Identify this RIB please? Zodiac mark???

[LCR2024]

I'm hoping to get some advice here, First rib i've ever owned and i've got no idea what state/mark it is.

I've been given this RIB from my dad, he's never used it either. He bought it and done some repairs (holes, reglueing the grips etc). It's never been on the water since it's been in our family, I'm eager to get it on the water though!

I originally thought it was a MK3 but after looking online i dont think it is.

I'd like to know what Mark this is and also what you lot think is missing from it? It's not in pristine condition as you can see.

Also I have a Minn Kota 44LB electric, until I purchase a proper outboard, would this push it?

i really appreciate any feedback, My first boat to to be honest although my dads owned many over the years i've been given this and want to get it on the water.

Cheers in advance

**i'll be inflating it myself at some point so will get some better photos (it's still wrapped up in its carry case)

[SoCal Hurricane]

Probably a MK2
Check the HIN and report that back. You can get the info from that as well.

[Fenlander]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm guessing a Mk2C GT late 1990s.

We'd be calling it a SIB not RIB.

[Peter_C]

The boat needs a floor to function. Most likely it came with an aluminum floor for the rear section and a wooden part for the front. Do you have those parts?

[LCR2024]

Thanks for the info everyone, I was planning on inflating it today but the weather here in the UK is terrible at the minute.

Peter, yeah I have the metal floor for it. Where would I find the HIN, on the back board?

[User name]

I would guess MK2C, as a MK3 would be longer.

It looks like it's missing a grab handle, floor etc. Given the logo style and rubbing strake, I'd guess it could be from the 80's. Is the plate legible on the transom?

[LCR2024]

Originally Posted by User name

I would guess MK2C, as a MK3 would be longer.

It looks like it's missing a grab handle, floor etc. Given the logo style and rubbing strake, I'd guess it could be from the 80's. Is the plate legible on the transom?

I've got the floor (metal) it just wasn't installed at the time of taking the photo, it's packed up in its carry case in the back garden, ill check the plate maybe tomorrow and report back.

[SoCal Hurricane]

As referenced here in some of the other responses; the HIN should be somewhere on the transom. Either on the data plate itself… if that’s even still on the boat… or on a stand alone strip with a bunch of letters and numbers.

For example; XDC_________

When you get the boat out and unrolled, you can’t miss it if it’s still there. It’s not uncommon for an older boat to be missing these though, but yours appears to be in good shape so fingers crossed!

Good news is that you have a floor so you’ve got a complete boat… congrats! [emoji41]

[LCR2024]

[LCR2024]

[LCR2024]

[LCR2024]

As you can see it has had a few patch repairs, which definitely need redone. As I said in my first post this is my first inflatable boat so I've got no idea what else it may need repaired or is missing?

I Appreciate any help

[Fenlander]

So yes indeed a Mk.II C GT.

Sadly it is looking a little near end of life with the transom to tube and floor to tube seams failing. It is doable but a fair amount of work to prep and glue that to a standard you'd want for it to last and be safe.

[LCR2024]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

So yes indeed a Mk.II C GT.

Sadly it is looking a little near end of life with the transom to tube and floor to tube seams failing. It is doable but a fair amount of work to prep and glue that to a standard you'd want for it to last and be safe.

Ah that wasn't the answer I was hoping for ! There is a place called P A Lynch near me in Morpeth who deal in Zodiacs, since I'd probably not do the best of repair I will maybe give them a call. I'd imagine a repair would be costly?

I'd definitely give it a good go myself though, what would you say would be needed, patches, suitable glue, sand paper etc?

I'll find out tomorrow if it's still losing any air, going to jet wash it down and check for any other holes that haven't been patched but judging by the state of the current patches it will probably leaking from those.

[Peter_C]

If you can't perform the needed repairs yourself you will wind up paying someone more than a new, or newer used boat would cost.

Search threads for Zodiac repair. There should be a ton of info.

The transom will probably need to come off to make sure the glue there is solid.

[LCR2024]

Thanks everyone I'll have a look around for repair info.

But if it floats ill use it for fishing 😂😂

[User name]

Defo fixable, but it'll need some labour put in. Might be a little scary for your first project but it can be done.

Id start by spraying it down with soapy water and see if you can identify any leaks. Afterwards, pump the side tubes up and leave the front one down. Leave the boat for a while and if the tubes lose air then the internal baffles could be damaged. If that's the case then the repair is a fair bit more work and the boat won't be safe until that's sorted.

It looks like it is indeed an 80s era MK2. It's a good boat and could be a great project for someone wanting to learn. You can buy patches/fabric, glue, solvents etc from RibStore. They have some useful How-To resources too over here.

[LCR2024]

Originally Posted by User name

Defo fixable, but it'll need some labour put in. Might be a little scary for your first project but it can be done.

Id start by spraying it down with soapy water and see if you can identify any leaks. Afterwards, pump the side tubes up and leave the front one down. Leave the boat for a while and if the tubes lose air then the internal baffles could be damaged. If that's the case then the repair is a fair bit more work and the boat won't be safe until that's sorted.

It looks like it is indeed an 80s era MK2. It's a good boat and could be a great project for someone wanting to learn. You can buy patches/fabric, glue, solvents etc from RibStore. They have some useful How-To resources too over here.

Just took a look on ribstore, great resource so thank you for that. Other than the obvious current patch repairs could someone kindly point out where on the boat you think needs repaired. I also don't have a garage or anywhere in doors and winter is pretty much here now so unlikely I'll be fixing anything anytime soon.

I've left it pumped up in the garden so come tomorrow ill know if its leaking. Also going to get the jet wash out give it a good clean and use the snow machine attachment to spray the whole thing with soapy water. I'll keep you all posted, cheers everyone for the advice so far.

[LCR2024]

Am i right in saying my sibs Hypalon not PVC (I'm learning ����)

[Fenlander]

What looks to be failing is the whole attachment of the transom to the tubes and floor… and yes further seams can open up at sea to partially detach the transom. Also the whole length of the floor to the tubes. Which in the extreme can open up at the bow like a gaping mouth. That’s the worse case you could be looking at.