Bombard Aerotec - Problems to look for

[Vipermax80]

Hi

Going to look at a Aerotec 420 this afternoon, seller is a bit of dealer, but has said the only damage is a broken floor strap and a leaking main tube valve.

How critical are the floor straps? as they don't sound like something that would be easier to repair.

From reading various posts, failing seams appear to be the biggest issue, but is there any particular area of the boat to check / focus on?

Thanks

David

[jeffstevens763@g]

transom area is a big one David, i would say the floor strap can be sorted as will the valve
all seams need a good looking at as you say

[Fenlander]

Yep floor straps available (both ends) and quite easy to glue on. Valve no problem... but is it really the valve or something a little more fiddly needing a glue repair?? Take your own soapy spray??

Otherwise look so hard at the whole floor attachment to the tubes inside and out... and as Jeff says the transom attachment to tubes. Bear in mind seams can look fine but peel apart with minimal pressure but that's a hard ask to do when viewing the boat!

[Fenlander]

BTW had you realised the 420 transom is built for a long shaft... just wondering in case you already have an OB or one in mind. However given we pretty well all have to lift the OBs a fair bit to stop splash I'd personally be measuring and wondering if cutting the 420 transom to a high short shaft position might suit best???

[Vipermax80]

Thanks for the all the advice......but dam mobile was flat and car charger had given up the ghost.

Boats in the boot, not my smartest decision, but I am hopeful it won't be a total right off (lots of fingers crossed)

However its not it in a great condition, quite a few finger nail sized nicks in the main tubes and there is a small amount of seam lifting on one side of the transom to tube connection, about 3cm, but air wasn't escaping. Then again the boat wasn't up to pressure due to the lack of a decent pump, so things could get worse tomorrow.

Biggest point is its a long shaft! Lesson don't buy boats when your rushing, travelling a long distance and operating on a lack of sleep...........thought it looked high, but told myself it can't be a long shaft as its an Aerotec

Any recommendations for the right pump, I know zodiac did a compressor, but its probably not worth spending the money.

As a side point, it would have been (hopefully still can be) a great little boat, the v-shaped hull is really pounced and without gear super light to carry (couldn't move our Futura IIc without a trailer or Avon S400)

[Vipermax80]

Good news tubes and floor have held pressure all day, two valves on the main tubes (bow and one sponson) do leak, but tightening caps up seems to temporarily solve the issue.

Despite the above, it is in need of some patches to protect a number of weak spots, so any advice on the right type of glue and patch material would be much appreciated.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Poly marine or rib shop have all the info but fenlander will be back to show you the way or max both areotec guys

[Fenlander]

Suppliers as Jeff mentions and they have methods on their websites.

Get organised… make sure temp/humidity is correct... clean/prep properly... don't try and do too many areas at once... keep it neat for example closely surrounding the patch area with masking tape so the overspread of glue is minimal.

[Max...]

Valves are easy to replace the inserts - make sure the outer cap and O ring is in good nick and fully tightened.

But and it's a big but - the transom seam peeling issue is often an indication of more to come - the notorious Zodiac 'time bomb' long term glue issue but it is a sporadic thing so fingers crossed.

Check it all out before investing too much time and money and maybe consider moving it on if you find too many issues, plenty of Aerotecs come up for sale over time and always better getting the best you can.