I am repairing some Special Forces F-470 Zodiacs about 1987 era. The seams are overlapping, so are these Hypalon? What glue would you recommend? Also any hints on resetting the speed skeg pontoons up the sleeve? Thanks for the help.
Thanks for your inquiry. I will try to answer your questions here….
1) Re-gluing seams: yes, your boat is Hypalon. We sell a great 2-part glue kit for the job. In some cases we may also use a special sealant over the seams once they are re-glued and then lay an additional seam strip over the top to reinforce. In many cases, it is very challenging to get the seams to be air tight again – especially on an older boat.
2) Getting the speed tubes back in their sleeves: I use dish soap and a little water to lube the entire tube, which will allow it to slide into place easier. I fold it like a taco and stuff it in as far as possible, then use a broom stick to get it the rest of the way in. Then I inflate partially (just to shape) and twist it until it lines up – sometimes it takes a few times of inflation/deflation. In many of the newer FC470 boats, there is a small grommet hole where you can run a string through to pull the tube through.
3) Lube for valves: We typically clean the valve components with an ultrasonic cleaner, and then lube lightly with marine grease. Be very careful that you get the overpressure release set properly when you are done. The valves should be serviced every year or two depending on the amount the boat gets used – the military should service their valves every 3-4 months.
Let me know if you have further questions or need any materials.
I am repairing some Special Forces F-470 Zodiacs about 1987 era. The seams are overlapping, so are these Hypalon? What glue would you recommend? Also any hints on resetting the speed skeg pontoons up the sleeve? Thanks for the help.
Thanks for your inquiry. I will try to answer your questions here….
1) Re-gluing seams: yes, your boat is Hypalon. We sell a great 2-part glue kit for the job. In some cases we may also use a special sealant over the seams once they are re-glued and then lay an additional seam strip over the top to reinforce. In many cases, it is very challenging to get the seams to be air tight again – especially on an older boat.
2) Getting the speed tubes back in their sleeves: I use dish soap and a little water to lube the entire tube, which will allow it to slide into place easier. I fold it like a taco and stuff it in as far as possible, then use a broom stick to get it the rest of the way in. Then I inflate partially (just to shape) and twist it until it lines up – sometimes it takes a few times of inflation/deflation. In many of the newer FC470 boats, there is a small grommet hole where you can run a string through to pull the tube through.
3) Lube for valves: We typically clean the valve components with an ultrasonic cleaner, and then lube lightly with marine grease. Be very careful that you get the overpressure release set properly when you are done. The valves should be serviced every year or two depending on the amount the boat gets used – the military should service their valves every 3-4 months.
Let me know if you have further questions or need any materials.
Take care and good luck!