leak between the tubes

Blankton · 02 July 2019, 12:52

Hi, I have tried to search, but "leak" brings up a lot of results on this site which aren't this problem!

I have an old zodiac which I brought cheap. It leaks around the transom. From what I can tell you are pi**ing into the wind trying to seal this, so the transom would need to come off and be stuck back on. I can find quite a lot of info on this little problem - it seems to be £100 or so to pay someone, or a DIY job for the brave.

I have a second issue that I have found. When I pump up the tube on one side, the other side inflates. So the bulkhead between the two tubes must have separated. Well....I assume it must be a bulkhead, I don't even understand exactly how its constructed. Can this be repaired?

I am starting to think that I need to throw it in the bin!

I forgot to add, the tubes hold air ok, for at least a couple of weeks. My concern is that the boat is considerably less safe with effectively only 1 tube. If I get 1 puncture, the whole boat goes flat!

willk · 02 July 2019, 13:04

Most small SIBs have 3 compartments, this example has got damaged "baffles" and is now as you say, a single tube. I suspect baffle repair on this boat is not viable. Add in the transom (water?) leak and I'd say the bin is the way to go!

Fenlander · 02 July 2019, 14:04

Yep time to move on. If you haven't bought another OB after the dodgy one was taken back how about this for a bargain to get you on the water. Both a bit old school but rugged...

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...le-/1344712809

Blankton · 02 July 2019, 14:17

Looks cool.

I've got both a new outboard and a new boat.... The chronology goes :

Purchase cheap £175 zodiac

Purchase 9.9 2 stroke for zodiac

Realise that zodiac was in a worse condition than I thought (leak between tubes, potentially dodgy transom)

Now I have an outboard, tank, life jackets etc decide to buy a better boat.

But Yam 3.1 Ali floor 2016 model, up for sale locally. Good condition, no need for messing around.

Realise that 9.9hp engine is a bit of a dud.

Don't fancy getting stranded at sea with any second hand engine of questionable heritage

Buy new Yamaha outboard.

Boat ownership has been very expensive.

Fenlander · 02 July 2019, 14:31

Oh that's good... massive fast upgrade. What model Yamaha did you go for?

Blankton · 02 July 2019, 14:37

I have ended up with a 15hp 4 stroke. Very heavy, but within the weight and power rating of the boat. There was an offer on, the 15hp was only £150 more than the 9.9hp. I didn't want to be thinking "what if" so I went for the big boy. It is a pain in the arse to move, good motivation at the gym!

Fenlander · 02 July 2019, 14:41

Oh that's some upgrade after the old Evinrude. As you say heavy but the build quality is there.

Do post with some pics when you've got the new combo on the water.

charliee · 02 July 2019, 16:46

great story - many of us will have experienced similar chains of events!

Blankton · 03 July 2019, 19:51

I'm taking the new boat and engine combo back to cornwall in a couple of weeks. I will remember to take some photos this time.

I still don't know what to do with this zodiac. It seems like a bit of a waste to throw it in the bin. I have a bit of 2 part glue left. At least if I totally trash it, I wont feel so bad scrapping it off.