Hello all. My first post. Here goes:
I've got a problem. Need some information. I own a 21 ft. Zodiac 15 man Pro RHI with 150 HP E-tec. Purchased new in 2007. After a few months, tube separated from hull at bow, about three feet on each side. The flap tore out of the four screws holding it down. Zodiac said I hit something (which I didn't) or underinflated ( a possibility since bow tube had a slow leak, but I pumped it up regularly.) I paid for a repair...which lasted about three trips into ocean, when tube separated from bow to 2/3 of way aft coming back in over the bar...that was exciting.
Zodiac assumed no responsibility, said I didn't tie the "rope" at the bow. This rope, which I later found, is no more than a shoestring. Bought a new tube for nearly $7,000.
Going out over the bar a month ago took some 3 ft. breakers, and the starboard tube separated (ripped off the bead) from aft to 2/3 way toward bow! Initial response from dealer is, "Zodiac's heard about you Rinehart, you're the one who had the tube separation last year, and they won't warrant your current tube."
Since I got a Zodiac to go over the bar, (which requires navigating some pretty rough water and a lot of power)and was sold based on their reputation, I'm disapointed, of course.
Question is, what's with this tube separation? Is this really unusual, as they claim?
Has anyone else encountered this problem? Is this a known "weak link" with this product?
Are these boats not really made for rough water, just rivers and lakes?
It doesn't make much sense to keep buying a new tube every year, especially since they don't even last a season.
Thank you
I've got a problem. Need some information. I own a 21 ft. Zodiac 15 man Pro RHI with 150 HP E-tec. Purchased new in 2007. After a few months, tube separated from hull at bow, about three feet on each side. The flap tore out of the four screws holding it down. Zodiac said I hit something (which I didn't) or underinflated ( a possibility since bow tube had a slow leak, but I pumped it up regularly.) I paid for a repair...which lasted about three trips into ocean, when tube separated from bow to 2/3 of way aft coming back in over the bar...that was exciting.
Zodiac assumed no responsibility, said I didn't tie the "rope" at the bow. This rope, which I later found, is no more than a shoestring. Bought a new tube for nearly $7,000.
Going out over the bar a month ago took some 3 ft. breakers, and the starboard tube separated (ripped off the bead) from aft to 2/3 way toward bow! Initial response from dealer is, "Zodiac's heard about you Rinehart, you're the one who had the tube separation last year, and they won't warrant your current tube."
Since I got a Zodiac to go over the bar, (which requires navigating some pretty rough water and a lot of power)and was sold based on their reputation, I'm disapointed, of course.
Question is, what's with this tube separation? Is this really unusual, as they claim?
Has anyone else encountered this problem? Is this a known "weak link" with this product?
Are these boats not really made for rough water, just rivers and lakes?
It doesn't make much sense to keep buying a new tube every year, especially since they don't even last a season.
Thank you
