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MAINTENANCE
Your boat's buoyancy tube is made of rot-proof fabrics. The maintenance it requires is straightforward
but essential for conscientious owners concerned about the longevity of their equipment.
1. CLEANING
Clean your boat frequently and always before laying up for winter.
It is essential to clean your boat regularly, especially the buoyancy tube. Use the products
recommended by ZODIAC MILPRO or assign this task to your ZODIAC MILPRO distributor who has
the products and the experience needed to carry out meticulous cleaning which will extend your boat's
life.
DO NOT USE HIGH-PRESSURE CLEANING EQUIPMENT.
1.1 Cleaning the buoyancy tube
Buoyancy tube inflated:
Open the self bailer and rinse the boat with a jet of water to remove sand and debris.
Clean the buoyancy tube in freshwater or use products recommended by ZODIAC MILPRO.
Remove traces of tar (for stubborn stains, use the product available from your Zodiac Milpro
distributor).
Inspect the buoyancy tube to locate any leaks using soapy water.
Rinse with freshwater and leave to dry.
DO NOT USE AGGRESSIVE DETERGENTS (ACID, TRICHLORETHANE,
PETROLEUM OR ACETONE) OR SILICON-BASED PRODUCTS. IF THE
BUOYANCY TUBE IS SPLASHED, RINSE THOROUGHLY WITH WATER.
When deflating:
Check the valves and their seals for condition (sealing, sand, etc.).
Make sure that the self bailer is not obstructed.
1.2 Check the buoyancy tube for leakage:
NOTE:
Using the pressure gauge (included with some models or available from
your dealer), measure the pressure loss after 24 hours.
PRESSURE DROPS:
A 20% decrease in pressure over 24 hours is normal.
(ISO 6185 standards). If you experience pressure drops in excess of:
0.010 bar/ 5 hours for the buoyancy tube.
0.035 bar/ 5 hours for the high-pressure inflatable floorboard,
check for leaks.
The temperature has a significant effect on the pressure. A variation of 1°C
causes a variation in the same direction of about 0.004 bar (4 mbar).
Any abnormal pressure drop must give rise to a thorough check of the valves and
their seals. Ask your Zodiac Milpro distributor for advice.
1.3 Additional operation for semi-rigid boats: hull cleaning
Remove the buoyancy tube (for boats with a removable buoyancy tube).
Wash the deck and bottom with soapy water, rinse with freshwater and let dry.
Make sure that the self bailer is not obstructed.
Open the scupper plugs to drain any water from the hull.
Reinstall the buoyancy tube, if applicable.
