Replace air valves on a RIB or get new boat?

[Kong]

Hi chaps

I have a Bombard Aerotec 380 (so not technically a RIB) of 1998 vintage. In general it's in very good condition and hardly used.

However the 4 out of the 5 air valves leak air from the inner 'spring valve'. The secondary 'outer' valves do a very good job (particularly if you put some silicone grease on the seal) however it still goes down steadily meaning top-ups throughout the afternoon which is really killing the fun.

Last summer I spent £80 and had the inner valves replaced but they still leak air so its obviously a problem with the outer valve.

PennineMarine in Skipton has quoted me £130 each to replace the valves which is £520 + the 5th valve probably will need doing soon + transport to Skipton + transport to the contractor (they don't do full valves 'in house'. So total bill to fix a 1998 dingy is going to easily be £700!

Four options:

1. Get a better quote, anyone have any suggestions?

2. Try and DIY fix them, anyone know where I can get the parts/glue etc?

3. Sell the current boat for spares (maybe get £150 back?) and get a new one. Dont fancy paying £1800 for an equivalent new model though and I don't want to buy a used one which needs valves again!

4. I have a mint 15hp Yamaha two stroke I could sell and then buy a new package, might be more cost-effective that way but I know my engine is a good one.

Advice welcome

[jjones]

no idea if it would work but tyre repair slime might seal it up. works a treat on punctures in car/motorbike tyres.

[JSS 911]

might help
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=r...

[Jackleman]

It should cost no more than £35 per valve to have nice new (serviceable) Avon A7 valves fitted to this boat, depending obviously on travel.

I used to repair inflatable boats.

[danyeates]

All the sort of thing we do often. We will have all the valves and glue etc in stock for you to do, or for us to do if you do wish. I don't know where you're based, but we're in Lymington. I can quote for the work if you like but I'm having a few days off so won't be in the office for a while. Otherwise I can give you the office number if you'd like to get a price tomorrow.

If you decide not to repair, I might be interested in buying the engine. Can also supply new/used boats if required.

[Kong]

Thanks guys, all of those replies have been really helpful. I was just about to list the boat on ebay as scrap aswell!

Looks like the A7 valves will do the job nicely.

Daniel I'll certainly get a quote from you. Can you buy 'valve doublers' out of the material used on the inflatable floor? It's a different 'grippy' material than the main tubes.

Edited by Kong on Wednesday 11th July 22:55

[richardxjr]

Whilst awaiting your quote, it might be worth posting on the SIB section of Rib.net, they love these 380s, loads of owners there, and they like a project.

I can vouch for the A7 valves. My 27 year young Avon has these, the inserts were replaced for the first time last year (boat had been stored for 10yrs).

[danyeates]

Hi ,

Sorry for the delay. Had a long weekend off. I'll get onto the quote now for you.

Dan

[Kong]

Thanks Danny

I need 5 valves and 5 doublers in PVC (3 black, 2 white).

Is there any reason to have the A7 valves instead of the C7?

Cheapest C7 I've seen are £16.70 whereas cheapest A7 are £23.45, would prefer to save money where possible!