FC-470 Restoration

[Sheldon N]

I can't imagine that it's that difficult. The user manual I've got has a pretty detailed set of instructions on the proper technique, if you have the right glue and materials.

[SIBRider]

If it's only one patch you should consider that you would spend at least $50 for glue kit. so it's a draw.
I patched my keel. Not that difficult just need to prep it right. Glue includes instructions.

[captnjack]

Originally Posted by F470

Have you guys done your own patching? IBC is going to charge me $120-ish to do it.

Patching isn't hard although I think its hilarious they said that area was "fine" until you showed them it was leaking...

That's not too much more than you'll spend on materials:
patch itself - $8
2 part glue - $30
acetone or MEK - $15
brushes - $2

So ~ $50 - 55 in supplies plus an hour of labor. The glue will probably go bad before you could ever use the leftovers again. Its got a shelf life of a couple months once the can's been opened. I would do it myself but make sure you have a dry well ventilated space to work in. This time of year heat helps speed things along - but gets in the way of good ventilation.

[SIBRider]

Just noticed. This abrasion is right on the side of tube seam. Sticking correct size patch might be harder in this case.

[F470]

I'm going to have IBC do it this time around as my garage is not heated.

[office888]

Any new progress, fellow FC470 owner?

[F470]

Not much. The boat has been deflated and rolled up waiting to be delivered for repair. My "indestructible" and obscenely expensive mil-pro pump broke so I am going to take that in as well.

[Squid Boat]

Originally Posted by F470

Not much. The boat has been deflated and rolled up waiting to be delivered for repair. My "indestructible" and obscenely expensive mil-pro pump broke so I am going to take that in as well.

Do you have any pic's of the pump mate?

Thanks, Squid

[F470]

I can take some. The valve inside the inflate hole has fallen off and is rattling around inside the pump. I was unable to use it for deflation.

[Sheldon N]

Yes, it's not exactly boating weather right now.

My boat's tucked away in the garage waiting for warmer conditions next spring. I did recently snag another 6 gal Zodiac fuel bladder so I'll have a bit more range when I get out on the water again.

[F470]

Where did you find the bladder?

I am also planning to make a plywood floor for it this winter.

[Squid Boat]

Originally Posted by F470

I can take some. The valve inside the inflate hole has fallen off and is rattling around inside the pump. I was unable to use it for deflation.

Thank you buddy, I have a Mil pump that is accordion style that I wanted to compare it to.

Cheers, Squid

[Sheldon N]

I got the fuel bladder off ebay, there was a guy selling them that had new old stock bladders listed. I think I paid $250 each for them. They are the nice all black version with a carrying handle, really rugged construction.

I don't see them listed on there anymore, so he may have run out.

[F470]

I saw those. The stand up ones? I've been looking for the horizontal Avon/Zodiac bladders.

[Sheldon N]

They aren't really "stand up" although you can fill them that way. I just use it laying flat in the bottom of my boat, don't really attach it to anything. It does have several D-rings on the bottom that you could use to attach it if you wanted. It is an OEM Zodiac bladder, I'd have to check on what the model number is.

I put quick disconnect fittings on the bladder and fuel line so I can swap it out easily for refill or for another full bladder.

Here's a snapshot of what it looks like. Not the greatest pic, but it gives you somewhat of an idea.

[office888]

Originally Posted by F470

Not much. The boat has been deflated and rolled up waiting to be delivered for repair. My "indestructible" and obscenely expensive mil-pro pump broke so I am going to take that in as well.

I'm not a huge fan of Zodiac pumps.

I use a Mercury 62-889345Q01 "Double Action Pump" on mine. It comes with a pressure gauge, many adapters (including an interference fit one that fits the Zodiac valves), and can be operated in single action or double action. The unit is user serviceable and contains a double-cup seal piston pump.

It is a MUCH more durable pump than the Bravo bellows pumps.

[F470]

I'm no longer a fan either.

I like that pump. Where did you order it in the US?

Originally Posted by office888

I'm not a huge fan of Zodiac pumps. I use a Mercury 62-889345Q01 "Double Action Pump" on mine. It comes with a pressure gauge, many adapters (including an interference fit one that fits the Zodiac valves), and can be operated in single action or double action. The unit is user serviceable and contains a double-cup seal piston pump. It is a MUCH more durable pump than the Bravo bellows pumps.

[office888]

Originally Posted by F470

I'm no longer a fan either.

I like that pump. Where did you order it in the US?

Your local Mercury dealer can help you! Just give them that part number. I think the MSRP on them is likkee $50?

I'm actually in the industry...we're a Zodiac/AB/Mercury dealer.

[F470]

I bought two of the Mercury Pumps. Will try them as soon as the boat is back from repair.

[F470]

When is the Portland/Vancouver chapter of F/C-470 owners next meet up? I got the boat back from repair and it passes the 24 hour test with flying colors.