HP floor PVC Zodiac inflatable is sticky

[Ofer]

The floor and some other parts of the inflatable are sticky. it seems like glue and more pronounced during hot days. I think its due to over scrubbing it trying to get some dirt out. I have had some people help me clean the dingy and boat and we may have used bleach in the soap mixture.

what do you think is happening? and is there anything to be done about it?

Thanks

[a64pilot]

Sounds like you got some kind of solvent on it, or the plastic is breaking down, how old is it?
Oh, your going to have many bashers

Have tried any kind of plastic protector 303 or Armorall? Try just a spot first if yuo haven't already

[Ofer]

its about seven years old although I have used it for only the last three years. its been indoors prior to that. The solvent part is possible since I was not there to supervise the entire cleanup.

[Vasco]

That's what happens to PVC dinks.

[hellosailor]

It could be someone got something on it, or it could be the PVC was improperly manufactured and is bleeding out plasticizers. That's a known issue with PVC and if that's what you have, all you can do is try to clean it and prepare to replace it. If you are the original owner, you might want to contact Zodiac and see if they will make any accommodation, although I expect they'll just say "no longer under warranty". You never know, because this would be a "latent defect" and they might still be [reluctantly] obligated to do something.

[jcdexter]

I had the same problem with a Mercury inflatable several years ago. It was a problem with an ingredient they used in their processing and they gave me a new boat. It was several years old at the time.

I'd ask the dealer where you bought it to intervene for you. You may get lucky.)