: Hi all, Quick question.

Quick answer: Head to local hardware store or swimming pool store. They'll have patches of clear vinyl with an adhesive that works underwater. Trim to size, peel off backing, and slap over the leak in your pool. Works even better on a kayak as you can apply it while in the boat, if you can reach the hole.

Sevylor makes repair kits for their inflatables which have small tubes of glue and patches of vinyl. A lot of sporting goods stores sell Sevylor products and have their patch kits.

You can make your own patch kit. Wal-Mart and fabric stores sell clear vinyl by the running yard. Buy a foot (1/3 yard) and you'll have a huge piece for patches. A craft store or a hardware store will have a glue for vinyl. The brand I like is VLP (an acronym for Vinyl Liquid Plastic?) They claim that repairs made with their adhesive are stronger than the original material. In my experience that seems to be true.
Precut some of your vinyl material to patch size--circles or ovals an inch to two long--and put them in a ziplock bag with your glue. Use duct tape for an immediate fix, and the vinyl glue and patches for a permanent fix.

: Now, I am planning a river trip and there are these small sharp stones there.
: Do I have to worry that they may damage the bottom?

You don't have to worry--but everyone does Relax, and go with the flow.

Hope this helps.

PGJ