Hey there, I have a 2020 neo 9 metre, bought new in July, maybe 10 sessions on it, it has developed leak in the past month around the intake valve. I pumped it up to 7 psi this arvo and held it under water and realized the problem. Not trying to dump on anyone just wondering the extent of my problem, anyone had similar problem and how did you fix ?

I've watched finding nemo

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ladfromsnowy said..
Hey there, I have a 2020 neo 9 metre, bought new in July, maybe 10 sessions on it, it has developed leak in the past month around the intake valve. I pumped it up to 7 psi this arvo and held it under water and realized the problem. Not trying to dump on anyone just wondering the extent of my problem, anyone had similar problem and how did you fix ?

Definitely contact the retailer and push for a replacement bladder. If unsuccessful don't be tempted to try and fix it. You will undoubtedly
get lots of suggestions on techniques and products to fix it but the surest and easiest way is to replace it... its tempting to try and fix it because it seems like it would be cheaper but it is a huge pain in the arse. I would estimate your chances of getting a gratis replacement (with fitting) are good. If not they should be.

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snalberski said..

ladfromsnowy said..
Hey there, I have a 2020 neo 9 metre, bought new in July, maybe 10 sessions on it, it has developed leak in the past month around the intake valve. I pumped it up to 7 psi this arvo and held it under water and realized the problem. Not trying to dump on anyone just wondering the extent of my problem, anyone had similar problem and how did you fix ?

Definitely contact the retailer and push for a replacement bladder. If unsuccessful don't be tempted to try and fix it. You will undoubtedly
get lots of suggestions on techniques and products to fix it but the surest and easiest way is to replace it... its tempting to try and fix it because it seems like it would be cheaper but it is a huge pain in the arse. I would estimate your chances of getting a gratis replacement (with fitting) are good. If not they should be.

He thanks, figured that retailer would replace, I'm 1500k from cityville so was thinking of doing the fix myself. What glue is everyone using these days

Stormsure

Hi ladfromsnowy,

It'd almost certainly be a warranty replacement. Contact your retailer and they will sort it for you. Don't try to fix it, just replace.

DM

don't touch it yourself you may end up doing it 1/2 doz times.
let them sort out pickup and warranty,no matter were you live.
once you try to fix it you may really be sorry.

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surfguy said..
don't touch it yourself you may end up doing it 1/2 doz times.

Yeah and still not have it leak free.... and THEN realise you should have just bought a new bladder..!

I'm assuming you've already done the normal sand clear outs on the intake valve?

With the airport valve, the screw cap is supposed to be the air tight seal - not the twist flap inside. That's just to make it leak less whilst you close the screw cap. Check that the gasket inside the cap is A) still there and B) not damaged. Maybe try flipping it over in case its a bit scuffed up. Might save you a long trip if its just some grit/sand stuck in the cap somewhere?

If its not leaking from the screw cap then its a different story. Those valves should be ultrasonically welded onto the bladder and its a case of cut them off to replace. I'd be seeing how much good will you have with your shop to see if they can get it sorted for you on something that new. The more testing to work out exactly where its leaking you can do prior to going to the shop, the easier you can make it for the guys in the shop to help out there and then.

I was waiting for that one ^^^

To add to all of the above - mainly really good info.........

Yes these valves can be tricky to replace if you don't know what you are doing but a good repairer should have the technique and necessary skills. I have replaced lots now without any issues but there are a few considerations.

1) be sure that the bladder was only leaking from the valve and didn't have other holes/slow leaks as cost for repairing these will soon add up also in addition to valve replacement (replacement airport valve is around $60 plus fitting fee)
2) make sure your repairer has the correct replacement valve - dont retro-fit others as they will lead to a sloppy finish
3) the old valve will need to be cut out and a patch put onto the bladder prior to fitting the new valve (and appropriate hole size recut for the replacement) - this will allow a good contact surface for the replacement.
4) before considering getting a replacement fitted
- check the screw on section isn't worn or covered in sand as this is ultimately the seal as pointed put above
- contact your local retailer and query if said problem is covered by warrenty as DM has stated above
- if multiple repairs have already been carried out on the bladder then consider buying new

Hope this info is useful to some and if anyone needs one replacing hit me up

Cheers Ryan

The Sail Doctor
Kite and Sail Repairs