Pvc shelf life

[seizethemoment]

I may have the chance to buy a 3D twin air tender which was purchased in 2007...16 years ago... and is still in an unopened box.

Any thoughts as to whether the pvc and seams etc can degrade at all over that length of time whilst still in the original unopened box

Thanks

[spartacus]

Hard to say. Depends how it was stored. Heat and humidity, and UV light are all contributing factors to degradation. At the end of the day it’s still at 2007 boat, which begs the question why is it still in a box, unless it’s some sort of barn-find?

Before you hand over cash, insist on it being inflated, to pressure and wipe it down with a soapy sponge. I’m sure factory welded seams will be fine, but high pressure glued area such as cone ends and transom points are worth checking.

[jonp]

I always used UV protectants on my zodiac which kept the tubes looking like new, there are several of these products on the market. Airospace 303 protective.

Something I didn't realise is that dark plastic (black) if effected less by UV damaging rays than white to bright plastics. Living in Australia I tend to try and buy light coloured items that are kept in the sun as they stay cooler but hadn't considered the life will inevitably be shorter.