How important are baffles

[Mickhitchuk]

Have seen a zodiac fast roller 360 for sale at a very good price, but has a faulty baffle.
Could I just ask, is this a concern or just desirable to work

[Fenlander]

Personally I wouldn't want a SIB at sea with a faulty baffle.

Not great to have a major puncture in any case but much better to retain 2/3rds of the SIB tubes inflated than 1/3rd!

And you might wonder why the baffle is faulty?

[jeffstevens763@g]

As fenlander says but you can buy a bladder you fit through a valve opening I think rib craft sell them. Also pack boats so in effect you introduce an internal chamber I did think about a Serious rip and using a basket ball bladder to repair which would do the same thing

[Mickhitchuk]

Thxs for the prompt replies, one to pass on I think
Cheers

[Mikefule]

Agreed. Baffles are a vital safety feature. If you tear or split a tube or a valve fails, only that part of the tube will deflate. It is extremely unlikely to happen, but if it does, the consequences can be serious. That aside, if the baffle has failed, it suggests the possibility that there may be other problems with the hull: poor construction, inadequate repairs, or heavy and abusive use generally.

[charliee]

with 2nd hand boats coming onto the market on a daily basis personally, I would pass on this one, why buy a faulty boat unless the price reflects the damage and you want to have it repaired?

[Fenlander]

What is amazing is this Fastroller is being sold by a Zodiac dealer... at about the value of one of its year with no faults. They are selling it as in great condition with the faulty baffle mentioned but the SIB described as "otherwise totally usable".

Given the missing baffle could... with an at sea puncture to a chamber... turn a major hassle into an emergency situation... and given even if explained to them a SIB newbie might not fully understand the potential consequences of this... I'm taken aback a Zodiac dealer would sell in this condition at any price.

[Dave Cowell]

Hopefully they will advise any purchaser of the risks associated with the problem baffle.

[maverick58]

Who’s the dealer??

[Mickhitchuk]

used boat is for sale 360 zodiac fast roller acti-v sports dinghy, is in great condition takes up to 6 persons and up to 15hp s/s motors and the whole boat only weighs 44kg its has one problem, the baffle between two of the air chambers has failed and air goes freely between these chambers otherwise its totally usable and no damage or patches it was new in 2014 therefore just out of zodiacs warranty and is sold as seen its got a set of trem s/s swing up transom wheels (worth over £150) its got oars and the foot pump and a carry bag (no seat) new the retail price is £1972 plus wheels £150 today our price is only £995 no offers we also sell these new if you would like one new, call or email us, please Bridger Marine Michael Browning Way Exeter EX2 8DD www.johnbridgermarine.co.uk - click here to reveal phone number - 250970 shop opening hours 9-5 week days 9-3 sats closed sundays and bank hols

[Mickhitchuk]

Here is the advert