Waders leak at the seem, any suggestions?

[TOPGUN]

While standing in the SR last weekend I noticed an unusually cool feeling down around my ankle. As I moved around some more I was convinced that what I was feeling was every anglers nightmare....wader leak.

It was confirmed by my soggy jeans when I took the waders off. While I haven't pinpointed the leak exactly I'm pretty sure it's coming from the intersection of three stitched seems on the inside ankle. I've tried many times to repair old waders only to throw them out eventually. I don't think a patch will work in this case so I may just goop it up with the cement and take my chances....Anyone have any other ideas???

[Bluefin]

Are they neo's or breathables? In either case, if the leak is small and you can pinpoint the area, I have had good luck with Outdoor Goop.

[TOPGUN]

They're 5 Mil neo's....I was thinking the good would work but because it's at a stretch point I'm not sure of the success rate. Thanks for the suggestion Blue...I've got an all nighter coming on the opening of Walleye and I dont' want to be wet all night and through the morning...

[tree-on]

I had good luck with the tape and glue that came with the waders. I got a leak last spring in the same spot. I turned them inside out and filled the foot with water. The pinhole showed quickly. I was able to keep the repair to about the size of a nickel, so flexibility was not an issue.

[Bluefin]

I used to use black, non hardening silicone RTV gasket sealer on my surfing wetsuit to repair tears and holes. Propblem with that stuff is you have to keep using the same stuff if you get more leaks in the same area because nothing else will stick to it.

[Craydaddy]

Aqua seal is good stuff. The only thing do it in a well vented area!!!

Val how many times a year do you use your waders??? Most guys really beat the crap out of there waders. How hard do you use them???

[gman2153]

Everyone I know that has Neo's complains of leaks. It took me 2 yrs ta convince my husband to get breathables LOL. Why keep gluing leaks? I will never buy neo's.

A rip or tear can happen to anyone.
but the way you store them is a big factor also.

I have had a pair of Orvis 5mm's over 4 years, at least 25 days of use per season - not a leak or pinhole.
I take care in the way I store them - put them away dry and do not fold them, I lay them horizintal on a top shelf in my closet. If your closet is not big enough hang them by their suspenders.

[ReininBows]

April, May, June,,,,,,2--3 times a wk......Sept--April maybe 3 times a mth.
How hard do you use yurs? hmmmm :p

[Craydaddy]

I agree with Gman 110%!!

[ecsteelheader]

I use Aqua-Seal stuff works great and if your in a hurry they have a curative which makes it dry even faster>))>

[TOPGUN]

As for storage I always hang them by their suspenders. I have a boot dryer with the wading extensions (very sweet this time of year). What bothers me is this lead is right at the ankle? They're in my wading boots, it's not like I caught a rock or branch?! Other than that they're still in great shape.

I'll try the aqua seal and see how it works. I've got to fill them and find out where exactly it is. My fear is it's at a intersection of 3 separate stitches so it might be a lost cause. I'll give it a whirl.

I use them the entire year (except July/Aug. when I can just wear wading shoes) about2 times every other week. I'm thinking my next pair might be breathables but I'll have to save a little more for those.

[gman2153]

Top Quality 5 mm neos are a heck of alot more $$$ than breathables...