Zodiac Zoom ?

[fla.sailor]

folks,

Since my last post requesting info about saturn inflatables got no experience (good reason not to buy), what about zodiac? I'm looking at the zodiac zoom 310, is there any good/bad experience with zodiacs out there?

thanks!
-dennis

[Charlie]

I have a Zodiac Zoom. It has given me four years of trouble free use. I don't live aboard and use it about 6 weeks a year so I am not sure how useful my info is.

[Vasco]

If you're going to cruise or if the dink stays in the Florida sun I would not get a PVC dink. I think these Zodiacs are still pvc (checked a few sites, none listed the material!). Stick with hypalon.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Vasco

... I think these Zodiacs are still pvc (checked a few sites, none listed the material!). Stick with hypalon.

Zodiac calls their PVC fabric "Strongan".

➥ inflatable boat fabric and material information

[capn_billl]

With the experience I had with Zodiac I cannot recommend them. A flaw in the glue caused me to suddenly be the proud owner of a dinghy "kit". (Some assembly required). Repeated regluings were no help, I finally threw it away and bought a Carib. Never had a problem since.

[lorenzo b]

I'm looking at a West Marine 310 $2499 or a 350 $2599 on special. Everyone tells me no PVC in the tropics, but if you're above 30 degrees PVC is actually better. Top of the line is Caribe, another grand.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by lorenzo b

I'm looking at a West Marine 310 $2499 or a 350 $2599 on special. Everyone tells me no PVC in the tropics, but if you're above 30 degrees PVC is actually better. Top of the line is Caribe, another grand.

Why would pvc be better? Just wondering as I've seen many pvc dinks in Toronto (well above 39 North) that have deteriorated to a sticky mess in a few summer seasons.

[lorenzo b]

PVC is supposed to be OK if it doesn't get a lot of UV and it doesn't slowly leak like hypalon needing more air every so often, or so I've been told. Caribe's hypalon is much heavier and does not slowly leak.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by lorenzo b

PVC is supposed to be OK if it doesn't get a lot of UV and it doesn't slowly leak like hypalon needing more air every so often, or so I've been told. Caribe's hypalon is much heavier and does not slowly leak.

I've got an AB (hypalon) and so far it's never leaked - six years and counting and it's left in the FL sun all summer and in the Bahamas all winter.

[barnakiel]

We have an old Bombard (said to be made by Zodiac) PVC dink.

8 years old and stored always on the deck (in the sun but covered).

It is OK.

b.

[osirissail]

I have a clear Lexan Zodiac Zoom and it was my favorite dinghy until the seams opened up. Then like Capn Billl I now have a dinghy kit, reassembly needed. The cost of having a profession put it back together was more than the cost of the dinghy, so it sits in my warehouse storage unit. Over it life, I was constantly having to glue new patches over the seams.

[barnakiel]

Interesting!

My friend's Yamaha had the same problem. He did not hire pros but did it himself. The total cost was like 20 bucks but plenty work hours.

But then again it was a 10 y.o. dinghy and maybe it's just the time for the stuff to fall apart ;-)

b.