Fixing a Zodiak

mrsaxman99 · 22 June 2006, 21:35

Hello, this is my first post, so sorry if i'm a newbie to all this.

I just inherited my father's 12' zodiak inflatable raft along with a 5hp yamaha outboard.

The zodiak has a solid wood cross piece in the back that is completely separated from the two tubes on either side.

I know my dad had tried to glue it before, but i'm sure he didn't use the right stuff.

I mean, it looks like it was glued in the first place, as nothing is ripped torn or destroyed, just looks like it came apart.

My question is, what should I use to re-attach this, and where can I find some?

Also, the left tube has a small hole that is at a flex point...what works best for fixing leaks?

I can take pictures later this evening if that would help

Thanks a bunch!

jyasaki · 23 June 2006, 00:48

Sort of depends on how old the thing is.

Earlier Zodiacs were hypalon; later ones PVC. I believe the transition was around 1996 (someone correct me on this if they have a surer date.) Hypalon has a very rubber-like feel to it, whereas PVC is more plastic-y. Hyplon is completely opaque, whereas PVC is a little on the translucent side.

If hypalon, there are a lot of glues (two part glues are best, IMO): Bostik 2402, Clifton Hyplon Glue/accelerator; etc.

If PVC, a good quality urethane adhesive should be OK.

Do a web search for "inflatable repair" to get full instructions.

Caveat: Not sure how well these adhesives glue to wood. In any case, all surfaces need to be clean, degreased, abraded, and structurally sound.

Luck;

jky

mrsaxman99 · 23 June 2006, 01:02

I'm sorry, I should have specified, the rubber "boot" is still on both sides of the transom, so it would be just the rubber boot to the tube on either side.

I believe the boat is pre-1994 or so, but I'll try the methyl ethyl k.... trick to find out what material it is.

fast fred · 23 June 2006, 10:54

hypalon is only colored on the out side, black on the in side, if you don't sand off the hypalon no gule will stick, don't sand through the color, thares a clear layer, you got to take it off or no glue will work.

one part glue is for pool toys.