Anyone had this Aerotec 380 problem

SmithG · 29 June 2012, 11:25

Just had 4 weeks in Scotland with brand new bombard aerotec 380 & Yam 15hp 2 stroke great combination for my weight 15 stone. but 4 days in I just happened to remove the seat & found the nuts rubbed the tube fabric almost to a puncture this could have ended bad as I often make trips from 5 to 30 miles, done RYA, carry all the saftey equip and always expect the sea to do its worst. Is it common, see member Dino89 had same problem, has any other member had this, as the boat is only 3 months old and do not know if its safe now.
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John Kennett · 29 June 2012, 11:56

I've never heard of this before. Could your tubes have been a bit low on pressure? That's the only obvious possibility that springs to mind.

Max... · 29 June 2012, 13:01

Have you got a picture to post?

PeterM · 29 June 2012, 13:08

Not sure about others but I think this is reasonably common thing . I dont know when but mine has extra patches under the seat ( over the seat mounting flap things) that I think are there to combat this specific issue.

I'd think if you are worried it woudl be very simple to add some re-inforcement in this area to act not only as a rubbing strip , but also to strengthen the damage as already occured ?

Pete

matt h · 29 June 2012, 13:38

it its that bad then would be worth checking with Avon/Bombard as it could be a warranty issue. 5 years on it if i remember

SmithG · 29 June 2012, 13:58

Thanks for your replies.
John - The pressure was not low 0.24 bar tubes & 0.8 bar floor as per book.
Peter - I glued 4 patches where the seat nuts damaged the tubes,
They ended up with holes through to canves,
Max - I have pictures and will post.
Matt - I intend to use my warranty but would appreciate any members with this problem.

SmithG · 29 June 2012, 14:49

Pictures
1. Tube pressure
2. floor press
3. patch
4. no person on seat gap between nut & tube
5. 1 person on seat no gap so nut rubbing tube

Max... · 29 June 2012, 17:30

Great pics. Looks like you have done exactly what Bombard should have to start with! I would add a second patch for peace of mind.

jyasaki · 29 June 2012, 19:09

If you have to repatch (and mfgr doesn't step up), consider a small piece of SS sheet sandwiched between the patch and tube. Will alleviate any wear-through.

jky

spartacus · 29 June 2012, 19:36

Don't know if I'd go as far a s/s sheet - but certainly use a larger wear patch, and not the Zodiac/Bombard PVC stuff that last 5 minutes. What you want on there is something a little more commercial. One of these of this will last you ages! Diamond Pattern Non Slip Black - Henshaw Inflatables Ltd

Nick Hearne · 30 June 2012, 12:31

I have heard about this happing but I have never had it happen in 5 years of using mine!
One thing though the seat only fits in properly in one way as the bolts are not the same distains apart & if the rouge way round will force the turn nut against the side this may have coursed it?

In the attached photo you can see that I mean!

John Kennett · 30 June 2012, 12:50

I thought about that but I reckon it would only make the front ones rub.

Nick Hearne · 30 June 2012, 13:20

Yes I agree, I take it was the back ones then?

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I thought about that but I reckon it would only make the front ones rub.

John Kennett · 30 June 2012, 14:53

The OP said glued 4 patches to cover the damage...

SmithG · 30 June 2012, 23:44

Thanks guys for all your help top cookie
Nick I soon discovered the seat was tapered & only fit one way.
I had to glue 4 patches as all nuts damaged tubes then nuts damaged all patches.
IMO Aerotec 380 is great bit of kit.
But would you repair a manafacture fault when you spend 2K,

MattD · 01 July 2012, 01:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithG

Thanks guys for all your help top cookie
Nick I soon discovered the seat was tapered & only fit one way.
I had to glue 4 patches as all nuts damaged tubes then nuts damaged all patches.
IMO Aerotec 380 is great bit of kit.
But would you repair a manafacture fault when you spend 2K,

It looks like it's verging on a design fault to me but if it's not that common a problem it's probably manufacturing defect. I would be tempted to repair so I don't lose the use of my investment but I would definitely make use of the warranty before it ran out. OEM's only get to find out and do something about a design or tooling flaw if they are made aware there is a problem and it certainly isn't your responsibility to correct the problem. If your having to add patch after patch it isn't fit for purpose and you might find you are voiding the warranty by not giving them the opportunity to fix it (probably not but it's worth considering).

SmithG · 01 July 2012, 09:34

Originally Posted by Dino89
this is very common on these boats and bombard are aware of it, depends on the weight on the seat if two adults are on it then the nuts do alot of grating especially if your wave jumping
the rubber srake worked great on my 420 but as i say it went back to bombard so dont know how they bonded it
i want to now add it to both the 380`s its simple and effective

SmithG · 01 July 2012, 09:38

Originally Posted by Dino89
what glue do you recommend for glueing rubber strake to pvc need to bond some on the bottom web of the seat holder as the nuts on these in rough bouncy seas grate on the fabric i have had this problem on all 3 bombards i have owned and bombard actually used this on my 420 with good success but dont know what glue the used

SmithG · 01 July 2012, 09:55

Originally Posted by Dino89
His pictures show exactly same damage as my boat tubes.

Click image for larger version Name: P7151260.JPG Views: 28 Size: 155.5 KB ID: 60877 Click image for larger version Name: P7151262.JPG Views: 27 Size: 157.1 KB ID: 60878

SmithG · 01 July 2012, 10:08

Yes Matt I agree design or manufacture falt.
It looks a fairly common problem when I search on here.
I will be going back to the Bombard dealer with warranty soon.

cheers Graham