zodiac yachtline hypalon or pvc

6 Most-Common Problems With Zodiac Boats (Explained)

Since the first season of the classic adventure series The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, Zodiac inflatables have been in the public consciousness.

Well-liked and used all over the world, Zodiac boats are a great option for users who want something lightweight and structurally sound. However, like all boats, they have certain problems that may arise.

First, we need to understand the material we are dealing with!

Table of Contents

1. Zodiacs Are Made from Strongan

Inflatables are made from 1 of 2 different materials: Hypalon (a rubber fabric) or PVC. It is important to know which material was used to construct an inflatable before you set out to repair it.

It is usually easy to quickly tell which fabric is which if you are looking at repairing a tear, as Hypalon will have different colors on the outside and the inside, while PVC will be the same color on both sides.

Today, all Zodiacs are made from their proprietary material called Strongan, which is a PVC. Before 1968, however, many models were made from Hypalon.

This means that any repairs you set out to do yourself will require Stabond as the adhesive unless the boat was made before 1968. In that case, you will need to confirm the material as above before determining whether to use Stabond or a Hypalon adhesive.

2. Getting punctures or leaks

Because the sides of inflatables are made from a pliable material, they are susceptible to sharp objects. A moment’s carelessness with a knife or even a screwdriver can punch a hole through the fabric.

Repairs to small holes in the PVC fabric are relatively straightforward, fortunately.

There are several guides and videos on the internet to use as a starting point in repairing. Using the right materials is essential, as are the repair conditions (i.e., no or low humidity and a cleaned surface).

The bottoms are rigid and not susceptible in the same manner, though they are still vulnerable to other kinds of damage such as rocks or other submerged hazards.

Leaks are uncommon in the tubes of a Zodiac unless they have been punctured or cut. If your Zodiac is leaking, it is probably the result of the joint between the bottom and the hulls failing (see below).

3. Welding of seams failing at the hull and stern

While Hypalon seams are glued, as are some PVC seams, the seams of most PVC inflatables, like Zodiacs made from Strangan, are actually welded. Opinions on forums are hotly divided over whether gluing or welding is superior overall. Still, most of those familiar with the process feel that welding PVC is superior to gluing it.

This welding is done using 1 of 2 methods. The first is using high-frequency radio waves to create an electromagnetic field that melds the surfaces together. The second process is hot air or thermo-welding, a more recent innovation, which melts two pieces together with high heat and then compresses them tightly.

Currently, Zodiac uses thermo-welding, and the seams of the inflatable sections themselves rarely fail.

In the late 1980s, however, a rash of seams in the hull failed as a new process was introduced, but that is no longer an issue.

But at the joints where the rigid bottom meets the inflatable sides, several reports of failure at these seams.

This is because they are joined with glue, and the stress of flexing at the joint between the rigid and softer sides weakens the bond over time. When this bond breaks down, it can be costly to repair.

The stern of Zodiacs are also rigid, usually made from wood. The bond here is also glue rather than thermo-welded (as you cannot thermo-weld wood to PVC), subsequently riveted to the PVC. The flex at this joint can cause the bond to break down over time, detaching the transom from the rest of the boat.

This is a more complicated repair than separation at the hull and rib joint and is usually thought of as a temporary repair at best.

The seams at the hull and transom can also fail if the glue was originally applied in improper conditions, such as high humidity.

4. Delamination of the transom

The transom of a Zodiac is usually made of two pieces of marine plywood. There are some occurrences of this plywood delaminating and falling apart.

This can occur if the paint was improperly applied or the transom is somehow damaged, letting water get in between the layers. It can also happen after years of hard use, with the transom flexing and allowing in water.

The bonding between the plywood layers then disintegrates, and the transom rots away.

Replacing the transom is a costly process, and most owners will move on to a different boat at that point.

5. UV degradation of the PVC

PVC is more susceptible to ultraviolet light than Hypalon. If totally left exposed to the sun, a model like the Zodiac can start to degrade in as little as three years, particularly further south, where the UV is stronger.

For this reason, Zodiacs must be covered when not in use.

Looking over the feedback from owners, UV exposure seems to be the ultimate cause of Zodiacs, and other PVC inflatables, breaking down. Hypalon has better resistance to UV light.

6. Low life expectancy of inflatables

The estimate varies depending on whether you are talking to a professional or an observer, and you will always find counter-opinions and testimonials.

But the fact is, inflatable dinghies have a finite lifespan. 10 years is generally regarded as the upper limit of the effective life of a PVC, while 15 years may be expected from a Hypalon.

Welded-seam PVC models, like Zodiacs, last longer than glued-seam PVC, so 10 good years is what you can expect if the boat is taken care of.

These estimates assume yearly use, so keeping an inflatable inside for several years will extend its life.

General pros and cons of Zodiacs:

We’ve gone over some of the problems you may encounter with Zodiacs, but there are quite a few pros.

Here are some good things about Zodiac:

Pros of Zodiacs:

• The rigid bottoms are among the most durable of any inflatable.
• The Zodiacs handle better than most inflatables.
• Zodiacs are very stable even when heavily loaded.
• Because of their rigid bottom and v-hull, they can cut through many waves that would pound another brand. 
• Zodiacs (and other PVC boats) are less expensive than Hypalon.
• Having been made to military specifications, they are very durable despite the low life span.

Zodiac is an iconic brand, often used as a synonym for all inflatable boats. They are well-known the world over and used in all conditions.

The company makes a wide variety of models for several different purposes.

While they are not cheap, they are less than Hypalon models, and if looking for an inflatable, you can likely find a Zodiac to meet your needs.

Cons of Zodiacs:

Like we have discovered, there are a few cons to Zodiacs, though, in fairness, the first and last items on this list apply to all inflatables.

Here’s what we found:

• Getting punctures or leaks
• Welding of seams failing at the hull and transom
• Delamination of the transom
• UV degradation of the PVC
• A low life expectancy of inflatables

What Do the Reviews Say?

“The Zodiac hits the mark in several areas, including ride quality, handholds, storage, and deck traction. The fuel-tank tie-down is a nice touch. While Practical Sailor is not a fan of PVC in the tropics, this boat is a top contender if you’re intent on having a bow locker and live in temperate climates.”

[Source: Practical Sailor ]

Ride quality is one thing that is brought up in reviews over and over. The storage is also mentioned favorably.

“To sum her up, the 550 Open is a nicely conceived dayboat for families with enough turn of speed to make her interesting without being exciting. She has a great presence on the water and remains planted under normal helming situations without any sudden surprises.” 

[Source: Powerboatandrib.com ]

This is another aspect of the Zodiac models that always get a favorable mention: the ease of handling the boat and the response of the helm.

What’s the Resale Value on Zodiacs?

Zodiac inflatables have resale prices that are a little bit better than other PVC brands. This is most likely due to both the iconic nature of the brand and the welded-seam construction. 

A 2013 Zodiac Medline 580 cost $29,000 new that year, and now that model and year averages about $19,890. Currently, the model retails new for $55,044.

A 2013 Pro Classic 850 cost $81,350 brand new in that year. Now a Zodiac of that model and year has an average resale value of $54,750. That model currently has a retail price ranging between $130,000 and $220,000, depending on the engine make and using two outboards. 

Keep in mind that buying a used Zodiac or any used inflatable will have a short lifespan.

An 8-year-old boat that has seen limited use may be worth these prices, but many, if not most, will not, given the 10-year average life expectancy for PVC boats.

Zodiac Nautic Official Site

Defender – Zodiac Slideshow

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Practical Sailor Tests Lightweight 10-foot Rigid Inflatable Boats

Ab, achilles, caribe, and zodiac stand out in a field of fixed-transom ribs..

After reviewing one of Walker Bays 270 Genesis FTD rigid inflatable boat (RIBs) in the December 2007 issue, Practical Sailor tracked down 11 similar boats from seven manufacturers-ranging in manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) from $1,800 to $3,500 and weighing from 92 to 154 pounds.

All of the dinghies are about 10 feet long, with beams of about 5 feet. Most have V-shaped fiberglass hulls and are rated for 15-horsepower engines. Nine of them are rated to carry up to four people.

Eight have fixed transoms; the others have transoms that fold-down for storage. In most of the fixed-transom boats, the transoms and decks are one piece, giving them stiffness and strength to hold a 100-pound, four-stroke outboard. The transoms also provide sturdy attachment points for eyebolts for lifting and lowering the boats on davits. The downside is that these boats cannot be stowed as easily as their counterparts. The rigid transom adds weight, too: The fixed-transom models average about 132 pounds. With the exception of one boat, the folding-transom models come in at roughly 93 pounds.

Because the folding-transom types are clearly different products, the field was divided into two groups. This first article will compare the eight RIBs with fixed transoms, and a follow-up will examine RIBs that, like the Walker Bay Genesis line, have folding transoms.

What We Tested

The eight test boats with rigid transoms include two Achilles, the HB310 and the HB315-LX, and two from Groupe Zodiac (makers of the Zodiac and Avon lines), the Zodiac Yachtline 310 and the Avon Rover 315. Rounding out the field are the 10VL from AB, the Caribe L10, the Mercury Dynamic 310, and the Brig Falcon Tender F300.

Tube choices split into two composite fabric types: Duponts Hypalon, an elastomer valued for its proven resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet rays; and PVC, which is lighter, comes in more colors, and can be welded at the seams, instead of glued. The two Achilles, the Avon, the AB, and the Caribe are available only in Hypalon, while the Zodiac comes only in PVC. The Mercury and the Brig are manufactured in both Hypalon and PVC. Practical Sailor recommends Hypalon for tropical or year-round sailing.

The Hypalon models from Avon, AB, Brig, and Mercury are backed by 10-year warranties. The two Hypalon models from Achilles and the Caribe carry only five-year warranties, as does the PVC Zodiac.

Manufacturer warranties are tied to the warranties of the fabrics used to make the boats.

“From what I have seen, most of the manufacturers of the fabric offer a 10-year warranty on their fabric,” explained Stephan Lance, vice president of Defender Industries, a major seller of small boats and engines. “A boat manufacturer will elect to pass on that warranty or will reduce their exposure and offer only a five-year warranty on the fabric after production.”

The eight test boats range in weight from about 112 pounds (the Mercury) to 154 pounds (the Avon).

As for horsepower, makers of the Achilles HB315-LX and the AB 10VL recommend 15 horsepower and say their boats can handle a fifth person. The AB 10VL is the longest at 10 feet, 6 inches, and the pup of the group, the Brig F300, is 9 feet, 10 inches. (Brig suggested its larger F330 would have been more appropriate for this field.)

The AB, Achilles HB315-LX, and Caribe all carry beams of 5 feet, 5 inches. In the all-important category of interior space, these three boats also have the most real estate.

Tube diameter is often promoted as an advantage in choppy water, when the larger tubes are supposed to offer a drier ride. However, a greater tube diameter does not necessarily mean youll stay dry, as other factors also come into play, such as hull design, tube placement on the hull, and the type of rubbing strake. Five of the eight have tube diameters of 17 inches. The Zodiac has 18-inch tubes. The Brig and Mercury have tube diameters of 16 inches.

On the chart on pages 8-9, youll note the variation in maximum loads. They differ because manufacturers may be calculating the weight according to different standards, Lance said. “Few of the inflatable boat makers follow the same formula,” he said. “Some use ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) standards, some go by the ISO (International Standards Organization)-and there are a couple different ISO standards that apply.”

What We Found

Although the smaller boats were slightly wetter in chop, there were no clear standouts in terms of “dry” boats. The transoms flexed very little on the water. Most of the boats are manufactured with fiberglass knees molded into the deck structure to support the transom, and most have a pair of towing eyes glued to the bow for bridle towing.

Only two of the tested boats, the Zodiac and the Avon, have bow lockers, which add a significant amount of weight.

The bench seat on most of the test boats must be installed with the boat slightly deflated. Decks are foam-filled with plugs in the stern for drainage. Most have a recessed bilge area, and two boats have storage compartments. The Avon and Zodiac featured rotomolded anchor locker inserts. Some of the tested boats come in upgraded versions with bow lockers.

Although a tow test was not possible, testers noted that all but the AB, the Caribe, and the Mercury had attachment points for the towing bridle, which our previous tests have shown improve tracking. Some dealers install these bridle rings as an option. A safety line to the center eye is always recommended.

The AB 10VL is the largest boat we tested. It can handle the most horsepower and is rated to carry five people. Former Practical Sailor editor Nick Nicholson carried an AB around the world with him. Nick said that over the years, some stainless-steel hardware rusted sooner than expected and some of the external glue patches failed, but concluded: “It delivered everything that was asked of it.”

Two large straps on the aft sections of the tubes and one at the bow are used for carrying this boat. The manufacturer also includes eight Hypalon straps on the tube tops for handholds. The lifting rings are mounted on the inboard side of the transom and the foredeck (almost under the inflated tube).

The drain plug has no tether, and the drain is a modest, 7/8-inch in diameter. The deck, which mostly follows the shape of hull, lacks nonskid. The oars can be well secured inside the boat with Velcro straps.

The beefy, single-rail rub strake extends around the tube stern ends, which are unprotected on some other boats.

The AB topped out at 21 miles per hour and stepped onto plane in 7 seconds. Low-speed handling in forward was fine, and it was good in reverse. Testers noted that the boat tended to porpoise at cruising speeds, but eventually settled in and cornered well at slightly higher speeds. A spokesperson for AB said the company was baffled by Practical Sailors observations at cruising speed, and responded that it could be attributed to the boats deeper V-hull and larger tubes deflecting the water.

Bottom Line: This is a roomy boat that is priced competitively. It is relatively light, performs well, and is backed by a 10-year warranty with good dealer support in the Caribbean. It has already proven to be a reliable, durable tender, even in tropical climates.

Achilles HB310

At 126 pounds, the HB310 is one of the lighter RIBs tested. The carrying handles are large and well-placed for three-person transportation-two at the stern and one at the bow. Two people, one positioned on each side, can also easily carry the boat using one of the aft handles and one of the forward padded straps. The plastic handhold for the driver is well placed, on the inboard side of the starboard tube, just forward of the drivers seat. Each oar is fixed to T-bracket that rotates down for storage, but does not allow the oars to slide in or out. Rubber clips hold the paddle end of the oar.

The lifting rings are mounted to the inboard side of the transom and in the foredeck. Along the centerline, the deck is flat, but it follows the hulls deadrise as it extends outboard, making for less level standing area in the bow than some of the other test boats. There is a tie down for the gas tank.

The HB310 has a wooden bench seat amidships. The drain plug is inserted from the outside and is attached to a lanyard. The drain hole is larger than those on most other boats-1 inches in diameter.

The beefy, two-rail rub strake should endure countless connections with docks, boats, and other hard objects. The boat has no storage compartments but has excellent handholds.

On the water, the HB310 hit 21 miles per hour at wide-open throttle, tying the AB 10VL for top-speed honors. The HB310 would not plane unless the two testers put their weight forward, then it did so in 5 seconds.

Testers found the Achilles harder riding than others in the field. It slid slightly during high-speed turns, and in general, it bounced around more. High- and low-speed maneuvering was excellent.

Testers like the cupped blades and the sturdy mounting system for the oars, but the hinge-type oarlocks make rowing tougher.

Bottom Line: The Achilles HB310 has only a five-year warranty, and other boats offer smoother rides, but the boat is well-built and street prices are very competitive, making it a good buy for bargain-hunters.

Achilles HB315-LX

The Achilles HB315-LX is clearly wider at the bow than its smaller brother, the 310, increasing interior volume. Its springier shear suggests a drier ride, and our testing bore this out. The HB310s tube end caps are pointed as well, compared to the HB315-LXs rounded ones.

This model has padded Hypalon straps at the bow and stern quarters for carrying. Six more straps dot the top of the tubes, providing handholds while underway. Although our test boat had different oars, the new HB315-LX has the same oars as the HB310.

The deck is flat and covered with nonskid along the centerline. It offers no storage but does have two lifting rings on the inboard side of transom and one on deck at the bow. (A heavier bow-locker version, the HB315-DX, is also available.) The boat comes with two eyes for a towing bridle and a third eye at the bow to attach an anchor rode. The drainage system is the same as the HB310s. The rub one-channel rub strake is adequate.

The HB315-LX was the most maneuverable in reverse of any boat tested. This RIB was plenty fast, with a top speed of 20 mph. It hopped up on plane in 7 seconds. The lip on the transom plate made it hard to remove the engine.

The boat delivered a smooth, bone-dry ride. Practical Sailor was pleased with the boats outboard-powered performance.

Bottom Line: The Achilles HB315-LX rides smoothly and handles well at all speeds. It is our Best Choice in this category, although wed like to see it backed by a 10-year warranty.

Avon Rover 315

Featuring newly redesigned tubes, the Rover 315 was the heaviest boat we tested. Both it and the Zodiac are built using a closed-mold injection, foam filled, fiberglass construction, which ensures more consistent fiberglass-to-resin ratios and total weight. For its length, its narrower than the other boats, with a beam of only 5 feet, 1 inch. (Only the Zodiac is more narrow.)

Testers liked the pivoting, hard-plastic carrying handle on the bow, but they found the aft handles-Hypalon straps mounted on top of the tubes-less comfortable to grip than those on other boats. Hypalon straps also hold the oars on the tube tops. The handle ends of the oars are held by tying elastic hooks around them. The oars can also be stowed inside the boat, alongside the tube.

Nonskid covers the flat deck. The bow locker is a rotomolded polyethylene insert. This raised anchor/storage locker also doubles as a seat. Theres also a wooden bench seat forward of the oarlock holders. The drain plug is inserted into a 3/4-inch diameter drain hole inside the boat. The plug is tethered to the transom plate to keep it from being lost.

With three people, carrying the Avon was no problem. Two people lift the stern using the handles on the top of the tubes, and a third hoists the bow with the plastic handle.

Four stainless-steel lifting rings are fitted in the deck, making it easy to attach the boat to stern-mounted davits from inside the boat.

In our performance tests, the Mercury 9.9-horsepower outboard pushed the boat out of the hole and onto plane in 8 seconds. Top speed was 19 miles per hour. Handling at low speed was excellent, especially in reverse. At cruising speed, the boat cornered with minimal stern sliding. The handhold for the driver is, in our opinion, too far aft to be useful. Ride quality was good but a little bouncy, our testers reported. Testers also found the boat more difficult to row than others.

Bottom Line: The redesigned Avon Rover 315 was the most expensive boat tested, but it scored only average in many evaluation points. It continues the models workhorse tradition, but its heavy weight is a drawback for a boat-stored tender. On the plus side are a bow locker, a wide service network and a transferable 10-year warranty.

Brig Falcon Tender F300

The Brig Falcon-with a 9-foot, 10-inch length and 16-inch tubes-was one of the smaller boats in our test group. (The company also makes a larger F330, which is just shy of 11 feet.) Despite its small size, the Hypalon F300 is relatively heavy. Brig attributes the extra weight to the boats twin-shell hull construction and reinforced transom.

The three carrying handles on the Brig have sharp edges and were uncomfortable to our testers hands, although the rub rail itself can be used to lift the boat. There are no handholds on the tubes, but there are two grablines, one on each tube.

Nonskid covers the Brigs flat deck. A lifting ring is mounted to the foredeck and a second set of rings is bolted through the transom.

Our test boat came with two wooden bench seats, which testers noted were “wobbly” in their plastic holders on the tubes. The oars fit securely in their rubber seats for tube-top stowage. The oars are fixed in oarlocks that don’t allow them to be feathered or moved in or out. The large drain plug is inserted from the outboard side of the transom but it has no lanyard. On the bright side, the drain hole is a full 2 inches in diameter, allowing for quick drainage. The rub strake needs some fattening up, in our view.

On the water, the boat would only plane when the passenger leaned forward. Then, the Brig stepped on plane in 5 seconds. The boat steered nicely in reverse.

At a slow speed in forward, some water spilled over the top of the transom when turning to starboard. The boat cornered well in high-speed turns, and the ride quality was average but a little bumpy, testers noted. It had an average rowing performance, but hit 20 miles per hour at full throttle.

The builder backs its Hypalon boats with a 10-year warranty and offers six years of coverage for the PVC version.

Bottom Line: The Brig has a competitive price and strong warranty going for it, but it fell short of others on several evaluation points.

The 127-pound Caribe L10 has three unpadded carrying straps-two at the stern on top of the tubes and one at the bow below the rub strake. Two lifting rings are bolted to the inboard side of the transom. The third ring, bolted to the foredeck, is far enough forward that you wont catch your feet on it.

The aluminum oars are longer than those on most other test boats. The oarlocks and straps on the aft ends of the tubes hold the oars on top of the tubes. Velcro straps on the tubes, near the deck, hold the telescoping oars inside.

The oars also can be stowed in a pouch under the fiberglass helm seat. (Most of the other boats have wooden seats.)

A pair of rubber pads glued to the aft portion of the tubes provide grippy areas for the driver to sit. This helps keeps the driver in place, even if hes in a wet bathing suit. The pads also act as chafe guards, protecting the tubes from riders clambering on and off the boat.

Caribe provides three handholds on the top of each tube, beginning inboard of the

oarlocks and moving forward. Like the carrying straps, they are not padded and are a bit hard on the hands. The deck has no nonskid. Our test boat had just one towing eye, no towing bridles. The drain plug is inserted from inside the boat, but there was no lanyard with our test boat.

At 17 miles per hour, the Caribe was the slowest in the group. The boat handled nicely at low speeds and in reverse, however. The Caribe also performed well once it got up on plane, turning without sliding. The large oar blades and round-eye oarlocks made it one of the better rowers.

Bottom Line: The Caribe is one of the more expensive boats in our group and offers only a five-year warranty, but it offers a good combination of interior volume, smooth ride and light weight.

Mercury Dynamic 310

At just 112 pounds, the Mercury is the lightest Hypalon boat tested. It lacks the interior room of many of the other boats, with an inside length of only 6 feet, 4 inches.

The carrying handles on the Mercury dwarf those on the other boats-and theyre made of softer, easier-on-the-hands rubber. Instead of mounting handholds on the tubes, Mercury rims the entire boat with grab lines. This puts handholds within easy reach, but the lines are not as easy to hold on to as straps.

Mercury offers four lifting rings to work with-two on the inboard side of the transom and two on the foredeck (out of the way).

The Mercury also has a large drain hole-1-inch diameter. The oars can be securely fastened to the top of the tubes, but wed prefer a storage option inside the tubes. The paddle ends are securely fastened down with bungee cords. The Mercury lacks towing eyes, and the thin rub strake could use some more meat, in our opinion.

On the water, the Mercury hit a top speed of 19 miles per hour and planed in 10 seconds. The testers had to lean forward to get the boat to plane. In reverse, the port tube became submerged, and the boat took on water where the transom meets the tube. The boat slid slightly in high-speed cornering, but the ride was relatively soft. Testers had no problem rowing the boat.

Bottom Line: Testers liked many of the deck features-the carrying handles and oversized drain plug-but performance was lackluster. This is the least expensive Hypalon boat in the field.

Zodiac YL310

The only boat with 18-inch tubes, this new Zodiac is the narrowest boat in our group and the lightest. Practical Sailor thought the handholds were positioned in all the right locations for easy two- or three-person carrying. The handholds can be moved fore and aft along a nylon strap.

The flat deck has a grippy, raised-diamond nonskid. The padded bench seat can be moved aft or amidships.

The oars clip into a plastic block that pivots down for storage. Another set of slide-on clips are meant to keep the oar ends in place near the stern. These need to be installed correctly or the oars will come loose underway. An illustration in the

0 )]manual indicates correct installation.

The Zodiac has four lifting rings, all on deck, making them easier to secure to a davit. The rotomolded anchor locker was nicely tooled. Testers liked the rub strake. The inside drain plug has a lanyard.

The Zodiac shined in performance testing. The boat cornered with precision, generated no spray, and delivered a very smooth ride compared to the other boats. Its fast, too, topping out at 20 mph. The Zodiacs trim angle was noticeably more sensitive to weight placement compared to some of the other boats its size others in the test. Time to plane was 7 seconds.

Bottom Line: The Zodiac hits the mark in several areas, including ride quality, handholds, storage, and deck traction. The fuel-tank tie down is a nice touch. While Practical Sailor is not a fan of PVC in the tropics, this boat is a top contender if youre intent on having a bow locker and live in temperate climates.

Conclusions

Differences between these boats were often subtle, but ultimately four boats stood out above the rest: Zodiac Yachtline 310, AB 10VL, the Caribe L10, and the Achilles 315-LX. Though relatively heavy, the Zodiac Yachtline 310 stood out for its performance, features, and finish. If you live in a temperate climate where the PVC hull will see reduced sun exposure and like the idea of a bow locker, this Zodiac will serve you well. In our view, those in tropical climates should narrow their selection to the Hypalon boats. The AB 10VL and Caribe L10 both do a good job of combining light weight, plenty of volume, and a dry ride. Testers gave the Caribe a slight edge over the AB, but the AB is bigger and faster. Except for a 10-year warranty, the Achilles HB315-LX has all the features testers desire in tender. As a bonus, the boat is priced very competitively. It is a clear Practial Sailor Best Choice in this category.

After testing eight of these lightweight RIBs, some common deficiencies became apparent.

Oars-While these boats are not meant to be rowed, manufacturers should pay more attention to their oars and oar stowage. Ideally, there should be a method of securing the oars inboard, where they are almost impossible to lose.

Rub strakes-Theres no reason to outfit these boats with thin rub strakes. A couple of the boats had very anemic protection.

Fuel-tank tie downs-Although easy to retrofit, fuel tank tie-downs are also a plus. Only four of our test boats offer tie-downs-the Zodiac, Avon, and both Achilles RIBs.

Performance-Consumers should remember that these boats are extremely weight sensitive. Use caution, especially at high speeds.

Weight-Our test boats are classified as “lightweight RIBs,” but most fail to live up to that moniker. The average weight of the test boats: 132 pounds, a lot to drag around. Our upcoming review of folding-transom RIBS features lighter boats.

Stowage-These boats occupy significant real estate on deck, so they often wind up hanging from davits at the stern of the boat. Placing significant weight, windage, and a potential wave catcher at the stern of a boat can have serious consequences in heavy weather. Practical Sailor does not recommend stowing a dinghy on davits for ocean passages. Unless Youve got a very big boat, with very big locker, they should be lashed on deck to padeyes installed to withstand significant loads.

Speed-Finally, if you want to plane on the bigger boats with three or more people, opt for a 15-horsepower engine. Be aware, however, that a small RIB with a big engine is a potentially dangerous combination, particularly with just one person on board. The thrill of a 20-knot ride can be-literally-paralyzing.

• How We Tested
• RIB Details
• Practical Sailor Value Guide: 10-Foot Rigid Inflatables

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Glueing hypalon

• Thread starter nimbusgb
• Start date 24 May 2009
• 24 May 2009

Active member

I have a chance to aquire a very nice rigid bottomed tender. A zodiac yachtline. One of the bouyancy chambers has seperated from the rigid hull. What are the chances of succesfully repairing this and what is the proper way to go about it?  

Was it glued in the first place? If the answer is yes, then it can be glued back together, very successfully. Clean all old glue off, both sides, lightly abrade, clean and degrease with the proper cleaner for the glue to be used. By the way, if its a Zodiac yachtline, its not hypalon. If in doubt ask Zodiac but I know my yachtline, is a special fabric, for Zodiac and I do believe its base is PVC.  

As Englander just said, it can be glued back successfully, you will need to clean the joint properly, I would then recommend that you use a two pack glue, it is very much stronger than single pack contact adhesive, I know that Seamark Nunn sell a range of adhesives for inflatables, as I bought some two pack myself recently.  

Yes it was glued originally and yes its a Zodiac Yachtline. Any ideas where I would start to look for the correct adhesive in Greece? I'm off to Athens Monday so anywhere between Preveza and Athens would be OK.  

Sorry dunno where you could get the glue, but for sure there must be heaps of inflatables in Greece so there must be glue! Any chandlers etc in Preveza? Or you could get some sent to you by...........damn forgotten the name, but they are all things to inflatables, just remembered, IBS, inflatable boat supplies, they would get it to you quick. Anywhere in Piraeus? There must be, but get the right glue! PVC stuff two pack and cleaner.  

Will do, thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif  

Well-known member

Loads of inflatables, but no cheap inflatables in Greece! A Plastimo 240 is 840 euros compared with £340 in UK! Just repaired my older P240 PVC with Polymarine adhesive and PVC patch bought in chandlers in Corfu for 18 euros. Both PVC and Hypalon glues are readily available there.  

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Tenders & Yacht Dinghies

In addition to your main yacht, sailboat or catamaran,, cadet roll up.

Inflatable dinghy with wooden slatted floor

Its floor, in a wooden slat design, can be rolled and stored in seconds.

Inflatable dinghy with inflatable floor

Very simple and above all really compact! Completely flexible, including the floor, it can be folded and stored in less than 2 minutes in a suitable bag!

CADET RIB ALU

RIB dinghy with aluminium hull

A truly solid-hull dinghy (aluminium), which provides the best in stability and safety on board!

Inflatable dinghy with aluminium floor

An aluminium floor, which can be put in place in no time for maximum stability.

Nomad RIB Alu

New tenders with a double floor, waterproof storage, and top-quality tubes!

CADET RIB ALU DL

Its biggest asset is its locker: Your backpack or today’s picnic will fit in just fine…

The smallest Open

Ideal for a first boat with room for 4 people on board, it is easy to manoeuvre and tow. Ideal for small budgets.

The ideal electric dinghy

Whether used as a dinghy or a funky little boat, this 3.4 is more environmentally friendly than ever and requires no maintenance.

Ideal dinghy or small robust boat

The 3.4 is sure to please: Easy to steer, 3 large storage lockers! A true little racing kart that will delight you and your guests.

YACHTLINE 360

The smallest Yachtline

An ideal size to accommodate 4 people on board, with a maximum power of 40 HP, it can carry its passengers at high speed.

YACHTLINE 400

Well equipped

The Yachtline 400 can carry 5 passengers with its 3 seats and 50 HP.

The smallest Pro

A traditional model, it has always been part of the Zodiac range.

Unbeatable value for money

Ideal model for fishing and cruising with family or friends with its 4 large seats that can accommodate 6 people on board and its large lockers.

YACHTLINE 440

The right compromise

The ideal complement to transport 6 people, with its numerous storage lockers and its 60 HP.

The biggest of the compact Open

A generous power output of up to 80 CV is a big asset, and it is ergonomic and spacious for comfortable and active days out.

YACHTLINE 490

The biggest

At 4.90m and 90 HP, it can be used as a main boat for up to 9 people. It can also tow water-skiers or wakeboarders.

OUR NAVIGATION PROGRAMS

Are you looking for a tender or dinghy model for your yacht, sailboat or catamaran? The choice of boat will depend on your intended use, frequency of trips, sailing areas and your expectations. Choose a comfortable, innovative and powerful boat that you can accessorise according to your taste and needs. You will already have basic equipment: lifting and towing rings, bench, paddles or oars, many handles … for the comfort of the pilot and the passengers. The design of your dinghy will perfectly match your yacht thanks to its elegant aesthetics. Your RIB dinghy guarantees you excellent performance, great sailing comfort and spaciousness for regular use. Its sturdiness ensures greater safety at sea where the weather is particularly unpredictable.

Versatility

Yacht dinghies serve you both as lifeboats or support boats to get the pilot, crew and guests to land or shore, but also as leisure crafts due to their versatility. The size and engine of the tender mean it can be used as a pleasure boat for sea trips with friends or family; from 4 metres upwards for the larger models. So go and explore some beautiful places. The finish and quality of the accessories ensure the longevity of your boat.

Power and agility

In our range, you will find 100% electric tenders like the eOpen, but also ones with hydrojet propulsion, such as the eJet. This modern technology, which uses a turbine to draw in water and propel it quickly to move the boat forward, offers a more fun and agile way to steer. Compared to an outboard boat with a propeller engine, waterjet propulsion offers greater safety, the ability to sail in shallow water and faster acceleration.

Tender models with rigid hulls such as the CADET RIB ALU, the small OPEN, the eOPEN, or the Yachtline provide you with more stability at sea, even in difficult weather conditions. This gives you more space on board for passengers and storage.

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The Zodiac Cadet RIB 310 is the most popular size in the Cadet RIB range with great capabilities. The robust construction and 2-part fiberglass hull and deck offers a comfortable ride and great longevity. Weighing in at 191lbs., this stout boat can be handled by two people and will carry up to 5 adults, or 1058 lbs.. The Cadet RIB fiberglass range is the top choice for the discerning cruiser in need of a simple yet good performing dinghy that can handle years of use and abuse. The deep-V hull design and solid build quality ensures sea kindly performance and comfort for the crew. An integrated bow locker provides storage for a small anchor, foot pump and extra gear. The Cadet RIB 310 is more than capable of taking its passengers through rough and choppy water when the transit can’t wait. If you are looking for a well built rigid inflatable boat to use as a dinghy or small work boat and wanting something that will hold up with daily use, you should definitely consider the Cadet RIB 310.

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Specifications:

Length: 10’2″, beam: 5’8″, weight: 191 lbs., payload: 1058 lbs., tube diameter: 18″, welded strongan tube construction, hand laid fiberglass hull and deck, integrated bow locker, deep-v keel, chambers: main tube: 3, exterior grab handles, interior grab handles, towing d-rings, lifting points (3), tank tie down points, self bailing drain with plug, oars and fold down swiveling oarlocks, fiberglass bench seat, owners manual, warranty: 5 years fabric and seams.

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