Zapcat rebuild

[Allye]

Thanks! I’m very pleased with the progress. More than one person had warned me PVC repairs are much harder than hypalo, I’m finding it fine though.

Thinking about putting larger spreader patchers over the most forward and rear d rings as they’ll take the most weight.

[Allye]

Be gone grotty pockets that don’t close anymore. Always hated those. Unsure at the moment whether to patch over that area or attempt to remove it completely.

[Allye]

Cracked on with getting the D rings mounted up, after the first 2 I quickly realised its wise to heat them up first and mould them to the shape of the sponson. Made it loads easier. Got all 14 on and couldn’t resist to stick the rope in for a look!

[Allye]

Sorted out this little repair on both sides too.

And lastly I made 4 larger patches to go over the most forward and rear d rings for extra anchor, for my first time PVC’ing I’m really pleased with how it gone.

[dave3235]

Hello

Just wondering how you got on with the temp when glueing , or did you do the repairs inside

[Allye]

All done outside, I use the boat cover or myself to shade the area I’m glueing, obviously glue sets quicker buts it’s fine. I mix 100ml at a time and keep the glue In the shade and easily use all of it before it sets. I do one at a time otherwise
You’re chasing your tail and rush it.

[Allye]

The glue-athon continues. It takes a big man to admit he purchased a lemon... that’s what you get for buying in the dark in January.

[Allye]

The crew rope anchor was the only salvageable thing on the bloody boat! Finally got the sponson ropes on and it looks spot on.

[Roflhat]

Looks like a brand new boat! Should last a good while at least

[Allye]

Thanks! I’m pleased with it. I had a local rib place look at it before lockdown and quoted quote a lot for just the ropes, all in including all the repairs I’m less than £200 so if I get a couple seasons out it I’ll be happy.

[Allye]

Turns out zapcat trailer area quite useful. This boat was sold to me with “solid floor”. Anyway, onwards. Good chance to change to a two piece floor. On recommendation from the ribnet zapcat expert it’s 15mm and will have 3/4 coats of marine deck paint. I had planned to use thinner and glass it but i don’t think it’s necessary when not racing, it’s also thicker than the original which I’d put at 12mm glassed. I knew it would be filthy under the floor as there were plants growing out of the cracks when I got it!

I’ve got some rubber tape to go over the edges to avoid damage and water logging, then 2x1m 25mm closed cell foam ontop of the lot.

[Roflhat]

Will make a big difference that, were the old boards waterlogged?

[Allye]

Yer terrible! I’d put the weight at half of the old floor.

[Allye]

Got it all cleaned out. Multiple coats of deck paint on the floor, it has a border of rubber tape around it to avoid paint rubbing through. As I’ve read was a pain in the arse to get it but looking smart now. 25mm self adhesive foam I found for £40, last job is the foot straps and carry handles. Fingers crossed for a blast this week if my local harbour authority give the green light.

And eventually finished restoring the PVC. Splashed out on the August race UV protector, well worth the money now I’ve used it.

[Allye]

Roughly 12mile run out of salcombe east then across to hope cove. Running spot on and mildly frightening up wind, had a crew though!

[Allye]

Three launches so far, no issues at all. Pulls me up (100kg) wakeboarding no problem. Can’t believe how little fuel it uses too.

[Allye]

Ceasar SA sorted me out with all new carry handles and foot straps. Tried Gemini UK but were useless, so thanks Roflhat for the contact. Extremely pleased with the outcome, lifts the boat no end and really smartens it up. My gluing skills have come a long as well.