Zodiac Pro 500 (2011)

[Lambo79]

Hi,
Can someone help me out identifying what kind of fabric the Zodiac Pro 500 (produced in 2011)is made of? This is a boat I’m considering buying. If this is made of PVC, I’m wondering wether I will face problems in the near future as the boat is 10 years now. The boat has been- and will be used in Norway, a country with favorable weather conditions regarding inflatable boats. I’ve been told by the seller that the pontongs are made of Sharc Duotex 2x1100 decitex fabric, which don’t tell my much, other than it is a Zodiac patent.
Appreciate all kind of feedbacks, also if anyone has any experience with this model.

 

[Sea Rider]

Welcome to IBoats,

The Strongan Sharc Duotex 2x1100 decitex fabric is still a PVC French fabric, it's much better than the old type PVC fabric found years ago which didn't lasted too long as this one does. Thick Hypalon fabrics of that range are very expensive, Zodiac uses Straongan Duotex fabrics to lower inflatable boats whether being Sibs or Ribs. Each one has their specific Strongan thicknes.

If the combo is offered at a reasonable selling price compared to a new one, get a can of Aerospace 707 Protectant and apply it as recommended by the manufacturer on the tubes, console, dashboard, etc will protect them against harmfull UV which only have a great impact at the tropics, equator, Caribbean and much less now a days at other different zones.

Happy Boating
​

 

[Lambo79]

Welcome to IBoats,

The Strongan Sharc Duotex 2x1100 decitex fabric is still a PVC French fabric, it's much better than the old type PVC fabric found years ago which didn't lasted too long as this one does. Thick Hypalon fabrics of that range are very expensive, Zodiac uses Straongan Duotex fabrics to lower inflatable boats whether being Sibs or Ribs. Each one has their specific Strongan thicknes.

If the combo is offered at a reasonable selling price compared to a new one, get a can of Aerospace 707 Protectant and apply it as recommended by the manufacturer on the tubes, console, dashboard, etc will protect them against harmfull UV which only have a great impact at the tropics, equator, Caribbean and much less now a days at other different zones.

Happy Boating
​

Thanks @Sea Rider! Do you know how the

Welcome to IBoats,

The Strongan Sharc Duotex 2x1100 decitex fabric is still a PVC French fabric, it's much better than the old type PVC fabric found years ago which didn't lasted too long as this one does. Thick Hypalon fabrics of that range are very expensive, Zodiac uses Straongan Duotex fabrics to lower inflatable boats whether being Sibs or Ribs. Each one has their specific Strongan thicknes.

If the combo is offered at a reasonable selling price compared to a new one, get a can of Aerospace 707 Protectant and apply it as recommended by the manufacturer on the tubes, console, dashboard, etc will protect them against harmfull UV which only have a great impact at the tropics, equator, Caribbean and much less now a days at other different zones.

Happy Boating
​

Thanks @Sea Rider! Do you know if these boats needs regular attention with regards to heavy rain, or can I trust the automatic pump that follows this model?

 

[Sea Rider]

Thanks @Sea Rider! Do you know how the

Thanks @Sea Rider! Do you know if these boats needs regular attention with regards to heavy rain, or can I trust the automatic pump that follows this model?

If facing heavy rain while docked at a pier, slip better get a thick cover and cover the entire Sib along having an automatic deck water pump in excellent working order...

Happy Boating​