Question Tape coming off drysuit crotch seam, repair possible?

[Jcp2]

One of my drysuits started leaking and I found some cracking in the sealant in the crotch area. I removed the loose area and the seal tape lifted off. I have a small tin of DAP weld wood that I used successfully to replace latex wrist seals on another drysuit. Is this durably repairable, or a sign of end of life for the suit? Its a first generation scubapro membrane suit, so I’ll salvage the valves, suspenders, and Sitech wrist and neck rings if I can’t reasonably fix it myself.

 

[lexvil]

I would try, normally I would use thinned aquaseal and coat all of the suspect areas, the dap may also work but I’ve no experience with it

 

[inquis]

After drying my suit in direct sun a few times, I had quite a few seams lift up. I had them professionally replaced (by DRIS), so not end of life by any means.

 

[Jcp2]

After drying my suit in direct sun a few times, I had quite a few seams lift up. I had them professionally replaced (by DRIS), so not end of life by any means.

How much was the repair and how much time did it take? I’m going to try several layers on contact cement followed by the adhesive tape patches sold at REI for tents and rain gear because those are less than $10 per pack.

 

[inquis]

Prices are here, sounds like $35 for your one seam. Shipping was about $12 each way for me. It may be worth a complete inspection, though -- whatever caused the one to lift may have affected others.

Took about 6 weeks, but it was early fall and they were already backed up. Took less than a week back in my hands once they started. Chat/call them and ask their current leadtime.

 

[qwertz]

Hi there,
I tackled a problem similar to ours a couple of weeks ago.
-> Drysuit Seams - Yeah, I know
You can see some pictures there.

Hint: Cheapest prices are with UK seaskin for parts like tape, otherwise amazon might do the trick.
Aquaseal WD worked nicely but it is kind of a mess.
I switched to HELAPLAST 2-component glue for another repair and am quite satisfied.
Apply a couple of layers and give some time to dry. It becomes non-sticky then. After making sure the patch / tape is where you want it, heat it up f.e. with a heat gun and ... BUM. Strong stuff, use gloves ....

From an economical standpoint, I cannot recommend it, considering the hours I invested in cleaning and prep. Wanted to learn though, so I did it anyways.

The crotch area is the most difficult I think, since it is extremely challenging to create a smooth surface for the roller and be able to apply pressure.

 

[sunny_snake]

May be a bit late this reply...

I have a trilaminate suit that had exactly the same issue - internal taping worn away, perished, and leaking - in the most inappropriate area....

I repaired by; removing the flaking tape, marked the area to sand and clean, measured drysuit seam tape, aquasure glued both the suit and tape leaving for approx 30-40 mins and then stuck the tape to the suit. Had to do this a few times to get both sides of the groin repaired - can be a bit of a challenge to get the suit lying flat but some patience it is possible. I also weighted the tape down with some cloth between the weights and seam tape (to prevent the weights sticking to any excess glue) and left for 24 hours to cure.

Back in the water and no more leaks - suit repaired and good for another 170 or more dives

 

[Jcp2]

As a final follow up to this thread, I ended up sending the suit to DRIS for an estimate, with a cap on what I wanted to put into the suit. Not only was the quote reasonable, the initial leak test happened quickly, and it also included three other leaks that I didn’t know about. Hope to get it back by November, at which time I hope to also have the Seaskin suit I ordered in my hands as well.

 

[ontdiver]

This is one of those DIY jobs that you need to give some thought to. As noted, it can be time consuming and very frustrating, particularly if you don't get it right.

 

[Jcp2]

DRIS got back to me. This particular suit has black rubbery seam sealant that continually will crack and leak beyond any local repair. They’ve had unsatisfactory experience repairing other suits with this material and the only way around this is a complete suit reseam, $1200. I’m having them send the suit back to me unrepaired whilst I decide whether I’ll have a winter project or just salvage the neck and wrist rings, inflator and exhaust valves, p valve blank, and neoprene socks.