Sticky inflatable.

[ash2020]

We moved to Cornwall last year and we have a 2.9m Yamaha inflatable which is left tied up to a pontoon, with many others. Since about April it has started to become sticky, just at the front. I had an old Avon which was sticky all over but I wonder why this is happening now and what can be done to alleviate it. Also, the best way to clean the sticky bit?

 

[dunedin]

PolyMarine Superflex PVC paint - Superflex PVC Paint, Grey | Polymarine RIB Inflatable boat repair

 

[Graham376]

PolyMarine Superflex PVC paint - Superflex PVC Paint, Grey | Polymarine RIB Inflatable boat repair

Before painting, use their cleaner - Clean | Polymarine RIB Inflatable boat repair

 

[ash2020]

PolyMarine Superflex PVC paint - Superflex PVC Paint, Grey | Polymarine RIB Inflatable boat repair

But the boat isn't old, it's in excellent condition. I'm questioning why it would go sticky in one area.

 

[Graham376]

But the boat isn't old, it's in excellent condition. I'm questioning why it would go sticky in one area.

Likely just that the sticky section is ahead of the others which will follow, with UV exposure.

 

[dunedin]

But the boat isn't old, it's in excellent condition. I'm questioning why it would go sticky in one area.

Ours has blue rubbery bits of cosmetic trim at the bow which went sticky with UV when the main tubes were fine. I tried everything to remove the stickiness then after advice on this forum tried the PolyMarine paint.
If like us originally only a small area makes easier and paint cheaper - as use letter paint Polymarine Letterflex PVC Lettering Paint

 

[ash2020]

Ours has blue rubbery bits of cosmetic trim at the bow which went sticky with UV when the main tubes were fine. I tried everything to remove the stickiness then after advice on this forum tried the PolyMarine paint.
If like us originally only a small area makes easier and paint cheaper - as use letter paint Polymarine Letterflex PVC Lettering Paint

Thank you. It sounds like maybe that will be the only answer.

 

[ylop]

The stickiness is caused by the plasticiser in the material migrating to the surface. The plasticiser turns rigid/stiff material into a soft/flexible material. The plasticiser migrates more when it gets hot so if one part of the boat gets more sun it will migrate quicker and get stickier. You can try washing it off with solvent, covering in talcum powder is also sometimes suggested as a temporary fix. It will keep happening though which is why people are suggesting paint. Ultimately though if too much plasticiser leaches out the tubes become brittle.

 

[ash2020]

The stickiness is caused by the plasticiser in the material migrating to the surface. The plasticiser turns rigid/stiff material into a soft/flexible material. The plasticiser migrates more when it gets hot so if one part of the boat gets more sun it will migrate quicker and get stickier. You can try washing it off with solvent, covering in talcum powder is also sometimes suggested as a temporary fix. It will keep happening though which is why people are suggesting paint. Ultimately though if too much plasticiser leaches out the tubes become brittle.

I see. Thank you for the explanation.