Life expectancy of SIB?

[lightning]

Thread update!!

Seven years later and the SIB is still fine, used multiple times every season, just back from a week at Windermere.

So our Zodiac 285s is 14 years old and no signs of trouble.

[office888]

Originally Posted by lightning

I have a Zodiac 285s solid floor SIB bought in 2009.

When l bought the boat l was told that they "are designed to last ten years" and l wondered if there was any truth in this.

The boat is used regularly but has to be stowed in its bag between uses. I always dry it before stowing, or if that's not possible l do it when l get home.

After seven seasons it still looks like new. The floor sections are all fine and there is no visible deterioration of the wooden transom. How long do these PVC boats usually last if looked after?

That generation of Zodiac 285 is constructed from thermowelded PVC.

Thermowelded air seams & cone ends
Thermowelded baffles (Zodiac patent)
Thermowelded floor (Zodiac patent)
Thermowelded transom (Zodiac patent)
Thermowelded accessories (Zodiac patent)

There are only two potential for failure on the boat.

1.) degradation of the material from UV or contamination (don't spill gasoline or diesel on it, and wash it regularly).

2.) the bottom edge of the transom is a glued flap to the wood, along with two pac-man patches at the edges. If they unglue, they will leak water which will rot the wood.

[Fenlander]

>>When l bought the boat l was told that they "are designed to last ten years" and l wondered if there was any truth in this.

Perhaps with the 285 many were sold as tenders and they were meaning ten years in terms of general wear and tear in such use.

When I bought my Aerotec new the dealer said they reckoned 18yrs life... another dealer I enquired of said 20yrs. Seemed a long way off then but I've now eaten away 9yrs of that time.

[User name]

Originally Posted by lightning

When l bought the boat l was told that they "are designed to last ten years" and l wondered if there was any truth in this.

I'd guess when they say "designed to last 10 years", they mean at least 10 years, and anything after that is beyond what they're testing/simulating for. It could last far longer though. I have a couple of older SIBs that are 20+ and still fine, and I know of some 80s and 90s models still being used. Sounds like your 2009 is well looked after so you'll likely get many more years service from it.

[Easedalenovice]

Sibs are so cheap if they last 10 - 13 or more years in my book they have done very well. For a Honwave that is about £100 per year

[plazma]

I got a Bombard C5 from 1986. What has saved it is using it mainly for scuba trips and storing it packed in a garage. Need to add some lacquer to the wooden parts before next season.