Zodiac thole pins

[samwise]

Anyone had problems with thole pins on Zodiac C26o inflatables.
One of our pins on a brand new inflatable pulled out of the fitting while rowing against about a knot of tide. The plastic fitting was distorted and would not relocate properly. Is this a design fault?

 

[Robin2]

I have a new Zodiac 310 fastroller on which both rowlocks broke (more or less at the same time) while struggling against the wind - luckily within the marina. I got new rowlocks which have a different design of pin (so they came with a changed fitting for the boat). The broken rowlocks had a design of pin which would only go into place when facing the correct way round and the new ones go in in any direction but have a retaining plastic spring clip.

I understand that these upgrades are available free for boats within warranty and at a reduced price for older boats - check with your Zodiac dealer.

As it happens it was not the pin that broke in my case, it was the strap of plastic that goes round the oar - it split across the top.

 

[Ray_G]

I have the same problem. A pathetic attempt by Zodiac to provide an efficient means of rowing. My solution has been to use the outboard engine! I intend to take this up further with Zodiac at the Southampton Boat Show to see if an upgrade is available.

 

[Robin2]

I thought the oars were meant for when the engine ran out of fuel !!!

 

[Ray_G]

Fine if you can get the oars to work in the first place! I think this is a case of being up the creek without a paddle, don't you?

 

[Robin2]

yes .... but, as I said in my earlier post, my problem was not with the pins.

In case you did not notice my earlier post, Zodiac do have an upgrade for the problem pins.

 

[samwise]

Thanks for your responses. Glad to know I am not alone. The boat is still under warranty and I have taken up the case with Zodiac. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

 

[samwise]

A possible end to our saga at least.

WillsMarine , our suppliers, responded very promptly with a set of replacement fittings for our boat. These work in a different way with a plastic spring clip doing the retaining job, as described in Robin's post.

It looks as if it was a design problem and I have to say I think it should have been revealed -- and resolved at an earlier stage before going in to production.