subject: Raft Patching Mastery 101 [print this page] Before patching, you need not deflate the raft and for all inflatable rafts you should be aware that if you apply a thick coat of glue to the holes and the patching material, they will not adhere properly to the surface. Most of the time, rafting repair kits will come complete with patching material and glue. Should your repair kit be incomplete, you can purchase the lacking materials from your local sporting goods store.