Older zodiac …. What is this??

[JimmyW]

I have an older zodiac (1975 I believe). After browsing the forums I have come across pics of similar boats but with a “part” I don’t seem to have. Any info on it would be greatly appreciated. In the bow there seems to be a bracket/pole that hold up the bow top? What is this? Does anyone have a pic of just this item? Would it be easy to fabricate?
I will try posting pics

[JimmyW]

Sorry I couldn’t ge the photos to upload so I converted to pdf…. The first photo is my zodiac. The second photo is of the “bow part” that I am inquiring about

[spartacus]

Zodiac refer to it as a bow hood support.

It should be easy enough to fabricate something if you can find a strong plastic that’s around 4-5mm thick with sufficient flex. It engages with lugs on the support that slot into the rubber socket glued on either side of the tubes. You fit it at the build stage when inflating the boat. You could also add a bow bag which attached to it, one either side where the lugs are (item 1) and a tether to the bow pennant under the spray hood. The support is (item 2b) for shape if you’re making one. Sorry can’t help on measurement. My old Zodiac GT is hundreds of miles away living out its retirement in a loft.

[tinker]

I have used 25mm MDPE pipe on my custom bow hood, easy to get and flexible. Easy to bend with a little heat at well.

[Fenlander]

The second image you uploaded Jimmy looks like my Zodiac from a few years back. As said above almost any arrangement of flex poly pipe or bendy tent poles etc to locate in the rubber sockets would do. I don't know if you could find a way of attaching to the existing stainless popper but there are many other ways to attach it to the dodger such as glueing on a velcro oar holder or stitching on a cord tie etc.

[JimmyW]

Wow… thanks for all the quick response’s. I’ll try the rod method first and then tackle the plastic ( found the manual with the shape but not the size)

Yes Fenlander it is your zodiac!

[Fenlander]

That was an absolute minter when I sold it. I ofter wonder if it's still about (not sold to a forum member) as it would be 51yrs old now.