Hello all

[h2olover]

New to the site but have read several threads while searching for an answer to my question. I will keep this very simple. I inherited a Zodiac inflatable with an 8hp outboard. Has been sitting in my recently deceased father-in-laws basement for close to 15 years. Inflated it and of course it has slow leaks (each tube loses air over 48 hours), and the transom (motor mount) has come loose from both tubes. Does anyone know of a repair facility in the southeast Michigan (Detroit) area? I would like to at least get an estimate to repair. Thank-you in advance.

 

[partskenn]

Re: Hello all

Only one I know for sure is Wolf's Marine in Benton Harbor. Not very close to Detroit though.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Hello all

Welcome to the forums.

If it's a pvc Zodiac life has ended, if fabric is in good conditions, probably will need to start regluing complete floor fabric, 15 year old glue must be completely dry, check tube seams and air valves too for air leaks.

To re glue a transom back on is a very long and tedious work as you need to remove old dry glue on side tubes, both sides of transom holders and wooden transom itself and glue all mentioned parts back on, that's time demanding & expensive hand labor to do it factory standard. If it's hypalon, has some more years of existence and worth to full repair it. Go for a repair quote and decide.

Happy Boating

 

[paulpost]

Re: Hello all

Hi, as sea rider is saing if the boat is PVC and under 11' IMO is not worth to fix it, you'll spend $300 to $400 and still have a 15 years old boat, add a few dollars more and get a new one.
Try to revive the engine, does not matter how old it is, it's a 2 stroke that this days is hard to come by one.
Good luck
Paul