New Rib Purchase

ssdvc · 27 July 2010, 02:47

I just bought a 17 ft Ceasar Inflatable, the Thunderbolt model.

This boat is in really good shape, came with an older 50hp Merc (I'll need a manual for that) and it sits on a custom trailer. Best of all, I didn't pay that much for it at all. It's no Willard, but it will have to do until the economy gets better.

I was looking for an owners manual for the boat itself and I called the US number in Florida (got an unknown cell voicemail) and sent an email to both the US and the overseas addresses, but no response. Does anyone know if Ceasar is still in business?

Thanks!

prairie tuber · 28 July 2010, 04:28

I'm not sure about Ceasar's current status, but there are a number of guys who race Ceasar built thundercats on this forum;

http://www.thundercatinflatable.com.au/forum/

The specs and maintenance requirements of the thundercats should be pretty similar as for the larger thunderbolts. I'm not sure what pressure they typically pump the tubes to, but, being PVC I know that it is fairly high (much higher than what a hypalon boat would be inflated to). Keep in mind that the pressures these guys pump them up to is for racing rather than longevity, and some of them get new hulls every year or two.

prairie tuber · 28 July 2010, 13:07

Apparently Ceasar's manual for their thundercats recommends 3.2 psi in the main tubes and 9 psi in the hijackers, although the racers often go a fair bit higher for competition.

http://www.thundercatinflatable.com....0&postcount=19

ssdvc · 02 August 2010, 12:40

Thanks Prairie Tuber. I haven't heard a peep from Ceasar, so all the info is greatly appreciated.

I am not going to race her, so maintenance tips for PVC are also appreciated. Besides a decent cover (where to buy inexpensively??), what else should I do to maintain the tubes?

Thanks.

jyasaki · 02 August 2010, 16:11

If you're using it in salt water, a good freshwater rinse, followed by a UV protectant (303 Aerospace works well), and a cover that is held off the fabric should do fine.

Id you are in freshwater, the rinse will be overkill (unless in really dirty water.)

jky

Oh, and congrats on the acquisition...