Bought used Dux inflatable boat

[bayman]

Hi, I just bought a used Dux Inflatable Boat, Model PD-400 (13' 3") and I have some questions. I've been a boater for awhile but I haven't had one of these Dux boats before. I'm more familiar with Zodiacs.

1. Glue : does anyone know what glue I should use on this or should I just buy it directly from Dux (Dux sells a "Two Part Repair Kit 4oz")?

2. Prop : special props are needed for tunnel hull boats. Does anyone have a favorite place to get one of these special props? I'm still looking for an outboard big enough to tow a skier (at least 25 hp) so I don't know what pitch and diameter I'll go for yet.

3. Towing behind the vehicle on a trailer : when towing an inflatable, how inflated should the craft be? I tie it down to the trailer well but it still seems to have some bounce to it when going over 40 mph. I'd like to get rid of the bounce if possible. The trailer itself seems to be handling just fine.

Thanks for any help!

-Bayman

 

[bayman]

Re: Bought used Dux inflatable boat

As for trailering, I'm finding that it helps to really cinch the transom down really well. This seems more difficult on an inflatable than a fiberglass or aluminum boat because of the give in the inflatable. Cinching it down really tight makes for a good, pleasant ride though.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Bought used Dux inflatable boat

1) PVC or Hypalon...I think DUX builds everything out of PVC, but you need to check with them.

2) Tunnel inflatables do not require a special propeller unless you are racing.

3) Softer the tube the more it will hug the trailer.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Bought used Dux inflatable boat

Your ideal motor would be between a 3 cyl 30hp to a 50hp 3 cyl, best prop for you would be a 15p 3 blade, preferable a stainless steel ..... when towing, the boat need to be fully inflated 0,4 bar in the top pontoons and 1 bar in the bottom highjackers, if the boat is not fully inflated when towing you will work out the transom where it is attached to the pontoons ...... there are many glues available, but the best would be to get it from dux them selves as they will also explain to you the procedure on how to fix the boat .....

 

[bayman]

Re: Bought used Dux inflatable boat

Thank you for the great responses deejaycee_2000 and TOHATSU GURU, I appreciate it very much!

I'm glad I don't need a special prop. The trailering information is very also valuable since I surely don't want to work the transom out.

I now have the info for fixing the boat. I'm going to be testing the procedures on the pieces which hold down the rope onto the top of the tubes. Once I perfect the process I'll use it on the rub rails and other pieces of the hull which need some touch-up.