1980's PVC Zodiacs- worth the effort?

evert · 15 August 2022, 16:24

Over the last year two old Zodiac 310's from the mid 80's have ended up in my possession.
Got the 1987 boat on the water some weeks ago, and find it to be great for my needs. It planes easily and is large enough for me.

After a trip with three people in waves, the boat has developed a slow leak that seeps out along where the bottom is glued to the tubes. Seems like I might have to open up a lot of glued seams to find the leak.

I'm wondering if it is worth the effort?
Are these mid 80's PVC Zodiacs so old, that they are likely to develop more leaks along glued seams in use?

Fenlander · 15 August 2022, 16:40

The simple answer is yes. Any Zodiac PVC model over 20yrs old will be heading for problems on the glued seams. They have done well to get to 40!

evert · 15 August 2022, 18:56

Ok, thanks, that's what I was afraid of.
The 1985 boat has intact tubes, but the transom is loose and rotten, plus the bottom seems to come loose at the seams.
I really like the size, weight and handling of these boats, but if putting work into them is just going to reveal more problems over time it may not be worth it.