zodiac futura speed tubes

dij66 · 13 September 2013, 08:52

Hi, trying to further my quest of getting my futura on the water!

I have a futura mkii with the fixed speed tubes which are not good, leaks around the valves and at the ends, this is the one with the vertical inflation tubes on either side of the transom.

I am considering filling the tubes with foam and would like advice on the following options

1/ fill with expanding foam

2/ fill with foam strips

Advantage with 2 is that it will absorb knocks and still rebound to original shape where as 1 would "dent" and not rebound

Thoughts please

Starovich · 13 September 2013, 12:40

TBH i wouldn't recommend either,
1) un less you get the 100% closed cell foam they will absorb water and be too heavy to be practical.

2) no guarantee you will get the rigidity you'll need.

Have you spoken to any of the tube repairers (Rib Shop, Henshaws, Paul Tilley) there are others too. they can probably fix the tubes, or replace them?

cgoing · 13 September 2013, 12:42

A few years back I bought a zodiac which someone had the bright idea to fill with expanding foam. The boat was twenty years old and they were quoted a rediculous price for tubes so they chose the route of foam. Well it filled the tubes and kept expanding . Literally the foam expanded in some areas to the point of tearing the tube fabric. Then it sat and the foam absorbed water. By the time I bought the boat we estimate the water logged tubes weighed well over 1000 lbs. We ended up using a chainsaw and sawzall the cut the tubes from the hull. It created a huge mess and certainly did not accomplish their goal.
My suggestion would be to have a professional service shop install new speed tubes if they are not fixable.

-Chris

whisper · 13 September 2013, 12:55

Hi, don't fill with foam! It will breakdown

dij66 · 14 September 2013, 10:37

how do you think the boat would handle if I removed the speed tubes completely? it would cost over £600 to replace them and I only paid £200 for the boat, trailer and 50hp engine

J@mes · 14 September 2013, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by dij66

how do you think the boat would handle if I removed the speed tubes completely? it would cost over £600 to replace them and I only paid £200 for the boat, trailer and 50hp engine

If money is an issue and in your case I would use the boat without the speed tubes, just remove them, see how it goes and if your happy great! Though surely it would handle how a normal sib does?! You can always keep your eye open for 2nd hand speed tubes or new ones at a seasonable price! Either way, good luck!

Landlockedpirate · 14 September 2013, 16:01

Handling will be fine, it will just create a little more spray off the sides and you will lose a little off the top speed.

Why bother removing them ? Just leave them deflated.

dij66 · 14 September 2013, 16:16

thanks for all the help peeps, going to run with them deflated and go from there.

J@mes · 14 September 2013, 17:00

post up how you get on mate as I am sure it will be useful info now and in the future to other futura owners!

Also I almost bought a 2nd hand futura mkII once but didn't for various reasons, one being the speed tubes both had holes in and the seller came back to me saying this company... https://www.aerosafe.co.uk/cgi-bin/s...ml%23a314#a314 quoted him about £100 each for a new speed tubes.

Also this company does zodiac spares... IBS Boat Supplies » Spares Enquiry

Might be worth sending a quick email to both for a quote, may be cheaper than your were first quoted?! Thought I'd say.

davesailing2004 · 22 November 2013, 13:36

i know this is a little late on the reply but how about using the Swimming noodles that kids use in pools, they are the right shape and are buoyant, reasonably rigid and so cheep that when they become waterlogged you can replace them. not sure of the diameter though....