Lifespan of Zodiac MK2-C after floor/transom is re-glued? Trying to decide on repair.

freddysean · 31 July 2016, 02:42

Hello!

You may remember me from this thread, where I was trying to figure out which motor to buy for a 1999 Zodiac MK2-C that I inherited from my in-laws.

Well, we bought the motor, got it all set up, and did a 30-minute trip on the river. Here we are, about to pull out of the driveway!

But, I noticed the transom wobbling a bit while we were out on the water. A few days later, the glue/tape/whatever holding the transom in place failed spectacularly. A few people here had mentioned that might happen, and boy did it ever!

The motor is off, and the boat is now deflated. The transom is now completely separated from the pontoons on both sides. You can see more pre-collapse photos in the attachment section below.

The question is: Do we repair the boat, or junk it? A nearby shop quoted about $1,000 CAD (about £600) to re-glue the transom and floor. They said it's a day's work for them plus materials.

We can afford it. Alternatively, we would throw this out and buy a $1,400 aluminum Lowe jon boat. That's the top end of our budget at the moment.

(I don't have the time/energy/skill/confidence to attempt a repair myself.)

Here's the big question: If we put the money into this repair, how long can we expect the boat to last?

It's been properly stored and reasonably well cared for in its lifetime. Summers on a boat dock at a lake, and winters in a shed. The pontoons are in good shape.

Thanks! My wife wants to keep the boat if we're able, but we also don't want to throw money away.

office888 · 31 July 2016, 23:26

Depending on what glue they use, PVC bonds last about 6-15 years.

It is highly dependent on the quality and cleanliness of the base material.

The Futura platform is very stable and safe. Properly tuned, it is an excellent all purpose boat.

idsebby · 01 August 2016, 00:38

If the boat is PVC sell it to someone who has the time to fix it.
If it's hypalon pay to have it fixed. Get at least another tens years.

Not sure what year that is.
It's probably PVC unless it's a grand raid.

The PVC floors can go so if you do get it fixed make sure you check all the floor seams. It's not the hardest job to do if you have a garage.

office888 · 01 August 2016, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by idsebby

If the boat is PVC sell it to someone who has the time to fix it.
If it's hypalon pay to have it fixed. Get at least another tens years.

Not sure what year that is.
It's probably PVC unless it's a grand raid.

The PVC floors can go so if you do get it fixed make sure you check all the floor seams. It's not the hardest job to do if you have a garage.

It's PVC and I think it'd be worthwhile to reglue. I don't see any UV degradation. As long as the shop does the proper amount of pre-cleaning with degreaser and MEK, I see no reason why the boat won't last many more years.

agflit · 01 August 2016, 15:57

Freddy-

Finishing my 91 GT right now...same boat. Same issue. I debonded the entire floor and removed transom, and am literally..as I sit and type this...awaiting UPS with the last can of StaBond glue.
Bit of a project..but am glad I decided to repair instead of junk it. Figure about $150 in StaBond glue for regluing entire floor and transom.

Be glad to discuss whats involved if ya want to give me a call...I'm down here in Wisconsin.

PM if ya want a phone #.

Kurt

jyasaki · 01 August 2016, 16:08

Office has given good advice, as usual.

To allay a lurking fear, the tubes themselves are welded and unlikely to fail. So if the transom repair is sound, and the floor-to-tube glue seam is holding, the boat should be good to go (and a lot more fun than a jon boat.)

jky

idsebby · 01 August 2016, 16:33

Make sure you check all the internal baffles/chambers before you put the work into it. If the rest of the boat looks good then go for it. I do get a little fussy about PVC boats but if the floor and transom are good then your good.

Durhampro · 12 August 2016, 02:40

From what I have been told, if the repair is done right and the boat is taken care of the repair should be good for at least 10 years.

My Futura MKii was a mess when I got it and it is now good as new after a transom repair and a floor re-glue.