Leaky Waders???

[Eyelander]

How do you seal seems in neoprene waders. I was out Sunday and got a wet crotch quite uncomfortable. I 'm getting leaks around the seems what can I do??

[Fin Addict]

I have the same problem. I think they make neoprenes for guys w/ skinny legs as I always blow out the seams almost immediately. Rubber cement painted on the seams will seal them til you crouch down deep and blow them out again. My brother finally ordered a pair that fit but they were very spendy over $300 He is 6'6" and about 230 lbs. I have reverted to Hodgeman canvas waders. The neoprenes are to hot and too fragile for me. I went through 2 pair of neoprenes a season and w/ several patches, I am on my second season w/ them.

[Mac]

Find the leak and coat that area with "Aqua Seal". Use rubber gloves and work it in well and let it set for 4 hours. If you don't use rubber gloves you will have a tough time getting it off your fingers.

[Eyelander]

Where can I purchase aqua seal? Wal-mart?

[drDave aka FireTiger]

To save a trip, use a lighter and a rubber worm just melt and dab it on the seam, lasts a trip or two

[Link]

I never owned neoprene, but would thick 100% silicone would fix the leaks. Silicone is very flexible when dry.

[WAeyes]

Mac is correct, get some "Aqua Seal". It does a great job on seams and very small holes in neoprene. Larger holes require a patch sealed with Aqua Seal. Any sporting goods store should sell it, especially if they sell waders.

[Kaz]

I too had a problem in the crotch. I had some "goop" used to fix a running shoe when the sole come loose. It worked great!! It's flexable and seals good. I don't know where my wife got it, but try the sports shoe store. Maybe Gallan's has it Good luck FISHING...Kaz

[Mac]

I haven't found Aqua Seal at Walmart. Usually a sporting goods store will have it. It NEVER comes off so don't get it on clothes, carpet etc.(the voice of experience) Don't waste time or money an anything else.

[IaCraig]

On a somewhat related note. Has anyone ever noticed in Cabela's bargain caves they try to resell waders that have been returned for the reason that they leak, often with very little mark down. Why would anyone intentionally buy a pair of leaky waders with no waranty????? Don't get me wrong, I buy from the bargain cave all the time, but leaky waders???:-)???

Sorry if I just stepped on anyones wet toes....
IaCraig

[Stump]

Goop works great for this.The have a few different types to choose from,so read them first...Im not sure which one I used(cant find the tube).By the way it comes in a small tube and either Wall-mart or K mart carries it.Its usually in the shoe section or by the boating stuff.
Good Luck!!
STUMP

[Bob G2]

Mac and WAeyes are right on target. AquaSeal is the way to go.
I have tried most of the others and they do not hold up as well as AquaSeal (although I have not tried the 2 part Cortland epoxy yet).

As Mac noted, the stuff is very tacky and if you work it in, use rubber gloves as Mac suggested, or use a plastic spoon. Make certain that the surface you are repairing has been cleaned. Once you apply it, it is imperative to make sure the repaired surface is flat and level as possible to prevent the glue from running. While a solid film will develop in 4 hours at room temperature, it would be best to allow 8-10 hours for drying. If you need a quicker repair, AquaSeal also sells Cotol, which is a
cure accelerator. When mixing Cotol with Aquaseal, the cure time is reduced to 2-3 hours/room temperature.

Any fly shop worth its salt in your area should have AquaSeal. It usually runs about 5 bucks or so for a small tube. Since you probably won't use a whole tube for a repair, make sure you try to squeeze out as much air as you can before putting the cap back on the tube when done, and store it in the freezer. This will maximize tube life, but, after about a year, the tube is usually toast.

[Eyelander]

Thanks guys I love this site!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mattman]

Any fly shop worth its salt should carry Loon products. They make a wader repair "goop" that is supposed to be really good. They have a formula that is UV activated. Cures in a minute or two. Excellent for streamside repairs. Loon Outdoors. Yup, you guessed it, www.loonoutdoors.com . They also make a paste for keeping ice off your guides!

[Bob G2]

Mattman, I think I read about that stuff in one of Jim Bedford's articles. As you mentioned, he said it was good for streamside emergencies. He also went on to compare them.

[Mattman]

I'd really like to try the stuff but I'm sure not going to poke a hole in my waders to do it!!! Guess I'll have to wait.

[Bob G2]

Matt, get yourself a pair of Ranger neoprenes. Can guarantee leaks with these waders. Especially the nice crotch ones too.
What a pleasant sensation in 36 degree water.

You obviously have a good set of waders going.