30 year old Bombard Commando C2

[jaqueszodiac]

Going to have a look at a 30 year old Bombard Commando C2. What problems should I be aware of in a boat this age?
The seller has stored it in the bags when not in use .

[craig_c]

my ancient futura basically fell to bits because the glue perished. make sure it holds air I reckon, check the area where the transom meets the tubes particularly. mine failed there first

[Fenlander]

Yep I'd say the same particularly if PVC the glue will be miles past its sell by date.

[spartacus]

Zodiac (which own Bombard) had a particular issue with their PVC boats mid 80s on, in that the tube seam was on top under the rope lace cuff. With heat and expansion this seam was particularly vulnerable. Came to light state-side where their summers were half decent. Zodiac eventually moved the seam under the tube in the water.

Useful to know, but I wouldn't worry about it uneccesarily. It's 30 years old, don't spend too much, and any areas starting to lift, then Polymarine 2-part PVC glue with the right preparation can rejuvenate an old boat.

Areas to look at are the transom as mentioned, cone ends, inflatable keel where it's folded over and glued towards the transom. I'd replace the diaphragms in the valves as a matter of course as this is a serviceable item.

[jaqueszodiac]

Cheers guys, sounds like it could be a minefield of old glue. But worth a look .

[Mr RIB]

if it is Hypalon then you have a great long lasting boat; if it is a Zodiac plastic then heaven help you. I used to be the Bombard importer and their Hypalon was the best but their early plastic material was less than perfect.

[jaqueszodiac]

well I went to have a look at it today. The tubes are immaculate, it's spent most of it's life rolled up in the storage bags,and it pumped up no problem..... but.......the glue is failing. The transom mouldings are beginning to come away from the tubes, the seam tapes are beginning to come off too....I lightly pulled at a seam tape and you could hear the glue crackling, One of the tube seams on the top of the tube under the rope lacing was hissing air.
The boat is a 1989 model and I don't think its worth buying to then have to do loads of repairs. What do you guys think, beyond economic repair ?

[Lee1]

Was the transom ok, did the transom mount pull back from the wood? If so forget it. Just Reglueing all the seams etc properly will cost a good few hundred, not worth it really that's why it's for sale lol

[spartacus]

If you heard the glue cracking, then walk away. You'll repair a section only to find it fail further up the seam.

Oh hello... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zodiac-Gr...QAAOSwrU1bKOSF

[jaqueszodiac]

Originally Posted by spartacus

If you heard the glue cracking, then walk away. You'll repair a section only to find it fail further up the seam.

Oh hello... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Zodiac-Gr...QAAOSwrU1bKOSF

Yeah I wont bother with the Bombard, I don't want to spend the summer repairing it.

I spotted that GR on ebay but it looks a mess. Looks like it's been stored under a hedge and I think a £1000 is far too much, but maybe it's ok under the dirt.

[Lee1]

You would think for the Grand he would of washed it! There is a reason he didn't wash it!