CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

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COSMA

Seaman
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
50
I HAVE A 8 FT ZODIAC THAT HAS A WOODEN DECK WITH A MOTOR.THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOAT SEPERATED(IT IS RUBBER. IS IT POSSBLE TO REPAIR THIS.<br />HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD OF TUFF STUFF?
 
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Cptkid570

Ensign
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
Messages
967
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

There is a glue that they sell for it (at places like West Marine). It's actually 2 different epoxies that you mix together. It's expensive -- like $30. I don't know how good it works, but would love to know. I have an old inflatable that has the same problem. I just haven't splurged and bought the glue yet.
 
B

boatster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 13, 2004
Messages
331
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

You need to find out if your boat is made of hypalon or pvc. There are two types of glue for each material. If your boat is made of hypalon I would recommend using the 2 part glue as it is the only way to permanently repair/glue hypalon together.
 
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jollymon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 2, 2002
Messages
293
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

TINO,<br /><br />I do not know where you are located, but I have used a company called Air Boat Fix, out of westchester PA with very good results. <br /><br />I have a 13ft Achilles inflatable, that has a hard bottom. The transom totted out. They did wonders with it. I have sent friends there, that have been very happy with thier work.
 
Jdeagro

Jdeagro

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Messages
1,682
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

Tino;<br /><br />The boat is made of PVC, and there are some very good glues available. In repairing the preparation is important. Check with Zodiac customer service.
 
TOHATSU GURU

TOHATSU GURU

Admiral
Joined
Jul 22, 2004
Messages
6,164
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

Use a two-part PVC fabric glue, The brand is not important. First clean both sides with MEK. Let it dry. Apply a light coat of glue to both sides and let it dry....completely. Apply another coat to both sides and somewhere between 10 - 15 minutes stick them together. Weight it down and walk away for 24 hours. <br /><br />Tip 1) Do it in an air conditioned room. PVC glue is mositure sensitive and if you glue it near the water or in a high humidity area it will come loose.<br /><br />Tip 2) If the boat is over seven years old you may be better off to throw it away. PVC boats have a very limited service life compared to Hypalon boats. Unless you are way up north where there is not much UV your boat will continue to have piece's come loose. That will usually happen when your using it.
 
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crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

Tino,it can surely be repaired.I have a 10ft Zodiac made of pvc and I do small repairs myself with pvc glue for Zodiacs.Something like the floor or bottom coming off is something I leave to the pros.I had a seam to the floor come loose 3-4 years back and I took it to a Zodiac repair place here in Long Island.He pulled on the seam and opened it up as far as he could before he made the repair.He used an epoxy and a clamping technique and it is still holding strong.Prep is very very important with repairs.Charlie
 
C

COSMA

Seaman
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
50
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

crazy charlie i live in masapequa. how much did it cost you and where is it.I boat on the south shore. brother inlaw just bagged a 33 pound striper first try. beautiful fish and tasty.
 
C

COSMA

Seaman
Joined
Jun 23, 2004
Messages
50
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

CAN THAT BE USED ON THE TYPE PROBLEM I HAVE....
 
C

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,581
Re: CAN YOU REPAIR A ZODIAC

I hate beginners luck!! Good for him but I wish it were me!!The name of the place is Port inflatibles and they are in Port Jefferson.473-7177.My repair was about $100.Repairs by an authorized Zodiac repair place are not cheap but they are done right.He also has plenty of used inflatibles.Charlie
 
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