Dinghy Inflatable or?

Zed Nivel

Zed Nivel

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21 Oct 2005
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119
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Göteborg (SWE)
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Hi,
I have used a Zodiac (PVC )inflatable and have had nothing but trouble with it. I am told this is due to UV (this is the Med) and that PVC does not last.
So I have looked into alternatives; eg another inflatable but Hyplon (ec Achilles) or porta-bote?
Anyone with experience and advice?
 
Have had a Plastimo 3m dinghy hung in davits on my cat in the Med with no problems. A few strokes of the pump every 3/4 months. The stickeness that comes on the material after a couple of years I clean with Oven Cleaner which makes it look like new after treatment.
 
Hi!
and this is a PVC product? Very interesting! What Plastimo model is yours? maybe this: Inflatable Tender Pi 300K 3,04 (3,00x 1,52 meters) 4 persons Grey? Listed price in UK around 800 GBP?
And do you use a cover for it to protect from UV?
 
Some years ago, I had some dealings with RFD and they were very keen on Hypalon as it resistes UV.

I bought a secondhand Achilles (made of Hypalon) some 18 years ago and it is still fine although the black floor is now a bit of a nuisance as it is crumbling VERY slightly, which puts black mess on the deck when we return to the boat. And it weighs a ton!

But the cost difference between dinghies made of this or the lighter materials is large so maybe one should buy a cheaper, lighter model every 5 years or so?
 
My zodiac stays on my davits all te time. my solution:
726interior_of_dinghy.jpg


A cover made from sunbrella.
 
hi
the party starts soon but ... I too have used a cover and used it often hanging from my davits but problems comes from underbeneath -- it just is not strong enough so the seams let go. a so called expert firm did a reparation job with as they claimed -- welding -- but no use. especially the corners and when this has started it opens up like a heering can alongsides!!!
but I am glad for you and obviously there are a lot of Zodiac owners all over.
 
I bought my Achilles secondhand in 1997. It spends all summer either inflated on the pontoon, on the water or folded up on deck and it is still in excellent condition. I don't think you can buy them anymore, which is a pity because they are a first-class product.
 
Hi
Achilles has a good reputation as far as I know... but I red a report about an almost new Achilles that had to had its rings and ore holders bonded! I gather this is not the case for you?
 
Hi
Achilles has a good reputation as far as I know... but I red a report about an almost new Achilles that had to had its rings and ore holders bonded! I gather this is not the case for you?
And yes they are still for sale -- I can buy them here in Sweden - - and if I remember right the manufacturor is located in the US (NY.
 
What is a ZED zodiac made of?? I got one that was put in the bin in 1988 and its still fine! It was thrown away becose the floor leaked and it had been coated with some sticky mess!! By now the bottem just looks a mess on the sea side but dosent leak. The tubes are fine as off white as they ever were!!!
 
Sorry, long time to reply!

No, lives on deck in Summer or in harbour. Goes below when we're sailing. But it isn't out ALL the time.
 
There used to be!! They were off white with blue trim have a blow up "keel" under floor boards that are realy difficult to get in place its rather long and thin

In the 80s there were lots of them about
 
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