Dinghy Repair Questions

[adirondackbob]

When I bought my Catalina 30 last fall, it came with a 15-year-old Zodiac dinghy, the kind with the removable floorboards that allow you to roll up the boat when it is deflated. The dinghy seemed to be in acceptable shape and we have used it all season with no problems. However, yesterday as I was moving it from the dinghy beach to our boat, it began to fill with water. When I hauled it out, I found that the floor was separating from the side tubes. At least two feet of the seam has separated on one side. Several slipmates suggested that repairing the dinghy would cost nearly as much as buying a new one.

So my question is this: Is it worth having a 15-year-old Zodiac repaired? My fear is that I'll pay a huge chunk of change to have it repaired and then have to replace it next year anyway. Any suggestions or advice?

Thanks.

Bob

 

[wonkodsane]

Maybe having someone else repair it would cost a lot, but I'd try DIY first.

Did the adhesive between pontoon and floor separate, or did the material itself tear?

If it is just the adhesive, you can repair yourself with Sta-Bond.

Referencing this link at allexperts, you can probably fix it yourself for a season or two or longer and save the (not inconsiderable) investment in a new dinghy.

 

[Bill Murray]

I had the same dinghy -- 1995 vintage - that developed the same problem. cleaned up seam - abraded to enhance adhesion, used two part glue and reglued the seam. Added overlapping patches where I thought the stress was greatest/the seam originally split. Still working fine -- four sailing seasons later. cost way less than $900 for a new boat!

 

[hutch5151]

Had the same problem with a WM SB-285 (1997). Ordered the two part glue from weaver industries, cleaned both sides with MEK (Acetone will also work) and reglued. I did about a third of the bottom at a time. That was five years ago and seams are still holding. Almost all the PVC dingies of this era had this problem with the bottom seams. You can also purchase this two part glue from WM or Defender but at a much higher price.

 

[Eric M]

Like others above, I have had good luck with fabric to fabric repairs, however, I finally gave up on our early 90's Zodiac roll up floor dinghy 2 years ago after several attempts to repair where the fabric floor attached to the wood transom. Each repair would last about 1 day before once again starting to leak.
Good Luck,
--Eric

 

[Rob19574]

Repair it yourself. As others suggested - use the 2-part glue for this as its more durable verses a 1-part adhesive. West Marine sells it and its expensive for a small amount.

 

[adirondackbob]

Thanks, all. I appreciate the advice. I'll give it a shot. I found the two-part adhesive for less than $25. (WM is selling the very same stuff for more than twice as much.)

Bob

 

[adirondackbob]

One more question for you dinghy-repair DIYers: What's the best way to remove the old glue? Some of the old glue on my dinghy is really well adhered to the rubber, and acetone doesn't seem to remove all of it. Any suggestions?

Thanks again.

Bob

 

[Winkfish]

One more question for you dinghy-repair DIYers: What's the best way to remove the old glue? Some of the old glue on my dinghy is really well adhered to the rubber, and acetone doesn't seem to remove all of it. Any suggestions?

Try "GooGone." If that doesn't work, sandpaper

 

[Steve Dion]

If you can find a shop that does these repairs, they can give you an estimate. Out here they charge about $80/hr.

It also depeneds on the material PVC or Hypalon. If you have a hypalon unit, I would suggest that you have them look at it before you buy a new one.