Zodiac- Repair or Replace

Stemar

Stemar

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I have a Zodiac Cadet 230 which has developed a leak from under one of the rowlocks. It's too bad to ignore, so a bit of advice please.

It's close to 10 years old and removing a rowlock to fix a leak and put it back is beyond my ability and sounds expensive. Is it likely to be worth repairing or should I be looking for a new one?

If the former, any suggestions for a repairer in the Gosport area?

If the latter, suggestions for a similarly sized replacement? I'd like an inflatable floor. RIBs and complicated floor systems are out as it lives rolled up in on a shelf in the club dinghy store, which also means weight is an issue, as I have to carry it up steps.

Budget is non-existent, so no solid gold versions please!

It won't be a Zodiac 'cos their rowlocks (even when not leaking) are b*****ks.

Something that doesn't throw water over my trousers as soon as the waves on Pompey Harbour go over 6" would be a bonus!

Thanks all
 
I doubt it will be a huge cost, just needs removing and a new patch putting on. That said given the age maybe its time to replace it - I guess it depends on the state overall and the budget!
 
Steve,

Check out the Polymarine website. They have a number of photo based "how tos" including removing and regluing the transom on a Zodiac C260. The rowlock would be a breeze compared to that. Having done a number of challeging inflatable repairs recently, I can say that if you follow Polymarines instructions, you will definitley be successful.

good luck

Nudge
 
Stemar, if it makes you feel any better, I consider myself a complete and total numpty when it comes to doing most DIY and practical jobs.

I have a Lifeguard inflatable which had ancient and bu99ered rowlocks. Using the Polymarine website guides, I hot aired the old patches off, obtained some of the nice solid old Avon oarlock patches and using 2-part, fixed them where the old ones were..sounds like a similar job to what you're facing with the addition of a patch repair in between.

I actually found it quite a pleasant job to do, kinda fun, if that gives you any re-assurance for doing it yourself!
 
FishyInverness said:
Stemar, if it makes you feel any better, I consider myself a complete and total numpty when it comes to doing most DIY and practical jobs.

I have a Lifeguard inflatable which had ancient and bu99ered rowlocks. Using the Polymarine website guides, I hot aired the old patches off, obtained some of the nice solid old Avon oarlock patches and using 2-part, fixed them where the old ones were..sounds like a similar job to what you're facing with the addition of a patch repair in between.

I actually found it quite a pleasant job to do, kinda fun, if that gives you any re-assurance for doing it yourself!
Click to expand...

Its easy to unstick bits and pieces from an Hypalon dinghy using a hot air gun but the OP's Zodiac is almost certainly PVC. I don't think you can "unstick" that in the same way even if it's glued and it may be welded!
 
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