Zodiac/Inflatable repair recommendations?

Just got a little zodiac raft to be able to bring my family on calm ocean and lake expeditions.  The seam between the floor and tube is separating.  I'd like to get it looked over by someone with experience and then decide whether I want to have them do the work, or just do it myself.  Anyone have experience or recommendations on where to take it to get it looked over?

There should be some locations in the bay area around Oakland (Jack London Square area) or out near the West Marine Store in Oakland.  W.M. carries the two-part glue for those repairs.  Get the good stuff & do the job correctly or it will be worse off when it comes time to repair again.

yep, leaning towards doing the repair myself with the WM PVC glue.  Newb to this whole inflatable thing, so any info is appreciated.

Check out this video:



That glue smells nasty!

Yep, should be a mighty fun project.....

Just finished Achilles Hypalon sponson to fiberglass over wood transom board repair.  Good heat gun if needed., Clean all surfaces, take your time, have your "clamping system" ready,  static fit/check before applying adhesive. Good Luck, You Can do It.

Yep, should be a mighty fun project.....

Let me know if you need help.

I was looking at buying an older zodiac but think it was made from pvc.  Still trying to verify but interested in if it will need different glue.  Also if it needs patches does the patch material need to match what the boat was made out of or will newer materials bond to older types.

I believe the best place around is in Alameda. Think name Sals?
Highly recomend Fixed my 12 man a while back and you wouldnt know it

I was looking at buying an older zodiac but think it was made from pvc.  Still trying to verify but interested in if it will need different glue.  Also if it needs patches does the patch material need to match what the boat was made out of or will newer materials bond to older types.

Everything I've read says that PVC has a lifespan of 5 yrs, 10 max.  The only reason I took a gamble on the one I  got was that it came with lots of accessories and a motor that was worth the purchase price, and the owner said his dad who purchased it was pretty sure he paid for the more expensive hypalon ( possible, but doubtful).  So, if it is older than 10 yrs, might be best to look for another one.

I believe the best place around is in Alameda. Think name Sals?
Highly recomend Fixed my 12 man a while back and you wouldnt know it

Thanks, that is one place I was planning on contacting next week. I think if I determine it's hypalon, I'll have a pro do the repair.  If it turns out to be PVC,  it will be a west marine garage ghetto repair.

I was looking at buying an older zodiac but think it was made from pvc.  Still trying to verify but interested in if it will need different glue.  Also if it needs patches does the patch material need to match what the boat was made out of or will newer materials bond to older types.

Everything I've read says that PVC has a lifespan of 5 yrs, 10 max.  The only reason I took a gamble on the one I  got was that it came with lots of accessories and a motor that was worth the purchase price, and the owner said his dad who purchased it was pretty sure he paid for the more expensive hypalon ( possible, but doubtful).  So, if it is older than 10 yrs, might be best to look for another one.

I believe the best place around is in Alameda. Think name Sals?
Highly recomend Fixed my 12 man a while back and you wouldnt know it

Thanks, that is one place I was planning on contacting next week. I think if I determine it's hypalon, I'll have a pro do the repair.  If it turns out to be PVC,  it will be a west marine garage ghetto repair.

If pvc only lasts 10 years I guess I better look at other options.   I guess a big boat that will get me to the albacore would be better.  And when I say better I mean that would be cool, but not a good financial decision.   

I fixed an 8" hole in an older Avon (hypalon) and then much smaller repairs on a zodiac zoom (pvc) both with great results.  Got my glue, patches  and advice from Clavey in Petaluma.

Get the best glue you can. Yes, it makes a difference.  Look at lots of youtube vids.  Clean with Toluol or toluene depending on hypalon or PVC and you will be successful!

When I worked for West Marine they had an inflatable repair shop in Watsonville and would repair any make of boat.

Thanks, do you happen to recall the name?