Inflatable repair

B

BJL

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We have a 1995 Zodiak that I went to put away today and saw that the floor is separating. Aside from this, the boat is in very good shape. Anyone know how costly this repair would be?
Zodiakbottom3.jpg
 
I think there is an adhesive which will glue the two sides together. A do-it-yourself project. Of course, you need to thoroughly clean both sides and use the appropriate adhesive for the materials. Good luck!
 
I tried to put a patch on once on the tube. I've learned there are just some things I'm not good at and that was one of them! I'll bring it to a professional as I don't want to be out there and start sinking. I was just curious if anyone else had this done and what the cost was. I know repairs for these inflatables are expensive.
 
Is the dinghy made of hyphalon or PVC? I have repaired my PVC Zodiac several times. West Marine sells a two part repair glue (Boatfix may sell it also but I don't remember the name). The critical part is to get the area clean, and mix the glue correctly. I used a wire wheel on a dremel tool to clean off all the old glue. Then follow the instructions to the letter. I keep my dinghy covered on deck in So. Florida. I believe that heat weakens the glue on the seams which is why I have have done it several times. This is the first time that I used the wire wheel to clean off the old glue. While using the wire wheel, I noticed that the glue became soft and gummy when it became warm from the friction. I used ice on the glue being removed to keep it brittle.

Good luck.
 
The dinghy is PVC. I just don't have the patience for this kind of repair and don't want to take any chances. I'll give some repair shops a call and see what they say.
 
Well, after getting some REALLY high estimates for repair, I think I will attempt this myself over the winter. Mark, when you repaired yours, did you keep the boat inflated or deflated? I've read instructions for repair on several sites but they all seem to deal with leaks or pinholes, not regluing the bottom. The Zodiac is PVC..........any helpful advice will be appreciated.
 
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