Im having my leading edge fixed as I have a vertical split/cut on the under canopy portion the bladder is good. However ive noticed a bit of a hernia on another portion of the Le and on the midway point of a strut.
Would you guys do a pre-emptive repair at the same time? It was hard to notice until I seen it and investigated a bit closer.
Usually it's the stitching that's given way, so it's a weak spot which allows the bladder to bulge either strut or le material, if the case get it re stitched as the is a good chance you'll split it which in turn blows your bladder
Select to expand quotecauncy said..
Usually it's the stitching that's given way, so it's a weak spot which allows the bladder to bulge either strut or le material, if the case get it re stitched as the is a good chance you'll split it which in turn blows your bladder
Yep, if you see the stitching coming undone along the LE where the bladder seems the herniate, that is an easy fix. You can even do it yourself.
Ideally you'd be using bonded polyester thread (same stuff kite manufacturers uses), but dental floss will actually work the same and be just as strong. Just grab a strong needle and use a pair of pliers to help the needle poke through the dacron. Use the same holes and simply sew along the area where the stitches came undone + a few cm each side of it. just be sure you're not sewing over the bladder!
It only takes a couple of minutes and will last for ages if done well.
Christian
Cheers cauncy,
Closer look at the stitching... Bit dodge. Pre-emptive repair looks the way.
Yep Mike and christian are right,
Take it to get the $5 repair done now or leave it and get the $100 leading edge repair, plus the $50 bladder repair ,if its repairable, remember the seam on the le and bladder are in the same place, and if you get a rip over the seam its a new bladder at $100 to $150!!
Toddy
