Zodiac Fc470 leaking water

[Brage]

Hi!

After a few years of use my Fc470 is still going strong. She is a 2005 model brought from U.S. army. Her new service is as a flyfishing boat in Norway.

However she is leaking water. I suspect the water is coming from the self bailers, but I’m not sure. Does anyone have some experience with the Fc 470 self bailers? Are they usually watertight?

Cheers

[Peter_C]

A single piece of sand can cause them to leak. My Zodiac had a different type of scupper, but if I left the boat in the water without the plugs in it would fill until it reached neutral buoyancy. Put the scupper plugs in. If the boat doesn't have a set, buy a set.

Hmmm...fly fishing from an inflatable boat. What could possibly go wrong? "Sir, that is an interesting place to store flies attached to the side of the boat, not on your hat." "Well the clients keep catching the boat, which is better than me!" (Yeah I might have screwed up a few casts myself and hooked just about everything around, including myself. Barbless hooks make removal easy though LOL)

[Brage]

Thanks, but it’s impossible to use plugs on milpro elephant bailers. However I guess I could make them longer and keep the opening above water. The elephant bailers are simply long sleevs, see pic below.

Cheers

[Squid Boat]

I would sleeve them longer and tie the up when not needed.


Cheers,

[GuyC]

Can you tie them up temporarily? That might give you an indication as to whether they are the source of the leak.

[Peter_C]

Elephant trunks work awesome. I made a larger one for my SIB extended up to the top of transom. Cut it loose to use it. Making a new trunk that is higher is very easy, just need the materials.

Is the inside fitting round? If so get a couple plugs, or make some.

[Brage]

Thanks for your advice!

The inside of the bailers can’t be reached due to the floor. I have plenty of black hypalon than can be used as extentions, so I will try that solution first.

Thanks!