Zodiac Hurricane 440

[Rogan]

I've been searching for a new RIB and stumbled onto this Zodiac Hurricane 440. It's a 1990 and is going for a really reasonable sum(about 3000 dollars). With a year 2000 trailer and the 40hp merc it sounds like a deal. Does anyone have any thoughts on this little Hurricane. How do they handle compared to a Avon searider. I was surprised they even made such a small Hurricane.

[OceanEco]

good ribs a bit of a round hull which slaps a little when you get into the bigger stuff 3-4 footers. seems like a really good deal if everything is in good shape.

[dctucker]

Sounds like a great deal to me. I've got ~$5k into my 5.4mR Searider, which is 10 years older, with an even older outboard. And I think thats a bargain.

[CAH]

I'd jump on it if this is what you want. 3K is a good deal for a Hurricane. You will get your money back if you decide re-sell in a few months.

[Rogan]

It's not really the boat we want but it will suffice while we are saving for something bigger. Especially if it can be sold for the same amount we got it for.

[prairie tuber]

Looks like a fantastic deal!!!

[Rogan]

Hey guys,
How fast do you think this thing will go? I am sure not as fast as the Mark IIC with a 40hp. I mean this thing weighs 900pounds and the Futura weighs 180 pounds. Do think the 16 year old transom will survive a 60 hp on the back. I just don't want to go and get the thing in FL and find that its no where near as thrilling.

Thanks for the responses
Rogan

[Pete7]

Does seem rather heavy for the size, have a look at this to compare it to. You could always take it for a spin before buying. Mariner 40s are bomb proof if a little agricultural. We have a pair in the dive club that just work year in year out with little love or attention.

http://www.divernet.com/boats/boats497.htm

Pete

[OceanEco]

i think you could power it up a bit more. one of my charter boats is a 1990 hull and it locks better than our other rib that is 10 years newer.

check the transom for stress cracks(mostly happens where the inside of the transom meets the deck).

if you do buy it i would drill a 1/4" hole in the transom(not all the way thru and look at the sawdustthat comes out on the drill bit. these transoms have a plywood core and it is a quick way to find out if the transom is rotting(wet sawdust). if it is dry you could power it up a LITTLE more. IMHO.

you should have no problem re selling it at a later date.

[boatster_sr4]

Thats a great deal for $3000. I imagine it would be perfect in the great lakes. You'd be able to handle the chop much better than your futura. It will go slower in the smooth glassy water but when things get too rough for the futura bust out the Hurricane and start having fun. It says its rated for a 50hp too so you can get 10 more out of her. 900 lbs is heavy though. My 5.4 meter searider ( 18' ) is supposed to be 750 lbs and is rated up to 90hp. I think an equivalent size searider to that Hurricane is the Avon sr4.7 which has a rating for 70hp. Seariders are fantastic boats thats for sure but that one you should most definitely be able to make money off of I would think. I say thumbs up.