Zodiac 550 Open Pro (front damage)

spartacus · 24 August 2009, 23:37

Just how much work would be involved in putting this right? There's one on Ebay just now (south Devon), no engine, electronics or trailer. Buyer collects. If I was closer I'd seriously consider an offer, but would really want a thorough inspection.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ZODIAC-Pro-550...d=p3286.c0.m14

Jono · 25 August 2009, 08:12

Just a couple of thoughts from the pictures….Remove tubes…fill and fair bow section to achieve correct shape..wax it up.. take “mould from it.. lay-up a repair section…cut out damage…fit up repair section…bond in and reinforce…repeat actions for “locker” unless it can be salvaged by internal bonding……re-fit tubes. Sort of job a workshop could do reasonably easily…but can you? Do it well..and if the RIB comes at the right price you’ve won…cock it up..or have to pay someone to do it…different ending.

spartacus · 25 August 2009, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

Just a couple of thoughts from the pictures….Remove tubes…fill and fair bow section to achieve correct shape..wax it up.. take “mould from it.. lay-up a repair section…cut out damage…fit up repair section…bond in and reinforce…repeat actions for “locker” unless it can be salvaged by internal bonding……re-fit tubes. Sort of job a workshop could do reasonably easily…but can you? Do it well..and if the RIB comes at the right price you’ve won…cock it up..or have to pay someone to do it…different ending.

Definately outside my area of expertise. What do you reckon (ball-park figure) it would cost to repair from a marine yard that specialise in this type of work. £2k or there-abouts?

chewy · 25 August 2009, 10:42

Take it to a normal glass shop and it'll be cheaper than a boat yard.
If it was close to me I'd have a go.

Jono · 25 August 2009, 11:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

Definately outside my area of expertise. What do you reckon (ball-park figure) it would cost to repair from a marine yard that specialise in this type of work. £2k or there-abouts?

Best advice would be to leave well alone then.

Won't guess a figure as I am not a professional and am not familiar with the construction of this boat, sorry.

ribraff · 26 August 2009, 21:06

I went to have a look at this today, it's pretty bad, not good access between the deck molding and hull to effect a good repair, console's a bit bent too, the guy said they'd wiped the blood off the Perspex screen.

Steve_B · 26 August 2009, 22:00

I think this was the RIB that went right through the side of a yacht and sank it! The two guys on board were drunk but survived, i believe.
There were some good pictures in last months Motorboating monthly

Looking at those pictures, the impact was massive and I would not touch this boat with a barge pole

ribraff · 26 August 2009, 22:42

A couple of years ago a speedboat went through the side of a boat on the river dart up by Ditsum, a lad called Louis and his mates coming out of the pub and hit it in the dark, the impact ripped the side of his face off and his mate was knocke out and sank to the bottom, luckily someone swam down and got him. It was an horrific accident and he was in a bad way for a long time, his brother used to work with me.
This zodiac hit one of the mainstrem bouys here on the dart apparently.

SPR · 26 August 2009, 23:02

I saw that picture - different tubes its had word prestige on rear tubes so not a zodiac....

http://www.zinio.com/pages/MotorBoat...16090262/pg-16

If this links work!

S.

Bigmuz7 · 28 August 2009, 22:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jono

Best advice would be to leave well alone then.

.

Structural defects and remedies are ok for work .. but not for pleasure to the OP .. I agree with Jono

spartacus · 29 August 2009, 14:37

Yep, decided to leave well alone. Who-ever purchases it, looks like thay may have to splice the deck from the hull to repair it. More trouble than it's worth.