damaged area.

3. Remove the backing paper from the nylon repair tape as you press down on the tape. The tape will adhere to the nylon.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut rounded corners onto the nylon repair patch to prevent it from peeling off inadvertently.

References

• Mountain Equipment Co-op: Customer Reviews for Nylon Repair Tape Patches

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish