Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Harvey
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
There is a Canadian inflatable manufacturer named Zeppelin. I did some research on them and think they build a very high quality boat. They have a good web site with a link to contact them with questions. I don't know if they built the inflatable in question but the Canadian origin and Z seemed to be good clues. Their site is www.zeppelininflatables.com.
On the matter of used infalatables. I bought a used achilles that was about 10 to 12 years old and got another 10 years out of it. Albeit with alot of patches along the way. I then bought a very old Avon when the achilles was no longer patchable. I used that for couple of years and then broke down and bought a new Zodiac. My only advice is to look them over very carefully for leaks and wear spots. They are very expensive to have professionally repaired. I continue to check out ads for used inflatables as I am really sold on them.
sedco@maine.rr.com
On the matter of used infalatables. I bought a used achilles that was about 10 to 12 years old and got another 10 years out of it. Albeit with alot of patches along the way. I then bought a very old Avon when the achilles was no longer patchable. I used that for couple of years and then broke down and bought a new Zodiac. My only advice is to look them over very carefully for leaks and wear spots. They are very expensive to have professionally repaired. I continue to check out ads for used inflatables as I am really sold on them.
Bill wrote: I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
sedco@maine.rr.com
-
Olli Wendelin
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Bill,
I have owned two used inflatables and were happy with both. The first was a 14 ft Zodiac. She was 7 years old when I bought her and I used her for another 7 years. Currently I have an 8 ft RIB which was sold by Boat US and made in Greece. Boat was 6 or 7 years old when I bought her and I have used her for 2 years. Both boats were origionally used in the Virgin Islands. Used hard and put away wet. Both boats were great deals, which is why I bought them. Both were also hypalon, which is the only fabric I would recommend.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
I have owned two used inflatables and were happy with both. The first was a 14 ft Zodiac. She was 7 years old when I bought her and I used her for another 7 years. Currently I have an 8 ft RIB which was sold by Boat US and made in Greece. Boat was 6 or 7 years old when I bought her and I have used her for 2 years. Both boats were origionally used in the Virgin Islands. Used hard and put away wet. Both boats were great deals, which is why I bought them. Both were also hypalon, which is the only fabric I would recommend.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
-
Bill
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Thanks for your post gentlemen
The boat is indeed a Zepplin manufactured private brand....
I am waiting to speak with a factory rep about this particular brand and get his comments. I think it is pretty much a done deal, just want to check some final details.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The boat is haplyon (sp) and it looks to be lightly used.
Thanks for the comments
Bill
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
The boat is indeed a Zepplin manufactured private brand....
I am waiting to speak with a factory rep about this particular brand and get his comments. I think it is pretty much a done deal, just want to check some final details.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The boat is haplyon (sp) and it looks to be lightly used.
Thanks for the comments
Bill
Bill wrote: Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
-
Larry DeMers
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.
Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
demers@sgi.com
Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
Bill wrote: Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
demers@sgi.com
-
John R.
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Larry,
I have a Zodiac made PVC Metzeler "Jolly M" with inflatable floor and I haven't ever heard of a recall of any type. What information do you have on this? I have never been notified by Zodiac of any problems. The boat hasn't had any transom problems at all. It did have a little seam separation just aft of the bow from being stored too long in Florida's intense sun. Boat US sold many of these boats and other Metzelers and Zodiacs and I'm surprised I never heard of a safety recall. They are PVC boats and the seams can weaken and separate when exposed to too much sunlight. They are not that difficult to repair; just clean the seam and coat both sides with PVC cement and press and clamp together until dry. Those repairs hold up pretty well. My Metzeler is still going well. Hypalon is a preferred material rather than PVC. I don't think all new Zodiacs are PVC, I believe they are now Hypalon. All brands of PVC boats have a vulnerability to glued seams drying out, releasing or weakening, it isn't a problem just associated with Zodiac so if buying a PVC boat to save some $$$ just don't leave it sitting in the sun for months on end and it will serve just fine.
If you have more USCG detailed or specific information on that recall please post it or a specific reference to it.
From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.
I have a Zodiac made PVC Metzeler "Jolly M" with inflatable floor and I haven't ever heard of a recall of any type. What information do you have on this? I have never been notified by Zodiac of any problems. The boat hasn't had any transom problems at all. It did have a little seam separation just aft of the bow from being stored too long in Florida's intense sun. Boat US sold many of these boats and other Metzelers and Zodiacs and I'm surprised I never heard of a safety recall. They are PVC boats and the seams can weaken and separate when exposed to too much sunlight. They are not that difficult to repair; just clean the seam and coat both sides with PVC cement and press and clamp together until dry. Those repairs hold up pretty well. My Metzeler is still going well. Hypalon is a preferred material rather than PVC. I don't think all new Zodiacs are PVC, I believe they are now Hypalon. All brands of PVC boats have a vulnerability to glued seams drying out, releasing or weakening, it isn't a problem just associated with Zodiac so if buying a PVC boat to save some $$$ just don't leave it sitting in the sun for months on end and it will serve just fine.
If you have more USCG detailed or specific information on that recall please post it or a specific reference to it.
From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.
Larry DeMers wrote: Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
Bill wrote: Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
-
Tom
PVC recall
There definitely was such a recall about 5 years ago and was highly publicized in all the boat mags. We sailed with people who had PVC inflatables when we were in the Bahamas years ago. They had to anchor out and wade ashore because if they touched the sandy shore it sprung a leak. There may have been better brands or worst quality brands, but Zodiac was definitely one that had to be recalled. The hypalon Zodiacs are fine and were made before and after the PVC versions. I don't have the infoormation anymore, but a search through the Reader's Guide at the local library will probably turn it up. Larry is right on this one. I'm unfamiliar with the Canadian boat, but if it's PVC I'd be extremely cautious. Just my opinion for what it's worth.
TomCambria@mindspring.com
John R. wrote: Larry,
I have a Zodiac made PVC Metzeler "Jolly M" with inflatable floor and I haven't ever heard of a recall of any type. What information do you have on this? I have never been notified by Zodiac of any problems. The boat hasn't had any transom problems at all. It did have a little seam separation just aft of the bow from being stored too long in Florida's intense sun. Boat US sold many of these boats and other Metzelers and Zodiacs and I'm surprised I never heard of a safety recall. They are PVC boats and the seams can weaken and separate when exposed to too much sunlight. They are not that difficult to repair; just clean the seam and coat both sides with PVC cement and press and clamp together until dry. Those repairs hold up pretty well. My Metzeler is still going well. Hypalon is a preferred material rather than PVC. I don't think all new Zodiacs are PVC, I believe they are now Hypalon. All brands of PVC boats have a vulnerability to glued seams drying out, releasing or weakening, it isn't a problem just associated with Zodiac so if buying a PVC boat to save some $$$ just don't leave it sitting in the sun for months on end and it will serve just fine.
If you have more USCG detailed or specific information on that recall please post it or a specific reference to it.
From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.Larry DeMers wrote: Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
Larry DeMers wrote:Bill wrote: Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
TomCambria@mindspring.com
-
Larry DeMers
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
John et al,
This recall was initiated by the CG when Zodiak refused to do so on their own. There was a class action law suit filed in this matter also. I do not have any further information other than my sources at the time, which were Soundings Magazine as well as Boat/US Reports. The timing was about the mid 90's. This experience is born out by almost every cruising equipment report I have read for 20 years now.
I was not aware that Zodiak has ever dabbled in Hypalon, as they are a huge proponent of PVC. For my money, I would not buy anything more valuable than my grandaughters wadding pool in pvc..it is not a good product for inflatables in general, as almost all of the reviews I have ever read bear out. Not saying you will sink if you buy one..they just don't seem to have the length of service life that the hypalon seem to have. Repairs to the pvc inflattable are more difficult and less certain too, due to the material itself. It does not glue well..almost needs to be melted to get a good bond.
Unless there has been some recent improvements in pvc products, I would steer clear of them myself. (Just look at a Sevylor inflatable for one end of the spectrum).
As mentioned, I did own a Zeppelin 12ft. inflatable for a few years. Gave it away when I got tired of making the repairs to the holes that we seemed to get by simply looking at it. Worked fine when it was inflated.
We currently own an Avon Roll-Away, and love it with one exception..those awful oar locks!!!! lordy, there must be a better way to capture that oar than those rubbery skene oarlocks that distort as soon as you put any weight on the oars...letting the oar get loose.
Larry Demers
demers@sgi.com
This recall was initiated by the CG when Zodiak refused to do so on their own. There was a class action law suit filed in this matter also. I do not have any further information other than my sources at the time, which were Soundings Magazine as well as Boat/US Reports. The timing was about the mid 90's. This experience is born out by almost every cruising equipment report I have read for 20 years now.
I was not aware that Zodiak has ever dabbled in Hypalon, as they are a huge proponent of PVC. For my money, I would not buy anything more valuable than my grandaughters wadding pool in pvc..it is not a good product for inflatables in general, as almost all of the reviews I have ever read bear out. Not saying you will sink if you buy one..they just don't seem to have the length of service life that the hypalon seem to have. Repairs to the pvc inflattable are more difficult and less certain too, due to the material itself. It does not glue well..almost needs to be melted to get a good bond.
Unless there has been some recent improvements in pvc products, I would steer clear of them myself. (Just look at a Sevylor inflatable for one end of the spectrum).
As mentioned, I did own a Zeppelin 12ft. inflatable for a few years. Gave it away when I got tired of making the repairs to the holes that we seemed to get by simply looking at it. Worked fine when it was inflated.
We currently own an Avon Roll-Away, and love it with one exception..those awful oar locks!!!! lordy, there must be a better way to capture that oar than those rubbery skene oarlocks that distort as soon as you put any weight on the oars...letting the oar get loose.
Larry Demers
John R. wrote: Larry,
I have a Zodiac made PVC Metzeler "Jolly M" with inflatable floor and I haven't ever heard of a recall of any type. What information do you have on this? I have never been notified by Zodiac of any problems. The boat hasn't had any transom problems at all. It did have a little seam separation just aft of the bow from being stored too long in Florida's intense sun. Boat US sold many of these boats and other Metzelers and Zodiacs and I'm surprised I never heard of a safety recall. They are PVC boats and the seams can weaken and separate when exposed to too much sunlight. They are not that difficult to repair; just clean the seam and coat both sides with PVC cement and press and clamp together until dry. Those repairs hold up pretty well. My Metzeler is still going well. Hypalon is a preferred material rather than PVC. I don't think all new Zodiacs are PVC, I believe they are now Hypalon. All brands of PVC boats have a vulnerability to glued seams drying out, releasing or weakening, it isn't a problem just associated with Zodiac so if buying a PVC boat to save some $$$ just don't leave it sitting in the sun for months on end and it will serve just fine.
If you have more USCG detailed or specific information on that recall please post it or a specific reference to it.
From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.Larry DeMers wrote: Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
Larry DeMers wrote:Bill wrote: Hello to all
I have an opportunity (I guess that depends on your answers) to purchase a used 8'6" to 9' roll up dink with an metal (I cant even spell the A word) floor. The dink is two years old and I know and trust the seller, but I dont want to buy a piece of crap that maybe he doesnt know about.
Here's the catch, it is not a recognized brand name. The name on the boat is "Bear". It appears just like the name of any other dink would (ie Avon, Zodiac, etc). I looked at the manufacturer's plate and it is made in Canada by a company that starts with a "Z" (it was a long weekend). The model name of the boat on the builders plate is "Kodiak".
Does anyone have any comments on this boat? Or is anyone familiar with the brand? Any comments would be appreciated.
Fresh Breezes
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
demers@sgi.com
-
John R.
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Maybe the USCG has something on their website about the recall. I'm going to check that out. I would like to know if my old Metzeler is listed in the recall. It's most generally true that a hypalon product will have a longer service life than PVC and a hypalon boat would be the wise choice in this day and age. Cost is a factor for some folks and PVC can fill a need and will do its job if cared for properly, they just can't be abused like a hypalon boat and still be expected to be as dependable. If anyone owns a PVC boat keep it out of the sun when it's not being used. I've never had problems with the Metzeler being dragged on a beach, punctures or anything like that.
Larry DeMers wrote: John et al,
This recall was initiated by the CG when Zodiak refused to do so on their own. There was a class action law suit filed in this matter also. I do not have any further information other than my sources at the time, which were Soundings Magazine as well as Boat/US Reports. The timing was about the mid 90's. This experience is born out by almost every cruising equipment report I have read for 20 years now.
I was not aware that Zodiak has ever dabbled in Hypalon, as they are a huge proponent of PVC. For my money, I would not buy anything more valuable than my grandaughters wadding pool in pvc..it is not a good product for inflatables in general, as almost all of the reviews I have ever read bear out. Not saying you will sink if you buy one..they just don't seem to have the length of service life that the hypalon seem to have. Repairs to the pvc inflattable are more difficult and less certain too, due to the material itself. It does not glue well..almost needs to be melted to get a good bond.
Unless there has been some recent improvements in pvc products, I would steer clear of them myself. (Just look at a Sevylor inflatable for one end of the spectrum).
As mentioned, I did own a Zeppelin 12ft. inflatable for a few years. Gave it away when I got tired of making the repairs to the holes that we seemed to get by simply looking at it. Worked fine when it was inflated.
We currently own an Avon Roll-Away, and love it with one exception..those awful oar locks!!!! lordy, there must be a better way to capture that oar than those rubbery skene oarlocks that distort as soon as you put any weight on the oars...letting the oar get loose.
Larry Demers
John R. wrote: Larry,
I have a Zodiac made PVC Metzeler "Jolly M" with inflatable floor and I haven't ever heard of a recall of any type. What information do you have on this? I have never been notified by Zodiac of any problems. The boat hasn't had any transom problems at all. It did have a little seam separation just aft of the bow from being stored too long in Florida's intense sun. Boat US sold many of these boats and other Metzelers and Zodiacs and I'm surprised I never heard of a safety recall. They are PVC boats and the seams can weaken and separate when exposed to too much sunlight. They are not that difficult to repair; just clean the seam and coat both sides with PVC cement and press and clamp together until dry. Those repairs hold up pretty well. My Metzeler is still going well. Hypalon is a preferred material rather than PVC. I don't think all new Zodiacs are PVC, I believe they are now Hypalon. All brands of PVC boats have a vulnerability to glued seams drying out, releasing or weakening, it isn't a problem just associated with Zodiac so if buying a PVC boat to save some $$$ just don't leave it sitting in the sun for months on end and it will serve just fine.
If you have more USCG detailed or specific information on that recall please post it or a specific reference to it.
John R. wrote: From memory now; the Zodiak and also Zeppelin are now and have always been PVC boats, not Hypalon (sorry Olli). They had a big delamination problem that initiated a Coast Guard recall of all Zodiak products in 1993, I believe, or possibly as late as 1995. The problem resulted in the wood transom coming delaminated and falling off of the boats at inopportune times.Larry DeMers wrote: Because of the negative publicity, Zodiak then turned around and purchased Avon inflatables, which they currently still own..and are still in business with their own Zodiak lines as well.
Not much help, but a bit of pseudo-history, heh?
Cheers,
Larry DeMers
s/v DeLaMer
Cape Dory 30 ~~Sailing Lake Superior, Avon Roll-Away equipped~~~
Interestingly, I once had a Zeppelin inflatable, and checking on it's load placard, I learned that the Zeppelin was owned by Zodiak at that time..the load placard said.."manufactured by Zodiak Rubber company" or something close (now that is drawing deep into the well of uncertainty..going back 20 years).
Larry DeMers wrote:
-
Bill
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Hello to all
I am still trying to determine the age and material of the dinghy in question. I have talked with the "former" manufacturer, and they couldnt tell me much. Except that the boat should be about 4 or 5 years old (at least).
My question now is will the manufacturer's plate identify the material used for construction (I know it should identify the date of constructon)? Can one tell by looking or feeling the material?
The "old" Zepplin site says they used only Hypalon for construction, but that is now not then. And no one knows at the company.
Thanks to all
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
I am still trying to determine the age and material of the dinghy in question. I have talked with the "former" manufacturer, and they couldnt tell me much. Except that the boat should be about 4 or 5 years old (at least).
My question now is will the manufacturer's plate identify the material used for construction (I know it should identify the date of constructon)? Can one tell by looking or feeling the material?
The "old" Zepplin site says they used only Hypalon for construction, but that is now not then. And no one knows at the company.
Thanks to all
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
cd25d@rhapsodysails.com
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John R.
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
I doubt you would ever see the material mentioned on a builders plate. I have never seen it indicated.
You can tell if a boat is Hypalon by looking at the edge of a section, it is thicker than PVC and feels more robust. All the PVC boats I have been around have a rather slick finish.
You can tell if a boat is Hypalon by looking at the edge of a section, it is thicker than PVC and feels more robust. All the PVC boats I have been around have a rather slick finish.
Bill wrote: Hello to all
I am still trying to determine the age and material of the dinghy in question. I have talked with the "former" manufacturer, and they couldnt tell me much. Except that the boat should be about 4 or 5 years old (at least).
My question now is will the manufacturer's plate identify the material used for construction (I know it should identify the date of constructon)? Can one tell by looking or feeling the material?
The "old" Zepplin site says they used only Hypalon for construction, but that is now not then. And no one knows at the company.
Thanks to all
Bill
Captain Commanding
S/V Rhapsody (the Original)
CD25D #148
Oklahoma Contingent of the NE Fleet of the CDSOA
Galley Wench Evening Light
<A HREF="http://www.applegatemarina.com">Kerr Lake, OK (Oklahoma's Outlet to the Sea)</A>
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Mike L
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Amazing the information that surfaces on this site. Until recently I owned a Zodiac of the early 90's vintage and sure enough the transom fell off. It didn't appear to have any visible adhesive in the joint. Not being aware of the recall I just glued it back in with Life Calk or something similar and it worked fine. We sold the Zodiac because of the hassle storing and setting it up in the confines of a 25' sailboat. We now have an Aire inflatable Kayak that sets up quicker takes up less space, more versatile and is lots of fun. These units are quite expensive however.
mikit@pioneer-net.com
mikit@pioneer-net.com
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Olli Wendelin
Re: Inflateable Dinghy ??'s
Larry,
My Zodiac was made in the mid 70's. It was a heavy duty military model. I believe it was hypalon, in any case it was a multi layered "rubberized canvas" similar to Viking dry suits and my Fenzi BCs. I used an Avon patch kit on it. It was better than any I have seen sold for yachting lately. As I recall Marine Recon use to drop these fully inflated complete with outboard from a C-130 or C-141 when conducting a recon.
I thought Zodiac went to PVC in the mid 80's.
Zeppelin, isn't that the old German dirigible maker.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil
My Zodiac was made in the mid 70's. It was a heavy duty military model. I believe it was hypalon, in any case it was a multi layered "rubberized canvas" similar to Viking dry suits and my Fenzi BCs. I used an Avon patch kit on it. It was better than any I have seen sold for yachting lately. As I recall Marine Recon use to drop these fully inflated complete with outboard from a C-130 or C-141 when conducting a recon.
I thought Zodiac went to PVC in the mid 80's.
Zeppelin, isn't that the old German dirigible maker.
Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC
wendelin@spawar.navy.mil