Author Topic: Inflatable sportboat (Read 886 times)

379 Peterbilt · « **on:** March 25, 2005, 09:27:49 PM »

I just obtained a 12' Zodiac inflatable sportboat (from a nice fellow forum member) that has been dormant for roughly the last 5 years. I have had it inflated and everything "appears" normal, with the exception of the area where the material marries the wood transom. The rubber "flange" is pulled away from the wood for about 4 inches. I am certain she would float fine as is, but obviously I strongly prefer to get this corrected. Three questions...

1) What type of cleaner & glue should be utilized to re-bond this

2) What type of "coating" or "sealant" if any, should I use to be assured of hull integrity

3) What all should a good patch/repair kit contain, as I need to purchase one.

Thanks

Cap'n Jon · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2005, 02:19:20 AM »

I would go right to the Zodiac site and order their patch kit. We used Zodiac's pretty hard in the Coast Guard and they are great boats. We had a 10' w/ a 20 HP Merc and that puppy would haul! Ha!
We used mild soap to clean it, but there are specific cleaners for the Zodiac.
Watch when its inflated and in the sun. It will expand from the heat and thats not good for your patch and the rest of the sectional sponsons...

Hope this helps...

379 Peterbilt · « **Reply #2 on:** March 28, 2005, 11:31:12 PM »

Thanks Cap'n Jon. I never even thought of trying Zodiac's website. I'll give that a shot.

I've come to the realization that these inflatable sportboats are rather rare where I live. Its tough to find anyone localy with much, if any firsthand knowlege on these babys. In fact, I may be the only guy in this county that owns one--ha ha...

:-)

darrell8937 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2005, 01:50:27 PM »

I use to own a 12 foot Quicksilver. It was a lot of fun. Cheaper than Zodiac but still happy. I was the only guy in town with one. Only others I saw was on the ocean.. sailboats often towed one. Skin divery used them as well.. I used it for four years and then sold it.. Hell one guy wanted me to ship it to Oregon from Maine.. Sold it eaisly on the net.