Advice on buying Zodiac mark classic 2 alu or other similar inflatable boat

stefan13 · 29 March 2016, 22:26

I am looking for advice in choosing an inflatable boat. I am exploring the possibility of buying a new MK 2 Zodiac (Which is more less length that I want in general). I have yamaha 20 horse power two stroke engine. But maybe I will change for 30. Anyhow, from where I am buying price is 4500 euros.

My question is: in this category is there any other manufacturer that I should look into? Is new Zodiac Mk 2 alu in general worth this money and what are other eventual better options to explore in price, quality relation?

I also have possibility to buy used futura mk3 alu (year 2008) for 2500 euros.

SeanKent · 31 March 2016, 11:11

There are people on here that will give a much better response to your question but expect it would depend what you want to do with it. Ie will you be trailering it? Or setting up each time you use it, or setting up for a week whilst on hols? Do you fish or just want to play around?

Gurnard has just bought an f rib, he seems really pleased with. It would probably be faster with your 20HP (think that's the maximum engine size for these) easier to set up too, if you're not going to trailer.

With more info I'm sure someone better qualified will give a more in depth answer though.

Fenlander · 31 March 2016, 12:04

A new Zodiac MkII is a great deal of money. For this you could buy around three Honwaves of similar size which would perform as well on the water.

You need to be sure you believe the Zodiac quality is so good it merits such a large price difference.

stefan13 · 31 March 2016, 13:07

Thanks for your replies.

I wanna set it up each time I use it, don't wanna trailer it. No fishing, just sport, diving, fun.

That's the point I am not sure any more do you get this special better quality/durability with zodiac for higher price or it's just old glory.

Any experience with honwaves, i.e. honda made inflatables?

I had yamaha didn't last more than 8 years and I had to fix and glue it all the time, not punctures but manufacturers edges.

office888 · 31 March 2016, 13:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

A new Zodiac MkII is a great deal of money. For this you could buy around three Honwaves of similar size which would perform as well on the water.

You need to be sure you believe the Zodiac quality is so good it merits such a large price difference.

Zodiac Classic
Welded air seams / glued transom [PVC layup] / glued floor
Strongan fabric
Bravo/Scoprega accessory parts from Italy
Boat made in France
Bostik glue

vs

Honwave
Glued air seams / glued transom [thermoplastic transom holder] / glued floor
Mehler fabric
Bravo/Scoprega accessory parts made at Chinese factory
Boat made in China
Moon Chemicals Co glue (South Korea origin)

These are the major differences between the two boats in engineering. With that being said, they'll probably both perform the same for the first 5 years.

SeanKent · 31 March 2016, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan13

Thanks for your replies.

I wanna set it up each time I use it, don't wanna trailer it. No fishing, just sport, diving, fun.

That's the point I am not sure any more do you get this special better quality/durability with zodiac for higher price or it's just old glory.

Any experience with honwaves, i.e. honda made inflatables?

I had yamaha didn't last more than 8 years and I had to fix and glue it all the time, not punctures but manufacturers edges.

I have no experience of Honwave so can't comment.

I do have a 30 year old Zodiac with Ali floor and can tell you it's a pain to set up for each use - hence I'm looking for an air floor sib.

Zodiac is 3 times price of Honwave, 3 x 8years, the Zodiac needs to last 24 years !

If I had a 20HP rather than 25HP (would ideally keep my engine) I'd look at the Frib (these aren't cheap though and don't think they've been around long enough to know how they fair with age).

Fenlander · 31 March 2016, 13:35

Older Honwaves are not yet reported as failing in the UK so I'd guess that means they are still fine at 10yrs and they cost around £1000.

If you bought a Honwave and it did the job for you over a 10yr period with even a small residual value it would make complete financial sense.

Not saying it's a better SIB than a Zodiac but the price is so reasonable.

Also I'd want some evidence Zodiac France have their factory back running properly with an output of proven quality boats... there have been questions over this since Zodiac's financial troubles, the takeover by a new owner in 2015 and their period of suspended production.

Having said all that I've always liked the Zodiac Classic range and nearly bought a used one a couple of times.

jyasaki · 31 March 2016, 14:58

Be aware that a boat's price drops considerably in the first couple of years. You can get a lot more 2 or 3 year old boat than if you buy new, for the same money.

Something to think about.

jky

stefan13 · 31 March 2016, 19:34

Thank you all for your comments.

I looked into the honwave, its really affordable 1600 euros is T40. Also checked quicksilver i.e. mercury inflatable heavy duty 415 xs its 2400 euro.

Well, I think I might go for the honwave at the end although it looks a bit like a toy boat on pictures.

stefan13 · 31 March 2016, 19:46

What about bombard C4? That boat is made in UK. I thought that bombard is somehow connected to Zodiac, but it seems that is not the case. C4 is 3100 euros.

Fenlander · 31 March 2016, 20:04

Bombard is owned by Zodiac and effectively built by them in France. I don't think Zodiac build anything in the UK. The C4 is exceptionally heavy for commercial or expedition use and will take a large outboard (40/50hp).

It is not really a daily inflate leisure SIB.

stefan13 · 31 March 2016, 20:11

Thanks a lot for the info. I was just told that Bombard commando is being built in China.

Fenlander · 31 March 2016, 20:34

It's all a bit complicated as far as Zodiac goes and I think we need to see them settle down during 2016 to know just what they're doing.

Have a look at this thread...

http://www.rib.net/forum/f8/zodiac-f...tml#post710974

spartacus · 31 March 2016, 22:09

No reason to buy a new Zodiac, especially if this is your first SIB. The Zodiac build really is first class. I still have MK IIC GT (3.7m), circa 1986. Granted the seam went under the rowlock, but I've never sold it.

Back to the thread. Zodiac leisure boats are built with welded seams, Strongan Duotex material (PVC). The solid transom is glued in position. Look after it, and they're good for 20+ years. Some of the newer Pro RIBs use hypalon.

Engine-wise, then a short/standard shaft (15") 25hp 2-stroke was the perfect weight ratio. You're looking at around 48kg weight, plus fuel tank. Enough grunt to pull a donut and perfect for 2 to 3 adults. The HD floor (aluminium) is easy enough to assemble. Do it a few times and build times can be down to under an hour, from arrival to on the water.

Post up a wanted ad and see what comes up.

office888 · 01 April 2016, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan13

Thanks a lot for the info. I was just told that Bombard commando is being built in China.

Commandos are French. Typhoons are Chinese.

Arctic · 01 April 2016, 06:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Commandos are French. Typhoons are Chinese.

Are you sure that this is still the case following the changes at Zodiac? It certainly used to be that way but I have been told a lot of production was shifted to China in an effort to reduce costs. Not changes Zodiac/ Bombard would advertise I guess.

SeanKent · 01 April 2016, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Bombard is owned by Zodiac and effectively built by them in France. I don't think Zodiac build anything in the UK. The C4 is exceptionally heavy for commercial or expedition use and will take a large outboard (40/50hp).

It is not really a daily inflate leisure SIB.

Some of the more expensive zodiacs are built in France but alot of their boats are now built in Tunisia

stefan13 · 02 April 2016, 21:02

Thanks again to all the experts for sharing all this interesting info.

I am deciding tomorrow between

honwave T40 - 1600 euros
Mercury heavy duty 415 XS - 2400 euros (PVC)
Advance - local brand Hypalon made. 2100 euros

Things is that this "advance" is not really nice designed, although its a good price for the hypalon. They made a cheap hypalon boat but it doesn't leave convincing impression once you see it live. Ocean blue 420 OCEAN BLUE 420 | Advance boat

I think I will go for the honwave.

Thanks again

Fenlander · 02 April 2016, 22:57

In truth how can you go wrong with the Honwave at that price comparison.