older Zodiac

[ratherbefishin]

I am looking at an older [1988] 13'8''Zodiac that appears to be in good shape[holds air,not faded,no serious abrasion, no cracks]My concern is how to tell if the boat is in reasonable shape-is there some way to determine if the fabric is still good?

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: older Zodiac

ratherbefishin,<br /> It sounds like you've already answered your own question. Also check the transom carefully, paying attention to the "cuff" that holds it to the tubes, as well as the bottom where the floor wraps under it and is glued to it.<br /><br />The fact that you stated the condition as you did it would appear to be looked after well and kept out of the weather when not in use.<br /><br /> Cheers,<br /> Snow.

 

[frednick1]

Re: older Zodiac Transom

Re: older Zodiac Transom

Hi,

I bought a 10" Zodiac a few weeks ago. I got the 8HP motor going great and then on my second time out, it began to leak really badly. The entire seam on the right side blew out at the transom and at 20MPH it took on an amazing amount of water in a very short time. When I got it home, took out the floor and looked closely at the damaged seam, I discovered that the transom cuff was completely detached from the wooden transom and the seams were open all the way across the back of the transom and along the sides for about 1.5 feet on both sides. The top of one of the cuff and the entire other cuff were about to come off and, indeed did with very little pulling on my part.

Basically the transom was just sitting there being held in by the pressure of the tubes. I am impressed with the cuff design since there was NOTHING holding that 8HP motor on there but the air in the tubes. I was lucky I didn't loose the motor and gas tank and my life, too.

I have cleaned off all the old glue I can and I have started putting it back together, one section at a time. Wish me luck. I will need it. i will probably sell this baot as soon as I get it back together.

So, be sure to pull on the seams around the transom (something I didn't do) to be sure they are not going to come apart on you when you put that 10HP on there and start roaring around the lake.

Tie your motor to a "D" ring, not the transom since that's what will go down when it comes off.

Frednick1