Repairing Guides

how to repair zodiac inflatable boat

by Schuyler Rolfson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  1. Zodiac Transom and transom fittings which were removed by hot air gun.
  2. Transom prior to clean-up. The single part Hypalon Adhesive is used later to prime the wood of the transom prior to final fixing with PVC two part adhesive.
  3. Removing old glue from Zodiac inflatable with power tool.

More items...

Part of a video titled How repair an inflatable boat puncture - best practice - YouTube
2:18
10:43
Whatever you can locally to do the repair fabric ideally exactly the same colour and same type ofMoreWhatever you can locally to do the repair fabric ideally exactly the same colour and same type of fabric as what your boats made of masking tape disposable brush scissors.

Full Answer

How can I repair my inflatable boat myself?

To make it easy to repair your inflatable, you can order the necessary materials from us. We only supply the best Zodiac inflatable glues, 2-componenst for PVC and Neoprene Hypalon inflatables. With these glues it is very easy to repair your boat yourself.

Do Zodiac inflatable boats fail?

Currently, Zodiac uses thermo-welding, and the seams of the inflatable sections themselves rarely fail. In the late 1980s, however, a rash of seams in the hull failed as a new process was introduced, but that is no longer an issue. But at the joints where the rigid bottom meets the inflatable sides, several reports of failure at these seams.

Are Zodiac inflatables welded or glued?

Welding of seams failing at the hull and stern While Hypalon seams are glued, as are some PVC seams, the seams of most PVC inflatables, like Zodiacs made from Strangan, are actually welded. Opinions on forums are hotly divided over whether gluing or welding is superior overall.

What makes a Zodiac boat so rigid?

The stern of Zodiacs are also rigid, usually made from wood. The bond here is also glue rather than thermo-welded (as you cannot thermo-weld wood to PVC), subsequently riveted to the PVC. The flex at this joint can cause the bond to break down over time, detaching the transom from the rest of the boat.

image

How do you repair a rubber inflatable boat?

0:532:16How To Repair an Inflatable Boat or Inflatable Kayak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace a uniform layer of glue on the patch. And to the boat in the area of the leak. Then remove theMorePlace a uniform layer of glue on the patch. And to the boat in the area of the leak. Then remove the tape. For best results heat the glue up with a hairdryer. Place the patch over the affected area.

How do you repair a transom on a Zodiac boat?

1:079:46Installing replacing a transom on your Zodiac inflatable boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're now going to start working in the inner channels of the tubes there and also on the side ofMoreWe're now going to start working in the inner channels of the tubes there and also on the side of the transom to make sure we get a nice even coat of glue. Once again three layers of glue.

How do you repair a seam inflatable boat?

0:132:00Newport Vessels Inflatable Boat Slow Air Leak Seam Glueing RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you're going to use a tool a valve wrench anything like this to help force the adhesive into theMoreAnd you're going to use a tool a valve wrench anything like this to help force the adhesive into the seam. Once the layer has been applied let it sit for 20.

Are Zodiac boats PVC or Hypalon?

There are two main types of fabric that most inflatable boats are made of. They are either PVC or Hypalon. Most Mercury, Sea Eagle and Zodiac inflatable boats are made of PVC.

What kind of glue do you use an inflatable boat?

One product is the Clifton Urethane Adhesive. This one-part adhesive is perfect for urethane and PVC coated materials. This is a chemical glue that works by softening the coating on both the boat and patch.

How do you glue PVC inflatable boat?

1:213:10How To: PVC and Urethane Boat Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe highly recommend vinyl bond stay bond or Clifton's urethane adhesive. Today we'll be usingMoreWe highly recommend vinyl bond stay bond or Clifton's urethane adhesive. Today we'll be using Clifton's urethane adhesive it provides a really good bond while working well with PVC.

How do you fix a ripped inflatable?

To begin your quick inflatable repair, deflate your item completely. Then, clean the small hole or tear with isopropyl alcohol. Step 2: Patch the leak. Patching a small leak or tear on your inflatable is simple with a quick-curing UV repair adhesive that bonds directly to the material.

How do you fix a hole in inflatable seams?

2:013:55Invisible Seam Repair on an Inflatable Toy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAround i push the vinyl of the toy down against the glue covered patch this squeezes out some of theMoreAround i push the vinyl of the toy down against the glue covered patch this squeezes out some of the vinyl cement. So i quickly reach for the paper towel to dab away the excess.

How do you repair vinyl inflatables?

0:261:32Patch a Damaged Inflatable using a Vinyl Cement Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAllow the vinyl cement to dry for about 2 to 5 minutes once the vinyl cement feels dry to the touchMoreAllow the vinyl cement to dry for about 2 to 5 minutes once the vinyl cement feels dry to the touch your patch is ready to be applied. Apply pads to the inflatable.

When did zodiac stop using Hypalon?

Today, all Zodiacs are made from their proprietary material called Strongan, which is a PVC. Before 1968, however, many models were made from Hypalon. This means that any repairs you set out to do yourself will require Stabond as the adhesive unless the boat was made before 1968.

Why was Hypalon discontinued?

Hypalon production was discontinued by its original manufacturer, DuPont, back in 2009. This was due to production safety reasons and environmental considerations. For one, when Hypalon burns it releases highly toxic fumes.

How long does a zodiac last?

Since each sign of the zodiac is composed of 30 degrees, each astrological age might be thought to last about 72 (years) × 30 (degrees) = about 2160 years.

How do you fix a seam on an inflatable hot tub?

1:442:59Lay-Z-Spa Patching Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou put rubber cement down the entire seam. Because. I almost guarantee. You that you will find moreMoreYou put rubber cement down the entire seam. Because. I almost guarantee. You that you will find more holes on that specific seam as time goes on I've been patched 50 or 60 holes no lie.

How do you repair a seam on an inflatable kayak?

Here's how to patch an inflatable kayak depending on where the holes are and everything you need to make your own kayak puncture repair kit....First fix: Hole not in the seamStep 1: Identify the location of the hole. ... Step 2: Clean & dry the area. ... Step 3: Apply the patch.

How do you reseal an inflatable boat tube?

1:153:27How to Repair Inflatable Boat at Home (Instructional Video) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse tape to tape the surrounding area and send the damaged surface. And do the same thing to theMoreUse tape to tape the surrounding area and send the damaged surface. And do the same thing to the backside of the PVC patch. Now take the glue apply it evenly on the backside of the patch.

How do you repair Hypalon?

1:075:08How To: Patch a Hypalon Boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMoving on to application paint three coats of Clifton's hypalon glue on both the boat and the patchMoreMoving on to application paint three coats of Clifton's hypalon glue on both the boat and the patch waiting. 10 to 30 minutes between applications.

Does silicone prevent patch from sticking?

Also, the silicone in those "protectant" products are likely to prevent any repair patches from sticking properly....

Is the 87 Zodiac S-126 oxidized?

The first is a '87 Zodiac S-126. The tubes are in good condition , no oxidization, but the previous owner had the bottom seam glue give way from bow to stern on both sides. The floor is still attached to the transom.

Which is better, the zodiac or the inflatable?

The Zodiacs handle better than most inflatables.

How long do used zodiac boats last?

Keep in mind that buying a used Zodiac or any used inflatable will have a short lifespan. An 8-year-old boat that has seen limited use may be worth these prices, but many, if not most, will not, given the 10-year average life expectancy for PVC boats.

Why are inflatables so sharp?

Because the sides of inflatables are made from a pliable material, they are susceptible to sharp objects. A moment’s carelessness with a knife or even a screwdriver can punch a hole through the fabric. Repairs to small holes in the PVC fabric are relatively straightforward, fortunately.

What is a zodiac transom made of?

Delamination of the transom. The transom of a Zodiac is usually made of two pieces of marine plywood. There are some occurrences of this plywood delaminating and falling apart. This can occur if the paint was improperly applied or the transom is somehow damaged, letting water get in between the layers.

Why is my zodiac tube leaking?

If your Zodiac is leaking, it is probably the result of the joint between the bottom and the hulls failing (see below). 3. Welding of seams failing at the hull and stern.

What is the stern of a zodiac boat made of?

The stern of Zodiacs are also rigid, usually made from wood. The bond here is also glue rather than thermo-welded (as you cannot thermo-weld wood to PVC), subsequently riveted to the PVC. The flex at this joint can cause the bond to break down over time, detaching the transom from the rest of the boat.

What is the zodiac made of?

Today, all Zodiacs are made from their proprietary material called Strongan, which is a PVC. Before 1968, however, many models were made from Hypalon.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9