New boat - few questions

Simon Dalby · 03 March 2014, 21:34

Evening everyone.

My name is Simon, I have just moved to the world of RIBs having sailed in a Mirror Dinghy as a youth.

I just bought a Zodiac S126 on ebay for just under £100. The description says that it needs a floor, loses air after a day and the transom is loose.

SO, the floor. I assume simple marine ply in a tongue and groove fashion simply cut to the shape and size and fitted in will suffice? I will likely varnish them then coat them in anti slip paint or similar.

The air, I would imagine it's the valves. Are they simple to replace? I'm hoping O rings is all.

The transom, seems easy enough to remove and reattach with care. HH-66 glue seems to look a good bet.

Can anyone point me to UK companies that suppply bits/materials please? I can't find an awful lot on the early Zodiacs.

My plans are to get it up to scratch, clean it up and use it this summer on Derwentwater with a small outboard for family fun.

Looking forward to speaking to you

spartacus · 03 March 2014, 22:14

Welcome to the forum.

The Zodiac 126 is a nice little SIB. Chances are its PVC, so any repairs should be with 2-pack glue. Preparation is key, as is ambient temperature. Cut corners on this and the repair won't hold, so do your homework. Gluing instructions here: http://polymarine.com/pdfs/Polymarin...-Use-Guide.pdf

I've attached a link which was re-attaching the transom. Hopefully your repair isn't as labour intensive! Zodiac Dinghy Transom Repair | Polymarine Paints, Adhesives, Parts & Accessories

The floor from memory is marine ply slats, but could be interlocking panels.

Losing air, could be seams, pin holes or leaking valves. The Zodiac valves are pretty much maintenance free, but the rubber diaphragms like anything to deteriorate. Remove and inspect and replace as necessary. Plenty Zodiac dealers with mail-order facilities. If you can track down Zodiac part numbers, then that's half the battle.

Good luck and get some pictures posted!

Landlockedpirate · 03 March 2014, 22:32

Yep, floor was 3 or 4 panels with triangular (ish !) stringers down each side to keep the floor rigid.

Keep an eye on Ebay, floors occasionally come up, you can fit either the wood or an airfloor if you can find them. Your boat has been around since 1980 in different guises, Avon 260, Zodiac 260 (Inc ZED 26 and Zoom 260) and Bombard 260 all the same boat and the floors are pretty much interchangeable.

Simon Dalby · 06 March 2014, 21:59

Thanks for the replies. I've picked up the boat and inflated it in the living room

It's in good condition. The valve o rings are a bit perished.

The valves themselves could be dodgy. Are they supposed to hold air with no cap on? They are leaking considerably with no caps. I hope that's them.

Simon Dalby · 06 March 2014, 22:28

Crooty78 · 07 March 2014, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Dalby

Valves do leak air with no caps on. It's normal.

Barrowboy · 07 March 2014, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon Dalby

Personally, I think it makes a fantastic oche and the transom looks to be the perfect distance from the board.

A few bounce-outs landing on the toobs might give you a problem though if you're thinking of taking it on the water?