Neoprene Waders help....

B

Bob Beal

New member
I have a reasonably new pair of neoprene 5mm waders that have developed a leak right in the crotch. With fabric covering the neoprene I can't exactly find the spot that needs repair. I've soaked Aquaseal all along the stitching in the area but it hasn't done anything to stop the leak. The inside looks fine with no holes, tears or anything that points to the spot that is letting water in. I suspect I've stretched the stitches when I was climbing in and out of my canoe, but it's only a hunch. Does anyone have any tricks to find the leak? Last week I had some decoys freeze in the water, and when I walked out waist deep in the river to mix them up, it sort of put a damper on my day...

Bob Beal
 
Bob,

I had something similar happen this year on a seam. I took a very bright flashlight and stuck it inside the waders and moved it along the seam while stretching them. Found the spot and was able to douche it with Aqua-Seal. I was good to go the next day.

Good luck.

Pete
 
Thanks for the tip! I just stuck a flashlight inside the waders and immediately found the spot. It's a hole half as big as my thumb nail. That little bit of aquaseal I used was never gonna be enough to stop it. Many thanks.


Bob Beal
 
Wow. that was easy. i was gonna suggest some ultraviolet dye, filling the waders with water, and going over with a blacklite & those cool ray yellow glasses, while someone takes pictures of you doing it, posting the pictures so we could help you find the leak! bwhahahahah. travis
 
I'll have to try that. With me and neoprene waders, it doesn't seem to matter, mine develope a leak within two or three hunts and I have a heck of a time finding the leak. I just get used to hunting with one wet wool sock and a damp poly lined leg. There is definately a leak in that leg but not a gusher. With the old style waders any leak was obvious. At least I'm not cold.
 
Bob,
For larger holes, try using a patch of nylon stocking (pantyhose) together with the aquaseal. I personally put patch on both inside and outside. Be sure to oversize the patch by 1/2 to 1 inch all around and cut corners round, not square.

It's just amazing to me how poor the quality of anything rubber is today. I still use my grandfather's rubber Converse hip boots (bought as "seconds" in the 1970s). Supple and no leaks. Meanwhile, I consider it lucky if a set of new chest waders make a single season.

Errol Wentworth

Thanks for the tip! I just stuck a flashlight inside the waders and immediately found the spot. It's a hole half as big as my thumb nail. That little bit of aquaseal I used was never gonna be enough to stop it. Many thanks.


Bob Beal
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