Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

[Tallyho1967]

Hi everyone

I just wanted to let you know I bought a 1997 Futura Mark 2 and tried to fit the floor today.

I was unsuccessful. I followed the instructions to the letter.
The only reason I can think of is the ambient temperature. In ye old Yorkshire County of England the temperature outside was around 5 degrees!!

I think this has a marked effect on the ease in which the aluminium floor fits into the boat....

Has anyone else struggled with the floor sections?

I will try and pusuade the wife to allow me to bring the boat inside so I can get the ambient temperature upto around 20 degrees.....failing that I hope its just a case of waiting for a warmer climate.

Grateful for any replies.

Tallyho Chaps!

 

[CapeAnn]

Re: Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

We were assembling Zodiac Floors in 40F. Alaska..and it was a tiny bit harder. Just because. That said - those Zodiac floors were always a pain. So, I've moved onto air floors as they're less of a hassle.

I would definitely convince the Mrs. to let you bring it inside. You can have a cup of tea, or coffee while assembling. Plus, no one can hear you curse when you get frustrated with fitting the rails and sections.

 

[Peter_C]

Re: Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

A 1997 PVC boat has failing glue. I would treat it very carefully and be extra gentle with it. Cold weather could easily cause a glue separation. Although 5*c isn't that cold. You could always bring it inside to warm it up for an hour or two, then take it outside and assemble it.

I leave mine assembled on the trailer. Last time we went diving the scenery on he way was covered in white frost everywhere and the docks were very slippery with ice. Pumped the boat up the remainder of the way, dropped it into the water, and off we went...

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

No experience with cold temperatures, but cold temps should shrink a bit alum floors ? Try to assemble floors as indicated on manual with completely deflated sib. Apply soappy water to floor fabric contours and under alum panels as well, alum panels must be placed completely paralell to transsom, soappy water will help to slide alum panels much better than assembling dry. When all alum boards are assembled, appy soappy water to side joiners edges, will slide & snap in much faster.

Happy Boating

 

[Tallyho1967]

Re: Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

No experience with cold temperatures, but cold temps should shrink a bit alum floors ? Try to assemble floors as indicated on manual with completely deflated sib. Apply soappy water to floor fabric contours and under alum panels as well, alum panels must be placed completely paralell to transsom, soappy water will help to slide alum panels much better than assembling dry. When all alum boards are assembled, appy soappy water to side joiners edges, will slide & snap in much faster.

Happy Boating

Thanks everyone for your advice...soapy water will help but I fear the transom may not be located correctly. It was removed and re-glued after I bought it.
I will take it back to the inflatable boat repairer with the floor and ask them if they have fitted it properly...i shouldnt be struggling the way I am.

I fear the transom is an inch or so too far towards the bow.

Will let you all know how I get on.

Tallyho!

 

[Peter_C]

Re: Zodiac Futura Aluminium Floor won't fit when ambient temperature 5 degrees!!!

If the transom was moved at all you should be able to see evidence of this by the fade marks on the fabric. There was a huge difference on mine. Made it very easy to put the transom back where it belonged. Plus the glue lines would still be visible to a point.

Which floor part are you struggling with and which are the two sections you are trying to push down for the final assembly? Pictures?