4mtr Gemini Inflatable

[samt]

I have just bought(won) this boat off eBay. Haven't even seen it yet though . It will need a bit of tidying up.

Does anyone know anything about these boats? The age etc. At a guess I'd say early 90's. I don't know whether its PVC, Hypalon or other material. Would be nice if it was hypalon tho.

Its a quite a big step from my last inflatable (2.9m dinghy). The ad said 50hp. But as its quite old, maybe this is too much. Would 25hp be enough?

This is not a type of hull i'm used to, but its not a V shape so how seaworthy is this type of boat?

[andy9466]

hi samt
i own a gemini waverider 505 it is a 2002 model
which i find to be a very well built rib you may find some info here if it is the same gemini company.
http://www.gemini-inflatables.com/in...es/default.asp
hope this helps answer your questions
andy

[Nos4r2]

I've seen a South African fully inflatable version of a Zapcat that has underslung sponsons like that. It was mad with a tiller steer Tohatsu 50. I suspect that will launch rather well off waves

[prairie tuber]

That is a Gemini Surf and looks to be the 4.2m version. Very well built craft. You should have lots of fun with it.


http://www.gemini-inflatables.com/in....asp?boatID=36

http://www.racing-inflatables.com/surf.htm

An excellent boat


If you do a search of "gemini surf" on ribnet, you'll find several threads that discuss them.

[PeterM]

I would expect a 50 would be 'exciting'- mostly pointing to the sky until it picked up & you may need weight ( passenger ) in the bow to make it more controllable ?

Looks like great fun - i'd think 25 woudl be enough to scare you with the flat hull !

[samt]

Thanks for the responces...

I should pick it up next friday... hopefully it'll fold up and fit in the back of my car. I don't have a suitable trailer yet, but will hopefully be using a trailer in the future.

I'v got to find a suitable outboard now. Don't know if I'll be brave enough to put a 50 on the back. I think I'll go for a 25/30hp, two stoke of course.

The websites say its avaliable in both PVC and Hypalon. So I guess I'll find out when I get there.

[Ed the Duck]

Sam,
It is a Gemini Surf. Absolutely superb boats - gutted I didnt see it as I was after a second one!

Have owned a 4.2m GRX Surf since 2003, exceptional performance and just about manageable single-handed. The boats were built in PVC or hypalon so it could be either. Effectively it is a zapcat with a bow and a closed transom. This gives it a payload capacity up to about 900kg. Use mine for playing in surf and for expeditions. Have found it to be incredibly sea worthy.

The boat will run well with anything from 25-60+hp - it really depends what you want to do with it.. Currently running a 40hp which will take it to about 30kts.

The boat doesn't ride as a flat bottomed boat. All the lift is generated by the two tubes, giving a soft ride in big seas. Be careful in strong winds though - the boat is light enough to flip easily if not driven carefully into a head wind.

Anyway, got yourself a top boat there. Have messed about on ribs of all sizes, but I never seem to have as big a grin as when I beach the GRX!

Ed

[Ed the Duck]

Originally Posted by samt

Thanks for the responces...

I should pick it up next friday... hopefully it'll fold up and fit in the back of my car. I don't have a suitable trailer yet, but will hopefully be using a trailer in the future.

I'v got to find a suitable outboard now. Don't know if I'll be brave enough to put a 50 on the back. I think I'll go for a 25/30hp, two stoke of course.

The websites say its avaliable in both PVC and Hypalon. So I guess I'll find out when I get there.

Have you an estate car? - the boat may claim to pack down, but the bundle is still pretty big...

[samt]

Originally Posted by Ed the Duck

Have you an estate car? - the boat may claim to pack down, but the bundle is still pretty big...

well its a small estate car (vauxhall agila- I'v heard all the jokes at school before, but it was the only car that I could afford insurance on, and get my stuff in) , the seller sent me the rough packed dimensions, 1.5m by 1m by 1m does this sound right? It should just about fit. I may be able to use a citroen berlingo, but don't know yet. If I can, I'll try and borrow a trailer.

That picture looks awesome . I'm trying not to get too excited about boats at the moment, as I still have a couple more exams to do yet.

[Ed the Duck]

Originally Posted by samt

well its a small estate car (vauxhall agila- I'v heard all the jokes at school before, but it was the only car that I could afford insurance on, and get my stuff in) , the seller sent me the rough packed dimensions, 1.5m by 1m by 1m does this sound right? It should just about fit. I may be able to use a citroen berlingo, but don't know yet. If I can, I'll try and borrow a trailer.

That picture looks awesome . I'm trying not to get too excited about boats at the moment, as I still have a couple more exams to do yet.

Those dimensions sound about right. As for a trailer, look for a zapcat trailer or you could get one made up relatively easily. Where are you in UK?

Good luck with the exams. PM if you have queries (boat related, not exam related!)

Ed