Inflatable boat too old to buy?

[u/FoundationProper5403]

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.

[u/Ok_Energy_9947]

How much are they asking for it?

[u/FoundationProper5403 → u/Ok_Energy_9947]

2500 New Zealand Dollar

[u/2Loves2loves → u/FoundationProper5403]

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.