Zodiac S.131 Model & Repair info

[TylerH]

I recently purchased a used S131 in good condition, at least until last weekend. I got hung up on some rocks and put a couple tears in the bottom of the boat.

I would like to repair the boat myself, but I am having trouble nailing down the process since I cannot determine the type of material the boat is made out of. It seems to vary depending on the manufacturer and the year. From what I can tell PVC is heat welded, hyphalon is glued, and zodiac's material is called Strongnan which is durable like hyphalon, but heat welded... huh?

Zodiac's website does not seem to provide any information on previous model boats. I've included a picture of the hull plate to help identify the hull material and year (sorry so small, iboats limit). I'm guessing it's a '91, but nadaguides does not list a s131 being made in 1991, what a pain.

What material should I use to patch the bottom? would it make sense to coat the bottom of the boat with liquid rubber after I patch the tears?

Thanks,
Tyler

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Zodiac S.131 Model & Repair info

It's a standard low end PVC fabric boat.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Zodiac S.131 Model & Repair info

PVC boats can be repaired with a proper two part glue following these directions:
http://www.shipstore.com/SS/HTML/INFO/INFOGLUE.html

A properly prepped and applied patch will not peel off the bottom. Depending on the size of the cuts you may want to have an interior and exterior patch for strength. Don't ignore the humidity. That is a crucial element to full strength bonds. Use the MEK for prep, acetone flashes off very fast and doesn't soften up the PVC nearly as well. Never use old or partially empty cans of glue for critical repairs. I prefer Sta Bond, but there are good two part glues from Weaver, Polymarine and even Zodiac. The one part tube stuff from zodiac is only for temporary repairs.

If the procedures on the instruction page seem too difficult or excessive then take the boat to a repair shop.

 

[Chris in Indiana]

Re: Zodiac S.131 Model & Repair info

Learn to do it yourself, unless you have an experienced shop in town and don't mind spending $200 - $300 per patch. The first time is a huge pain, after that it's simple. Buy THE BEST gloves, $20 for a pair of black neoprene. MEK and other solvents will melt just about everything else.
Last week Howard Sterndrive reccomended 3M 5200 marine adhesive, which is permanant but he's had great luck with it. And it's cheap, $15 for a tube if you can find it. I assume it would work on PVC also. I pretty much hated any two part glues since they cost a bunch and you wind up throwing 98% of it out.

 

[nobrainsd]

Re: Zodiac S.131 Model & Repair info

5200 bonds really well to PVC, but it stays flexible so it isn't appropriate for most repairs. It is also almost impossible to remove. If you have to revisit the repair you will regret using 5200. Most repair facilities won't work on boats with 5200 used as a bonding glue. I have a small amount of 5200 placed in the back corners of my boat where the aluminum flooring was grinding sand into the floor/tube joint. Works great for that, but not for any structural repairs.