Zodiac Floorboard Install and Info Needed

[boatinginak]

I just purchased a used zodiac and I have some questions on what year the boat is and need help installing the floorboards. The nameplate says the model is what appears to be 437S. The serial number is XDC00347M77G. There are some brackets at the bottom of the transom that appear to be for launching wheels to attach. Does anyone know on how these wheels would attach to the bracket and the transom or where I can pick some up at? I am also having trouble installing the aluminum floor that came with the boat. I install the boards so that they form an inverted "V" and then try to push that down. The point of the "V" is about 12" from the bottom and I can't get the floor to budge even when standing on it. Are these boards for a larger boat or am I installing them incorrectly. I have attached some pictures to help you understand my problem.

 

[lester]

Re: Zodiac Floorboard Install and Info Needed

Firstly, I would examine your manual and attempt to replicate the exact floorboard installation procedure outlined. If you have done that, here are some tips. It looks like in the pictures you have too much air in the chambers to install the floorboards. I know my boat ( older Achilles, very similar to yours) is much easier to install the floorboards when the boat is very deflated (like flat on the ground). Also if you bought this boat and it has been sitting for a while, the material may need to be inflated to operating psi for awhile to let the material "stretch" to allow easier floorboard installation. Lastly, I would check the forward boards that don't have the aluminum top plates and make sure you have them all the way forward to the maximum in the bow. Also most of these older inflatable floorboard installs that I have encountered start at the bow of the boat, then the stern, then the second piece in the bow, second piece at the stern and then the middle piece goes in the forms the inverted "V" you are referring to and have in the pics. Best of luck.

 

[likalar]

Re: Zodiac Floorboard Install and Info Needed

Years ago we used a spray bottle of dish soap and water to help when installing floorboards.

Larry

 

[Sea Rider]

Install Info

Install Info

If you have managed to place interior floor pannels on top floor, then tube inlation amount is ok, will need to spray soappy water on floor lenght, at bow, lateral and transom corners to help pannels slide better. Is this a 4 or 5 pannel floor sib ? Check assembly issues. Same applies to 5 pannel sib : 1-2-5-down push 3-4, place equidistant joinners in middle pannels as in drawing.

If it were a 5 pannel floor having 4 segment joinners, do not place 2 short, 2 long joinners in front of each other, in the long run this position will produce a hinge effect, will end breaking both sides of lateral rails that hols together alum slats to pannels. Must place long/short- short long or viceverse joinners facing each other. Ignore if it's only 2 long joinners holding flat pannels together. Do not place side joinners untill complete pannels are flat against floor.

Happy Boating