Can I get replacement tubes for a 18' Nautica?

Blue Man · 16 July 2014, 07:24

I know Nautica is out of business now, but before I spend a bunch with the local inflatable shop repairing older (1996) tubes that have already seen their share of the sun and already have a bunch of patches, I was curious where I could get some new tubes custom made and what it might cost? (I live in California if that makes a difference).

Thanks in advance.

John

Blue Man · 16 July 2014, 17:22

Is it something that they have to have the boat to make the tubes, or can it be done without the boat?

Can anyone recommend some places?

Christopher · 16 July 2014, 17:40

We have the templates for the Nautica 18 and will be able to manufacture a new set of tubes for you. We will provide a full quotation to you tomorrow.

ncp · 16 July 2014, 17:51

Unfortunately, we don't have the same options that they do in the UK.

Wing, up in Arcata, CA will make custom tubes, but their really expensive.

I saw these guys advertising their zapcat look alikes a while back on ebay:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-...02550879784255
I emailed them and they said they'd make tubes out of whatever material I wanted. I haven't talked to them since. If they make you something decent, let me know, I'm not about to give Wing $14K for a new set of tubes for my 7m Willard!!!

How about just buying some hypalon and having a go at it yourself?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN6Gs-WFza8

jyasaki · 17 July 2014, 04:19

Polaris Inflatables in Canada can do the tubes (there's a few folks on here that have dealt with them for tube replacements), but I have no idea what the import/export regs would be.

Might try calling Sal's Inflatable Repair in Alameda, and see what he has to say.
Sals Inflatables Service
(510) 522-1824

jky

Blue Man · 18 July 2014, 07:24

Thanks everyone for the replies/suggestions. You are all very helpful!

I got quotes from these shops:

Tilley Inflatable Design (UK)
RibTube (UK)
Henshaw (UK)
Polaris (Canada)
Wing (Northern California)

Can anyone that has bought new tubes give me recommendations regarding these (or other) vendors? Or give me some recommendations on the process?

Another thing I'm unclear about is import costs (tariffs/fees) to the US (and shipping costs).

By the way, Sal's doesn't manufacture tubes (but thanks for the suggestion).

Am I missing a company I should be talking to?

Feel free to pm me if you prefer. Thanks again for all your help. I really appreciate it being new to RIBs.

matt h · 18 July 2014, 07:38

Henshaws do a LOT of tubes for export and can vouch for them personally as can many other punters!
Speak to Chris if you havent already ...The Tythings Commercial Centre Southgate Road, Wincanton, Somerset BA9 9RZ
01963 33237

willk · 18 July 2014, 07:45

Paul Tilley has a good reputation on here - his production videos on Youtube show the production process. Don't try this at home, they make it look easy!!

Henshaw are "big guys" in the UK. They have been making and fitting tubes for many of the big RIB builders & M.O.D. for years. If you go with Henshaw, get them to make you a Laser cut logo too - they're pure class.

No ideas about tariffs but shipping shouldn't be too bad - tubes pack very small when they have no strakes or fittings on them.

ncp · 18 July 2014, 13:46

bigtalljv got some items for his zodiac from Vancouver and said NAFTA helped him out... I believe taxes and fees were minimal, if any at all. So, based on price, that may give Polaris a leg up. PM him on here - I don't remember if he used a broker or not.

jyasaki · 18 July 2014, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Man

By the way, Sal's doesn't manufacture tubes (but thanks for the suggestion).

Didn't think he did. He didn't have any additional suggestions on places to look into, though?

jky

Blue Man · 18 July 2014, 19:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Didn't think he did. He didn't have any additional suggestions on places to look into, though?

jky

I spoke with a lady and she recommended I contact wing (which I already had).

Blue Man · 18 July 2014, 19:08

Thanks for the testimonials and other information. Has anyone in the US purchased replacement tubes from one of the companies in the UK? I'm trying to figure out what to expect to pay for taxes/import fees and shipping.

Thank again.

Seafox47 · 18 July 2014, 22:37

There is a place in ft lauderdale. It is located on US 1 perhaps 200 yards north of state road 84. This guy has a large store and fixes tubes and makes tubes specifically for Nautica.

Seafox47 · 18 July 2014, 22:40

It is Tender Care Boats in Ft Lauderdale, the owners name is Skip Reikert