A Zodiac boat’s durability, like that of any other boat brand, is determined by how well it is maintained.
Your Zodiac boat will not last long if you drag it over jagged rocks or leave it in the sun uncovered. If you take care of your inflatable boat, though, it will last much longer.
In general, if you don’t take care of your Zodiac boat (by cleaning it off after each use and keeping it out of the sun), it will only last 5 years (if you’re lucky).
A well-maintained Zodiac boat, on the other hand, can survive up to 10-15 years and probably even longer.
In This Article...
Is it true that Zodiac dinghies are any good?
Since the 1930s, Zodiac-Nautic has been at the forefront of inflatable boat innovation, design, and technology.
So, if you’re looking for a new inflatable boat, Zodiac has a lot to offer. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, excellent stability, simple handling, and exceptional maneuverability.
Although they are not the cheapest inflatable boat on the market, you get what you pay for.
What is the material used to make Zodiac inflatables?
Hypalon (a rubber cloth) or PVC are the two materials used to make inflatables. Before you start repairing an inflatable, you need to know what kind of material was utilized to make it.
If you’re trying to mend a tear, it’s usually easy to distinguish whether cloth is which since Hypalon has various colors on the outside and inside, whereas PVC has the same color on both sides.
Today, all Zodiacs are constructed of Strongan, a PVC material developed by the company. However, numerous models were manufactured of Hypalon before to 1968.
This means that unless the boat was built before 1968, any repairs you undertake yourself will require Stabond as the adhesive. In that instance, before deciding whether to use Stabond or a Hypalon adhesive, you’ll need to confirm the material as described above.
Zodiac inflatables are made in the United States.
Nearly 90% of the RIBS Zodiac sells in North America are constructed at the company’s North American production facility in Summerville, SC, which also supplies the Yachtline and Bayrunner Series for the whole Zodiac worldwide operation.
Are Zodiac boats pleasant to ride in?
Zodiac Inflatables are the ideal vessels for our trips, as they are used by scientists and adventurers all over the world. These boats are not only seaworthy, safe, dependable, and comfortable, but they are also a lot of fun! In an open boat, being near to the ocean allows you to experience nature with all of your senses. You can hear the call of sea birds, the lapping of waves against our rocky coasts, or the breath of a humpback whale with only a quiet, contemporary outboard. As you traverse our coastal waterways, feel the beat of the waves and the ocean breeze on your face. The bright hues of sea stars and invertebrate life in the intertidal zone are visible through no glass. As you ride by temperate rainforest islands, the scent of cedar fills the air. You can’t help but smile as you explore in one of our Zodiacs and enjoy your childhood curiosity.
When it comes to PVC inflatables, how long do they last?
Depending on the manufacturer, use, and care, PVC inflatable boats can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years. Welded PVC boats will outlast glue/adhesive-based boats. Hypalon (CSM) boats typically survive 7-15 years, although they can last up to 20.
EXCEPTIONAL LOAD
You counted correctly! On this Zodiac boat, there are 12 football players. The Zodiac boat has an amazing weight-to-area-below-water ratio, allowing it to carry significant cargo and is suitable for a day excursion with friends and family in complete safety.
REASSURING STABILITY
The buoyancy is dispersed on the sides, and the center of gravity is low: all of this ensures stability, making it nearly difficult for the Zodiac boats to capsize when laden!
BUOYANCY, SECURITY
Zodiac boats’ buoyancy tubes are divided into multiple compartments by waterproof barriers. The boat retains its capacity to float and is essentially unsinkable when fully laden, even with a deflated compartment, thanks to its significant air reserves.
Why is Hypalon preferable than PVC?
PVC or CSM/Hypalon fabric is used in almost every inflatable boat. So, how can you figure out which one is best for you?
CSM/Hypalon RIBs are generally more expensive than PVC counterparts sometimes more than twice as much but they are also far more resistant to UV exposure and accidental gas, oil, or chemical exposure, such as fuel spills. CSM/Hypalon RIBs are best for individuals who plan to own the RIB for 10 years or more, or if it will be used as a major mode of transportation or for long-term sailing. They are also more shock and impact resistant.
PVC RIBs, on the other hand, have their advantages. When price is a factor, or if you live in a mild area with a short boating season, PVC may be the preferable option. Furthermore, if the boat will be stored out of the elements/sun, it will retain its air a little better than CSM due to its structure.
Regardless of which model you buy, keep these tips in mind to get the most life out of your inflatable:
- When looking at PVC boats, seek for Mehler-Valmex Mainstream Plus fabric with an acrylic surface finish. When looking for CSM/Hypalon kinds, look for the Orca brand.
- Look for clean, even, wrinkle-free seams and minimal brown glue residue in the construction details.
- Working with brands with strong local sales and service representation as well as global networks is a fantastic idea.
- Clean your RIB with soap and freshwater on a regular basis. Covers for your investment are a low-cost insurance coverage.
- Always inflate your RIB to the manufacturer’s suggested operating pressure when in use!
Where does Zodiac Cadet come from?
Zodiac has been on the water for 79 years as the world’s first and best inflatable boat. The new Limited Edition, created in France using ‘Thermobonding Technology,’ captures the classic design that defines Zodiac’s ‘Origin’ (hence the name).
Why was Hypalon dropped from the market?
DuPont, the original maker of Hypalon, stopped producing it in 2009. This was owing to concerns about production safety and the environment. For starters, when Hypalon burns, it produces extremely poisonous vapors. In the plastics business, these vapors have been scrutinized and are classified as an air contaminant. Furthermore, Hypalon contains lead-based compounds, which are well-known for their risks and limitations.
As a result of this change, the market for material considerations in RIB boat manufacture has shifted. Manufacturers had two options: they could use off-brand Hypalon (CSM/CSPE) suppliers or they could use new, superior materials like Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU).