First RIB!

twtrk1 · 13 April 2013, 16:40

I am absolutely new to inflatable boats! So, I just bought a Zodiac F 470 used. I have been looking a little, mostly craigslist & the local shops, & this one showed up on a trailer, & looks like it needs a little work. So, I figure this forum might be a good place to start the adventure! My kids are really looking forward to whats ahead, my wife, she will come around when she see's the smiles on the kids faces........Anyway, I will be worming for advice as I go!

Troy · 14 April 2013, 06:48

Welcome from Australia

paddlers · 14 April 2013, 07:21

Welcome & good luck with your boat.

treerat · 14 April 2013, 22:15

Good choice sir - welcome

F470 · 28 April 2013, 18:27

Also new here. I just received my FC-470 on Friday and I'm located in Portland as well!

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

I am absolutely new to inflatable boats! So, I just bought a Zodiac F 470 used. I have been looking a little, mostly craigslist & the local shops, & this one showed up on a trailer, & looks like it needs a little work. So, I figure this forum might be a good place to start the adventure! My kids are really looking forward to whats ahead, my wife, she will come around when she see's the smiles on the kids faces........Anyway, I will be worming for advice as I go!

twtrk1 · 28 April 2013, 20:30

I am looking forward to some good times! I took the boat to IBC in Portland, & its getting a check up. Man are those stinkin valves expensive!! Anyway, I'm also looking for a 40hp short shaft outboard, of course the boat didn't have a motor. But its a process......

willk · 28 April 2013, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

Anyway, I'm also looking for a 40hp short shaft outboard

I thought that those took a long (20") shaft?

twtrk1 · 29 April 2013, 02:54

I have an older F470 & I have been told I need a short shaft motor, or modify the transom for a long shaft motor.

martini · 29 April 2013, 06:52

FC470's can be specced for short or long shaft, long is more common though.
You'll have to measure the height of your transom and post the results here to be sure.

Sent from my portable speaking device using Rib.net

F470 · 29 April 2013, 17:00

Not exactly what I wanted to hear as I suspect my valves need repair/replacement as well. How much are they? I'm taking mine in to IBC this week.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

I am looking forward to some good times! I took the boat to IBC in Portland, & its getting a check up. Man are those stinkin valves expensive!! Anyway, I'm also looking for a 40hp short shaft outboard, of course the boat didn't have a motor. But its a process......

twtrk1 · 29 April 2013, 17:26

It sounds like around $ 150-200 to rebuild a valve, & $600 to replace a valve with a new one. I have been told the valves don't have to be replaced very often unless they get nasty corrosion-like left in a pool of salt water for along time. O rings & springs sounded like common issues with the valves. They were working on a couple of FC470's for Police agencies & had a 530?? (BIG BOAT) for the Coast Guard. anyway, hoping their knowledge & expertise with these military grade boats isn't too expensive, although it is a boat$$$.......

Maximus · 29 April 2013, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by treerat

Good choice sir - welcome

From me too!...Had some great fun in my Old Zodi

F470 · 17 May 2013, 02:59

Did you get your boat back from repair? What was the damage?

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

It sounds like around $ 150-200 to rebuild a valve, & $600 to replace a valve with a new one. I have been told the valves don't have to be replaced very often unless they get nasty corrosion-like left in a pool of salt water for along time. O rings & springs sounded like common issues with the valves. They were working on a couple of FC470's for Police agencies & had a 530?? (BIG BOAT) for the Coast Guard. anyway, hoping their knowledge & expertise with these military grade boats isn't too expensive, although it is a boat$$$.......

twtrk1 · 17 May 2013, 16:45

The bill was $560. They rebuilt a couple of the valves, repaired a couple others valves, reattached the inflation tube for the transom, & installed the floor with the correct hardware. So, the bill is not as bad as it could have been-they did a good job of preparing my expectations. I couldn't find any instructions on-line for installing the floor, so I wanted to see it done correctly once, if I'm gonna strap a 40hp motor to that thing, I want the floor secure!

F470 · 17 May 2013, 19:53

Sounds reasonable. What kind of floor do you have? Is it aluminum roll up or solid aluminum?

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

The bill was $560. They rebuilt a couple of the valves, repaired a couple others valves, reattached the inflation tube for the transom, & installed the floor with the correct hardware. So, the bill is not as bad as it could have been-they did a good job of preparing my expectations. I couldn't find any instructions on-line for installing the floor, so I wanted to see it done correctly once, if I'm gonna strap a 40hp motor to that thing, I want the floor secure!

twtrk1 · 22 May 2013, 16:45

I have the roll-up aluminum floor.

F470 · 22 May 2013, 18:36

That floor needs hardware to install? I have the same one and mine had no hardware. Just wedged in there.

My estimate came out to $1000 so it seems I had quite a bit more work on mine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twtrk1

I have the roll-up aluminum floor.