Zodiac

[ccscott49]

I have a three year old zodiac futiura 2c, the problem I have is the sun? is attacking the material, leaving a sticky glue like substance on it, I've cleaned it pff a dozen times with inflatable boat cleaners and other cleaners, never petroleum based stuff. It keeps coming back. I contacted Zodiac at the boat show, they told me tol take it to my local zody dealer in sopain, which I will when I get back. has anybody else had a problem with these zodies? This is the new fabric, not hypalon as my old one was, it's a PVC reinforced stuff, special (so Zodiac say) to them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[discovery2]

Although no expert, and I am sure many would have differing ideas, but I have come to the conclusion that the sun's UV rays attack PVC after prolonged exposure. I have the same problem with the (blue) shore power cable, and more recently with the dockside fenders, when after about three years, the part that is exposed to the sun becomes sticky (and also hardens). Cleaning is difficult and only seems to last a very short time. I now replace the cable periodically.

Although it is not possible to replace the inflatable as frequently, I presume that it it were kept covered, or placed out of the sun when the boat is unattended this would help to avoid the problem.

We have had a hypalon inflatable stored on davits all year for 12 years and has not suffered this condition! - different material?

David

 

[ccscott49]

Yes! Hypalon inflatables didn't suffer the same degradation as PVC ones, but the big manufacturers, want to use PVC, because it can be machine thermo welded, saving on labour, they no longer seem to give a shit about longevity, I wish I'd kept my old hypalon one. I have a cover for mine, but the boat is in constant use all summer, at least seven months of the year, I even antifoul mine, as it's a pain putting it in the davits everytime we use it. I've seen some inflatables with covers for the top surfaces of the tubes, but why do we have to resort to that? When hypalon didn't suffer the same. I'll see what Zodiac have to say, then maybe sell it on and buy a hypalon one, they are still produced by some manufacturers. A RIB this time aswell.

 

[Forbsie]

At last, I can reciprocate the vast amount of assistance and encouragement that you have freely given me over the past year. You don't need to replace this errant inflatable, just take Englander back to the UK. The Solent's a nice place.

No Sun, No Problem!! /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/forbsie?&page=1>My Project</A>

 

[ccscott49]

The solent THE SOLENT!!! over my dead body! I'd rather paint the inflatable black! If you'd said the West coast of Scotland you may have got away with it, but that, that......place! Yuck!

 

[Forbsie]

Surely it can't be as bad as Barcelona!! All that sun, blue skies, balmy evenings and tapas.

I think it's a great sacrifice that your making just so that the under-privileged from Scouseland and Lancashire can come and see how well off they really are!!

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.arweb.co.uk/argallery/forbsie?&page=1>My Project</A>

 

[ccscott49]

I know, I'm a hero, but somebody had to do it, I just happened to be brave enough to take up the challenge. It's a very difficult and dangerous job, but there you are, I cant help it, just too good for this world.