Stabond Reformulated: What It Means for Hypalon Repairs—and What to Use Instead
If you’ve been a rafter through the years, chances are you’ve relied on Stabond UK 148 as a go-to adhesive. It earned that reputation for a reason—it was consistent, strong, and dependable for Hypalon-based repairs. That has changed with the reformulation.
What Happened to Stabond UK 148?
The original formulation of Stabond UK 148 has been reformulated. As with many chemical products, changes in regulations and sourcing can lead manufacturers to alter formulas over time. With this change, we’ve found it no longer delivers the consistent performance required for dependable Hypalon raft repairs.
So the big question becomes:
What’s the Best Alternative for Hypalon Repairs?
✅ Our Top Recommendation: Polymarine Adhesive
After testing multiple options, Polymarine Adhesive is our recommended replacement.
Poly Marine offers both 1-part and 2-part adhesive systems, giving you flexibility depending on the repair and conditions.
Why We Recommend Poly Marine:
- Excellent bond strength on Hypalon
- Performs exceptionally well for long-lasting repairs when you need to make a quick on river repair
- Proven results on Hyside’s urethane and Hypalon materials
The 2-part Poly Marine system stands out. It’s the best choice when durability matters—high-stress seams, wear patches, and structural repairs that need to last season after season.
Other Alternatives: Clifton Adhesives (Shore)
Another option worth mentioning is Clifton Adhesives (Shore), available in both 1-part and 2-part systems.
Clifton has long been considered a classic adhesive in the marine and inflatable repair world, and it still performs reasonably well for many applications.
That said, based on our experience:
- Clifton does not hold up as well as PolyMarine over time
- Long-term durability, especially in demanding conditions, is noticeably lower
- Best suited for less critical or temporary repairs
Bottom Line
- Polymarine Adhesive, is now our preferred and recommended adhesive
- Clifton (Shore) remains a viable secondary option, but it falls short of Poly Marine
When it comes to repairing Hypalon rafts—especially Hyside boats—adhesive choice matters. Using the right glue can be the difference between a repair that lasts a season and one that lasts a decade.
If you have questions about specific repair scenarios or want guidance on choosing between 1-part and 2-part systems, we’re always happy to help.
Call us at 303-848-4592.
Please see Polymarine Adhesive Instructions here.
