new member with old zodiac sib

lazsecure · 22 November 2017, 21:26

Hey everyone,
this summer I was given a very old but seemingly serviceable Zodiac Sib. The boat was stored in the original bags in a heated basement for the past 30 years. Floor boards are solid, and the valves are a bit finicky, but holds air. I did track down a very slight air seep at a tube seam right where it contacts the floor board stringer at the starboard bow. Other than that, I didn't see any obvious reason not to take it out. I have a 2004 9.9hp Honda outboard that I was planning on mounting to the zodiac. As this is my first boat, I'd really appreciate any information you all would be able to provide. As far as I can tell from the id tag, it's a 1978, and I assumed it's hypalon, but I'm not positive. I also may have the bow board in upside down, but I saw no way it could go in the other way, so no idea. Thanks!

Paul

office888 · 23 November 2017, 01:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazsecure

Hey everyone,
this summer I was given a very old but seemingly serviceable Zodiac Sib. The boat was stored in the original bags in a heated basement for the past 30 years. Floor boards are solid, and the valves are a bit finicky, but holds air. I did track down a very slight air seep at a tube seam right where it contacts the floor board stringer at the starboard bow. Other than that, I didn't see any obvious reason not to take it out. I have a 2004 9.9hp Honda outboard that I was planning on mounting to the zodiac. As this is my first boat, I'd really appreciate any information you all would be able to provide. As far as I can tell from the id tag, it's a 1978, and I assumed it's hypalon, but I'm not positive. I also may have the bow board in upside down, but I saw no way it could go in the other way, so no idea. Thanks!

Paul

It's a Zodiac Mark III.

Constructed from real DuPont Hypalon, made at a factory in Rochefort, France that no longer exists.

I recommend purchasing new Delrin inserts and caps.

Squid Boat · 23 November 2017, 01:23

Really nice boat. I love seeing well kept high tier Zodiacs starting a new life.

Cheers. Squid

cgoing · 23 November 2017, 16:23

Excellent find! Those were very well made boats!

Projectile · 23 November 2017, 16:45

A beautiful hypalon Mark III!

lazsecure · 07 May 2018, 03:14

Hey! I made this post a while ago, but due to some out board issues, i just took out my 1978 14 ft zodiac mark 3 yesterday for the first time! I was having a hard time finding out what the recommended pressure is, as i dont really have a reference for what it should feel like. It felt firm enough when i was airing it up in the sun in my back yard. But once i took it out on the lake, it got softer, but then firmed up again when I hauled it out. I assume if its properly inflated, the pressure change would be less noticable? I’m going to order a guage, but any help with pressure specs would be appreciated!

Projectile · 07 May 2018, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazsecure

Hey! I made this post a while ago, but due to some out board issues, i just took out my 1978 14 ft zodiac mark 3 yesterday for the first time! I was having a hard time finding out what the recommended pressure is, as i dont really have a reference for what it should feel like. It felt firm enough when i was airing it up in the sun in my back yard. But once i took it out on the lake, it got softer, but then firmed up again when I hauled it out. I assume if its properly inflated, the pressure change would be less noticable? I’m going to order a guage, but any help with pressure specs would be appreciated!

If you can find a gauge, the manufacturer suggested amount was 240-280 mbar if I remember correctly. It always softens up in the water. Most people under inflate.