An improved slat design for roll-up inflatables

The roll-up dingy is a great idea for light weight, and low cost for 2 or 3 people (and a dog or two, as in our case) to get ashore.  However,  at 230lb I put some stress on the little slats, and  partly since I left it in the water, the slats started breaking by the end of the 1st year and by the middle of the 2nd season, most of them at least had cracks.  Obviously a bad (cheap) design for the West Marine version of the Zodiac 8'6" roll-up, since everyone I know with it has had the same problem.   One owner used epoxy coated plywood, but when his 250lb friend got in he broke some of the new slats.

My solution was using 3/8" plywood (what was laying around in the garage) and giving it a coat of epoxy & 1 layer of woven glass on top, and 2 layers on bottom for stiffness and strength.  I then smoothly sanded after curing to ensure fairness and no glass "saws" to cut through the pvc fabric, then another coat of epoxy.   I intended to varnish / paint the epoxy, as I had been told it did not weather the sun well, but it never make it very far up the to-do list.  After the 2nd season with the epoxy slats, I sanded and gave one more epoxy coat, then varnished to protect from UV.

I notice more stability with the sturdier "floor".

Have not broken any of the improved slats.

I do not notice any wear of the PVC fabric from the slats.

I have noticed some weathering of the top of the transom, which I will paint before spring. 

Over the 4 years we have enjoyed both the inflatable and the 3.3 Merc a lot.  It allows us to run our schnauzer "Cutter" ashore for needed relief, and the harbor cruise. 

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