Is it worth renovating? (Zodiac ProJet 4,2)

IvarNelson · 23 March 2014, 20:04

Hi everyone.
Thanks for a great forum! I have been browsing it for a few days and I would like to ask for your opinions.
Im from Sweden so bear with me if my english is a little off.

My neighbour (an old navy captain) has a few RIBs and one that is a real wreck. It exploded a few years ago and the seam blew open. I think I can get it for pretty much nothing if I want to try my hand at restoring it and I want to know if you lot think its doable.

I took a few pictures and as it shows most seams are coming off but a few are still intact. The fibreglass hull is still in OK condition and could be made to look really good with a few coats of gelcoat and some sanding. I am pretty used to working with fibreglass so thats not the real issue. I enjoy restoring/renovation machinery and have renovated a couple of motorcycles and done various small jobs on sailboats.

I came across something called Tuffcoat and perhaps it could do the trick. Welding/glueing the busted pontoon back together seems like the biggest single challange.
When browsing the net for replacement tubes I found a few around £2000 which I think is just too much since I also need to get an engine for it. My neigbour says he has a guy who can sell a refurbished but used (stock) 98hp inboard complete with the jet drive for £2000. This, however, is completly unconfirmed.
Im guessing I can get this boat to look brand new for around £5000 (If you disagree please say) but I dont know what it would be worth.

So what do you all think? Is it worth cleaning and investigating further or is it destined for the dumpster?

Nos4r2 · 23 March 2014, 20:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvarNelson

destined for the dumpster?

Welcome to Ribnet

Depends how much money you want to throw at it and what the tubes are made of.
If they're Hypalon then it MIGHT be feasable, though it'll be a hell of a job to do. However, it'll be worth very little if the tubes are tuffcoated. It doesn't look right and it devalues the boat.

If not, it's dumpster time.

IvarNelson · 23 March 2014, 20:15

It sure is a lively forum and a very fast reply! Thank you for that.
I will have to read up on the ways to determine wheter it is Hypalon or PVC and get back on that. Also forgot to attach the info-plate before.

cgoing · 23 March 2014, 20:20

Had one of those years ago. They originally were yamaha drive trains. Original tubes were PVC Zodiac has not built any hypalon tubes that would fit that boat. I think I still have a copy if the owners manual somewhere.

Good luck if you decide to take on that project.

Nos4r2 · 23 March 2014, 20:22

I missed what it is-if it's the 1991 it looks like from the HIN plate it's highly unlikely to be worth renovating from a financial point of view.

IvarNelson · 23 March 2014, 20:33

Ok, so you think it not worth the time and effort. I guess you are right. as a matter of fact i am inclined to think so myself now that I have had a closer look at the boat. Its just that the old guy (neighbour) happened to mention it and I just love having different project going. Thank you for your opinion.

I go hunting ducks and other waterfowl in the archipelago and thats really the reason as to why I am currently so interested in inflatable boats. Hunting is often better when there is strong onshore winds and seas can get very choppy. Thats why I think an inflatable boat could be good because I can drag it up on the cliffs on the leeward side of an island.
Well well, I think I shall have look in the SIB-section.

Boatnomad · 23 March 2014, 20:41

Inflatable boat for shooting is perfect=very stable. £5000 could buy a nice SIB.

Peter_C · 23 March 2014, 21:38

"If" the engine runs and the drive functions, would it not be worth retubing it? I have no idea on costs, and the boat looks really rough. If it were me, I would try to get it running, and at the least sell the motor and pump.

cgoing · 24 March 2014, 12:54

OK so outside of the cost perspective to rehab this old beast. If you are hunting ducks, I would suggest a vessel that is going to be quieter. Those jets were fairly loud and smoky as they had a single speed oil pump in them. You would probably scare most ducks for miles but at least there would not be any mosquitoes around either .

Forgetthedock · 24 March 2014, 16:37

I wouldnt even consider reusing the Inflatable portion... thats jsut me tho

spartacus · 24 March 2014, 17:20

Walk away!

The tubes would need to be completely stripped back, all seams re-glued. If it's PVC then it was thermo-bonded at manufacture.

IvarNelson · 24 March 2014, 21:09

Like you all are suggesting I think it needs to be retubed if it shall be restored. Those tubes are totally busted.
It doesnt have an engine atm but considering that i get the hull for pretty much free it might still be interesting. I am currently trying to find reatilers that carry spare tubes. The hull is very dirty but in otherwise good condition.

treerat · 25 March 2014, 12:15

If you can drop an engine in or play with her rear and turn to outboard then there is hours of fun to be had.

Tubes will be the key thing (I think) if you can source some at a sensible figure then enjoy the re build.

If not then, as others have said, keep looking.

Forgetthedock · 25 March 2014, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by treerat

If you can drop an engine in or play with her rear and turn to outboard then there is hours of fun to be had.

I apply this logic to most of lifes situations

cgoing · 27 March 2014, 02:30

New tubes are no longer available from Zodiac for that model. However there are tubes from other models that will fit. I put white tubes from a yacht line 420 on mine.

Peter_C · 27 March 2014, 08:05

No motor and needs tubes...I wouldn't take on that project, and I am pretty adventuresome when it comes to projects. Mostly due to the costs associated with it, EVEN if you get the hull for free. You could buy a running boat for about the same and be enjoying it immediately.

IvarNelson · 27 March 2014, 23:16

What do yo reckon about this then? just came out on the swedish equivalent of craigslist.
Hes asking 75k swedish which equals 7000 gbp or 11500 USD.
including trailer and engine. Seems like its worth more right? Perhaps time to bring out the old wallet?
Gummibåt Zodiak Yachtline 420 | Skåne