Fixing a inflatable dingy ( zodiac)
Submitted: Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 01:01
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Recycled Teenagers
Hello everyone,I would like to buy a inflatable dingy so my missus and I can do a little boating whilst camping. We tow a caravan so its out of the question by turning it into a road train. We like the idea of being able to fold the aluminium floor of the boat into a bag and the boat when deflated into another bag and put it into the back of the tow vehicle. we been offered to purchase a zodiac but it has a hole in the seam and if anyone has suggestion on how to repair. its in a spot where just a patch wont do.
Thanks George
Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 09:30
Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 09:30
Hi George.
We have Zodiacs in the Surf Club that need repairing from time to time, there are zodiac repair specialists, that can fix all sorts of
problems, just get a quote, its not a big deal, make a phone call.
Cheers
Daza
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293931
Follow Up By: hazo - Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 12:22
Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 12:22
Did 20 years Scuba diving in the uk and used nothing but inflateables (Zodiacs)
We even had one that had to have a new transom fitted due to damage by abuse, by dive club members! Repaired by a factory agent.
As George stated they can be repaired fairly easily and even seam leaks can be repaired.
It is all down to how much they want for it and how old or worn it is generally, as to wether it warrants a repair and the cost to repair.
Hypalon is a very tough and forgiving material, but long uv exposure is the real killer!
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Reply By: Member - Graham H (QLD) - Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 10:20
Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 10:20
Firstly how old is it.
I had one that ws about 4 years old and started leaking at the seams. Despite getting the correct glue and doing it all nicely it just kept leaking somewhere else.
I was told that they all go like this if left in the sun for long periods.( Not necessarily Zodiacs but inflatables in general)
Probably best to buy a new one. That way you know what you are getting and have no worries for a few years.
Not all of them have solid floors, a 2.6m soft floor will store smaller than the equivilent hard floor model.
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Reply By: bruce - Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 15:49
Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 15:49
Tried the inflatable dingy trick because I did not want to put bars on the car...did not work very
well as the inflatable sat on the water instead of in it , was very unstable and with the missus a non swimmer..... , abandoned that idea...put the bars on and bought a lightweght tinny and small o/b ....overall much stronger, less work...pumping up and deflating and the boat acts as a windbreak for the van....but its your money George
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Reply By: DP - Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 20:37
Friday, Mar 21, 2008 at 20:37
George,
I've had a fair bit of experience with inflatable boats or "rubber ducks" through surf life saving. Generally leaks long the seam are difficult to mend, especially if the seam is a sewn type as some boats do have.
I'd suggest talking to a factory outlet such as Fitch The Rubber Man in SA, or Mid Coast Marine in Qld (I think) before progressing. the seeming bargain may not be so...
Small tears and leaks in pontoons etc can be easily mended using a hypolon repair kit.
Good luck
Dan
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