Zodiac parts & accessories pricing - WOW!

[kreynar]

Having just acquired a used Zodiac MkII Classic, I went in search of the accessory clips that slide into the aluminum floor rails in order to secure cargo. Called up an authorized Zodiac dealer - "$40.00/pair". Really? $40.00 a pair??!

I'm presently waiting on pricing for a bench seat and cover; I can only imagine what those will cost. Fortunately, there are aftermarket sources for these.

Does anyone have a less expensive source for the floor clips before I go buy a mill and lathe and start producing them myself?

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Zodiac parts & accessories pricing - WOW!

Well, you have to admit that there is a pretty small market for zodiac parts, so the price doesn't surprise me. However, the accessory tie down clips from Zodiac didn't appeal to me. They are molded plastic with a small hole for a line or clip to attach to. The opening is just too small. The slides stop and click in to the holes in the track. This limits their placement. So I made my own track slides out of a sail trackstop, a terminal eye strap (trimmed) and a d ring. All the parts are stainless and available from many marine supply stores. I bought mine from West Marine.They ran about $25 apiece to make. The nylon washer that comes with the sail stop fits into the track along with the slide plate itself. The track stop and body tilt a little in the unique zodiac track shape, but the compression holds the slide in place securely. These work much better than the Zodiac track accessories for me. Just a suggestion.

 

[kreynar]

Re: Zodiac parts & accessories pricing - WOW!

THAT is brilliant! I haven't even been able to see what the Zodiac versions look like but from your description yours work much better, which at least partially justifies $50/pair!

I'm just a lighting designer, but it sure seems like there's potential to improve Zodiac sales and marketing. From websites that are don't provide enough information, to dealer networks that are unfamiliar with the Zodiac line (and one authorized dealer I came across that isn't authorized to special order parts and accessories), to pricing structures that discourage accessory purchases...I dunno. It's easy to become an evangelist for the product itself, but Zodiac doesn't help matters.

I'm off to West Marine. Thanks!

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: Zodiac parts & accessories pricing - WOW!

Hi,

They are European and prices are in Euro and then converted. Most of the prices are outrageous to say the least. Most of the parts are also made in Europe so prices. This explains why most things are manufactured in China. Hopefully we can compete with China using efficiencies of manufacturing.