Zodiac tube repair

BartW

BartW

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 Oct 2007
Messages
5,236
Location
Belgium
www.amptec.be
Have an old zodiac Futura MK III here, with a 50cm long hole in one of the tubes. (due to a trailer tire explosion)
Zodiac's service center say's it's not worth the money doing this repair considering the value of the boat.
For me Its a pitty just to throw it away.
The tubes are black with real rubber coating (according the prof's) so no modern Hypalon or ...
has the forum some advice on how to fix it ? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
no idea how to fix it - but - professionals always say that. The cost of fixing it may be more than the cash value of the boat but it will be significantly less than buying an equivalent boat that does the same job. That's taking into account the cost of a professional repair. As it's worth nothing, it won't do any harm to try an amateur repair using a bit of commonsense. Obviously the repiar must be airtight - but if it's a rip you could insert a patch on the inside first which will flatten against the original tube when inflated and therefore the pressure will keep it in place rather than blowing it off - and then put another patch on the outside. I'l bet there are some old frogmen out there who remember when wet suits were real rubbber not neoprene who can give you advice.......try googling rubber wet suit repair - I got a few good hits........looks like rubber repair solution fronm a cycle repair kit might work although you'd need a lot - is it available in large quantities? as to the patch old inner tunes spring to mind

could be fun trying and what have you got to lose?
 
Many years ago we made our own wet suits using tyre repair glue.You could try talking to a tyre repair company-worth a try.
Good luck,
Jim
 
I fixed a very large L-shaped tear in an inflatable with 3M 5200. I slid a patch inside first and then placed a patch over the top using 5200. I cut up the inflatable seat, which we never used, to provide the patch material.
It lasted two years of continuous use in the tropical sun before I sold it.
 
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professionals always say that. The cost of fixing it may be more than the cash value of the boat but it will be significantly less than buying an equivalent boat that does the same job. That's taking into account the cost of a professional repair.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats exactly what I mean,
will give it a try and use the 3M gleu
thank you guys !!!! very helpfull advice /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
Big patches are quite possible - as others say, patch inside and outside but you need to make sure youre using the correct glue for the material, and clean/degrease the area well. Try IBS (ibs_boats.co.uk) or Polymarine - both are good for advise and materials

Neil
 
Think you will find the Futura is Hypalon and that a suitable repair kit can be bought from Polymarine. Worth repairing as they are excellent boats.
 
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