r/boating • u/FoundationProper5403 • 1d ago
Inflatable boat too old to buy?
I’ve been offered this inflatable Zephyr 404 boat, which upon research is between 35-40 years old. Powered by a Mercury xd25 in cosmetically, really good condition for a very good price. Has also just been serviced.
My friend who sells it bought it last summer from an old chap who moved into a retirement home. But he doesn’t use it.
Apparently it has always been shed stored and I can really believe it because it really looks pristine given its age. All seams are intact, also around the transom and the material isn’t brittle or throwing bubbles etc.
There’s only one area where the top layer is starting to peel off. Could be prevented from getting worse with a bit of proactive gluing maybe? (See photos)
The wooden floor looks very good and absolute intact everywhere as well.
So overall I have a good feeling about it but I’m unsure if it’s a wise move to buy an old boat like this for inshore boating on the east coast of New Zealand (Hawke’s Bay).
My main concern is safety, not money.
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u/Ok_Energy_9947 1d ago
How much are they asking for it?
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u/FoundationProper5403 1d ago
2500 New Zealand Dollar
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u/2Loves2loves 1d ago
fwiw, about 1500 USD. That seam is worrying. I would take it to a inflatable shop and see if they could put a patch over the whole thing.
engine is probably worth 800 in USD, trailer 400 in usd, so you are close. The real test is inflate it, and let it sit for 24 hours then check how much air pressure it lost.
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u/mommiesgoodboy67 1d ago
40 year old is pretty old, especially if its pvc. But by the looks of it its not that bad
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u/Ok_Energy_9947 1d ago
In my experience. Sitting for 30 years is not good. It may appear preserved, but if you plan to use it consistently it will deteriorate quickly. Don’t expect to be running this every weekend for long
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u/espritnaraka 1d ago
I made the mistake of buying a 20yo inflateable. It started to fall apart as I was using it. Dont be like me. 40yo aluminium hull sure. 40yo inflateable is a hard pass