[newbie38]

Does anyone know where I can buy parts for my zodiac F470? Specifically, I am looking for valves and plugs for the self-bailers (or some kind of ball-stop that will go in the two holes to let water out, but not in; for some reason the self-bailer flaps are not doing their job). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[tacman55]

There are many places that you can get parts for the FC470, unfortunately very seldom as good used or at a cheap price. Most Zodiac Dealers will be able to order them but some dealers are more knowledgeable of the military boats than others. I have restored or maintained several 470s for SAR work and have had the best luck with Donovan's Marine near New Orleans...(Donovan Marine, Inc. Donovan Marine, Inc 6316 Humphrey's Street Harahan 70123. Phone: 800-347-4464. Fax: 800-774-6690.) Good Luck... They are great boats if you learn how to use and maintain them right.....

[newbie38]

Thanks Tacman. I've only had this boat a short while, but so far it has been a blast. It's a hit with my young son too.

[tacman55]

You are welcome... Let me know if there is any other way I can help....Also in response to your bailer problem... they are desigend to allow water to flow out under its on force but not into the boat... Are the hypalon sleeves still intact and how long are they? If both scupper sleeves are intact and at least 5 to 6 inches long.. they should work... what I would do first before plugging them.. if they seem to be in good condition but do not close when water is not flowing out.... I would take two boards or something hard with a smooth edge and sandwich the scupper between them using weight or clamps to hold the scupper/bailer flat.. I would try this and leave it for a while and see if that gives them some memory to stay flat and closed.. If that does not work.. insted of plugging them... you could place grommets in the ends of them and run a line through the grommets with a knot in the end.. and when not under way or when their is not water in the boat.. you can have them pulled up and the lines hooked off to clips or eye bolts on the inside of the transom.. but when you need them to drain water.. lower them and run..... Hope this helps.......

[newbie38]

Thanks Tacman. My situation is kind of an odd one. As you know, there are two bailers in the transom; one above the hard deck and one below. The one above works fine. The one below happens to be positioned directly beneath the mounting bracket for the 40 hp Merc I have on the boat. The end result is that the scupper is pinched up enough so that it never fully closes. It seems to be pinched up enough that water cannot quickly run out when I am on plane, but when I am at rest it comes in pretty steadily. Honestly, short of trying to find another mounting bracket I am beginning to think plugging the bailer is my only option.