Offshore Rafting

Offshore Rafting INFLATABLE BOAT REPAIR
Sebastian, FL. Pick up/delivery available.

INFLATABLE BOAT REPAIR: Servicing dinghies and rigid hull inflatables (RHIBs) in the recreational, military, and professional markets

06/17/2026

REMEMBER THE AB WE DELIVERED TO HILTON HEAD?

That gentleman sent a text to me, and one to Bert, this afternoon.

Here’s what he had to say:

Hi Zoey!
We just finished a wonderful family vacation in Hilton Head Island.
Just want to thank you for the great job you did on our inflatable! Looks new, and we get so many compliments on it!
Just appreciate good results, especially when we’re 500-miles away.
Thanks again for a great job!
Wishing you and your crew the best!
Wayne Kirby

Bert, this is Wayne Kirby in Hilton Head Island.
Just want to thank you and Zoey for all you did on our inflatable!
Love it and faced with the same thing again, I'd call on you again!
Great work, great results and wishing you the very best.
Wayne Kirby

In a world where an increasing number craftsmen and small business owners are too often overlooked, or taken advantage of, Mr. Kirby shines like a lighthouse through the fog. He stands as a beacon of integrity and compassion. His actions reflect the best qualities of human character, and serve as a welcome reminder that kindness, fairness, and decency still thrive in our marine community.

06/15/2026

I’M GONNA BE ROCKING MY MARLON BRANDO JOWLS FOR ANOTHER FEW MONTHS…

sorry to have you see me this way. Still failing at my enunciation, as well, so I hope you can understand what I’m explaining.

I rattle on about DIY often. I know many of you find joy in those rants, but I’d like you to consider the serious side too.

This failed DIY was a potentially dangerous one. The transom of a vessel, as you might imagine, is an important component. It was quite jarring to find that it was barely being held in place!

It’s one thing to poorly DIY a patch on an open field of tube; it’s yet another to deal with the piece that supports your outboard.

If I hadn’t had my suspicions that proper prep and gluing procedures weren’t followed during the DIY attempt, we might not have uncovered these pressing issues.

Transom work requires knowledge, precision, and adherence to proper procedures. Experience sure doesn’t hurt, either.

Pretty please; if you’re experiencing issues with the fabric surrounding the transom area, forgo the DIY. Get the boat to a reputable repair shop. You just might save a life.

06/15/2026

MARLIN FINAL REVIEW…

Pretty toasty out there today; so warm that the phone kept cutting out, sending temperature warnings, and apparently stealing my review videos.

We’re off to work at an overflow location. Captain Joe asked me to leave the vessel outside for pick up this afternoon, so we deflated the chambers. Why? FOLLOWERS, I’m quizzing you!

If you answered that we never want to leave a glued-seam PVC vessel pumped up in the sun, you are CORRECTAMUNDO!

THE CASTOLDI SURE AS HELL CLEANED UP NICELY!
06/14/2026

THE CASTOLDI SURE AS HELL CLEANED UP NICELY!

06/13/2026

CASTOLDI FINAL REVIEW…

Phil came to retrieve the boat yesterday, and was beyond pleased with our results. He took the time to tell us how appreciative he is of our use of video documentation.

I’ve been using “initial inspection” and “final review” videos for ages, because I believe they serve as excellent documentation.

Shop sheets get filthy, torn, lost. Written repair narratives clutter a cruiser’s limited space. These videos are valuable in a number of ways:

- If the dinghy is being included as part of the sale of “the big boat”, the new owners now have a certified record of work performed, and after-care instructions.

- In cases where we may go 5, or more, seasons between a repair and a new “oopsy”, both parties are able to view what was, and what is. This helps identify areas that may be begging for reinforcement measures to be taken.

- With these clips, we’re able to use data assimilated over time to better assess the condition of any given vessel. Having a visually-documented progression at hand assists us with the recommendations we need to make to our customers.

It’s quite rare that we receive compliments related to this practice. Even we (at the shop) kinda take it for granted.

It warms the cockles of my heart to learn that others see the merit in providing this manner of documentation.

06/13/2026

MERCURY INITIAL INSPECTION…

Although dirty, the tube fabric is largely in excellent condition.

I did a “spot test” for Bryan; he elected to add the intense cleaning and UV treatment. I’m happy about that, because I know we’re going to be able to provide a startling difference between the “before” and “after” with this vessel.

06/09/2026

YOU’VE HEARD ME STATE THAT THE EFFECTS OF A DIY ARE FAR-REACHING…

Absolutely true! The job on the fire/rescue vessel became a much more involved repair upon finding the issues discussed here.

I’m always telling the boys that if something doesn’t look right, chances are it isn’t right.

None of these problems could’ve been spotted during our initial inspection rounds, as the transom holders were hidden under layers of fabric.

We removed the port transom holder today. It is also torn/cracked, and had been improperly located.

As much as I dislike losing money (these issues are being remedied at no additional charge), I’m glad that we unfailingly go the extra mile to ensure a complete, and proper repair.

We’ll show you a bit of what’s going on with the bottom of the transom tomorrow.

06/09/2026

MARLIN INITIAL INSPECTION PART TWO…

DIY and detachment don’t make for a happy (or seaworthy) vessel.

06/09/2026

MARLIN INITIAL INSPECTION PART ONE…

No air leaks, but we have a whole slew of detachment.

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Sebastian, FL

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