$100 buys me an orange Zodiac 9' rollup that leaks air + 1' gap in floor seam

[b-lilja]

I don't know whether to be thrilled or disturbed.

The boat seems essentially solid. Filled with air to firmness about six hours ago and seems to have lost about 20%. A significant one foot parting between the tubes and floor.

Model 0113. No transom but it came with an odd little motor mount and not sure how that works. Does anyone know what this is? It is orange. It makes me feel like a commando. But now I am deflated. Is this stock for the garbage or is it easily restored? I love the color and the big Zodiac patches on the bow and flanks.

This will be a knockabout row only boat for birding and puttering about on the water.

[bartiny]

Hi, a couple of pictures would help those with any experience of your Zodiac to maybe offer advice/encouragement .

It does not sound like alot of money to me

[b-lilja]

Here are photos. Thoughts appreciated! The gap is about 18 inches long, and this is the state of inflation after two days. A worthy project or something to move on from?

[captnjack]

For the money that's totally restorable. Pump it up and find the hole with soapy water first. Then address the floor seam.

[S4Simon]

Ditto above. Should be able to restore with minimal costs. With regard to the floor repair, keep pulling the fabric away from the tubes to see if the glue is weak. You don't want to repair the area in the picture only, to find later that when you're out on the water and you step on another weak area that the floor gives way again in another area. So the first thing we do if check the entire floor and try and force any weak areas. If the bond is strong the fabric will not pull away and if weak the fabric will pull away quite easily. Better to do the job right the first time around to ensure many happy hours of boating later. :-)

Have a look at the guide I made for Zodiac floor repairs to give you an idea of what's involved.

Floor Repair | Inflatable Boat Repairs