Zodiac Inflatable transom

[EASLOOP]

I have a circa 30 year old Zodiac with a transom problem. The wooden transom is glued to the tubes by way of two black solid rubber brackets. These brackets have started un-gluing themselves from the tubes. I have bought the proper glue for repairs (as recommended by Zodiac people) and this has worked well. However, the black rubber brackets appear to have stretched slightly over the years and now will not fit the tubes exactly, leaving small gaps between the tube and the bracket. I thought of filling the gaps with Sika adhesive, but I am not sure if this will stick to the rubber and tubes.
Can anyone help ?

 

[davidbains]

A 30yr old Zodiac!! Mine lasted only five years. The same problem happened with a Narwhal I had and I made it last a bit longer with Sikaflex. But replaced it with Suzumar which is much better quality. Think it's time to use the plastic.

 

[EASLOOP]

My plastic has tram lines in it due to being used too often. Hence the need to improvise. The boat is in excellent condition - it hardly gets used as I have a tiny tender. I do like to use it when I have more than 3 guests aboard.
What is Suzumar? Sounds like a make rather than an adhesive product.

 

[Salty John]

I used 3M5200 to repair a substantial tear in a tube on my Zodiac. It was going strong after two years when I sold the dinghy.

 

[EASLOOP]

That's encouraging. IS the 3M product better than Sika?

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
My plastic has tram lines in it due to being used too often.

[/ QUOTE ]Jeez you are lucky - SWMO wore the strip off her last card - even the bank was shocked - they had never seen a card so "worn" even after 4 years (SWMO only had hers about 8 months and it was physically trashed (financially as well /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif))
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[Salty John]

I can't say, John, I'm not familiar with Sikaflex products. 5200 seems to be indestructable and shouldn't be used on anything you want to ever take apart again. It is used as the hull to deck join on several makes of boat.

 

[EASLOOP]

Internet sources describe the 5200 in the same terms as yours. I think I will have a go with it.

Thanks everybody for your comments.