Zodiac Tube Separated from Hull

rstewar1 · 05 October 2020, 22:11

I have an 18ft Zodiac (1996) Pro 550 that was improperly loaded on the boat trailer so that when it was pulled from the water the starboard tube bared the weight of the boat instead of the hull, and the tube was pulled and separated from the hull on that one side. Much water now comes in between the tube and the hull.

When I lift the tube to see between the tube and hull I see a black strip of material attached to the hull that I am assuming was glued to the tube to keep the tube sealed with the hull? There are no threaded ropes or clips that I can see, or that have been pulled from. But I have not deflated the tubes to take a proper look.

Tube is still inflated and fits on hull fine, no other problems, just the fact it is not sealed with the hull on the one side down to the stern or tip of rear end of the tube.

Can I fix this myself? Or is this a professional job? How? Deflate and re-attach and seal, or just seal?

Navajoturquoise · 07 October 2020, 15:46

I believe more information will have to be provided before advice can be given. From what is described, the integrity of the RIB is at sake. You may or may not be capable of repairing it yourself. If you decide to make the repairs yourself you will need an indoor heated place with little humidity to do the job properly. Pictures of the damaged area, its length would be good to have. Are the tubes made of hypalon or pvc. Whatever the material, good quality two part glue will be necessary. Cleaning and sanding of the area to be repaired will be essential. To properly fuse, the mateial will need to be sanded in such a way that a thin part of the surface will be sanded off. If I were in your position I would get advice and a quote from a professional RIB facility. If the are none in your area, contact a facility elsewhere in Canada or the USA.

Maximus · 11 October 2020, 16:27

Job for the Pro's

Donie · 12 October 2020, 17:20

This happened to my 1998 Pro Open 550 last year. The glue failed and the bolt-rope came away from the tube. I brought it to a rib repair specialist and they glued it back on. No Problems since.