Any Bombard C4 or Zodiac Classic MK2 Owners

[Andynw]

Hi,

I am looking at upgrading to a Bomdard Commando C4 or Zodiac Classic MK11 with the bench and mini console steering option.

Any users out there with experience or particular merits of these boats.

The Bombard is the cheaper option and has a wooden hull which looks like it gives a nice deep hull shape, more so than an inflatable. Would this give better performance?

One dealer has told me that my 25hp Evinirude E-tec does not have enough power for the Bombard as minimum recommended is 30hp, does this ring true? I am looking for a boat for bay hoping and fishing in good weather not a sports boat.

I know the Bombard is 22kg heavier than the Zodiac, did not think that would impact the power requirement that much.

Any comments from current user welcome,

Thanks

Andy

[captnjack]

The Bombard ali floorboards with wooden keel are every so slightly better IMHO than the air keel. Not as much as you might think though. I had a C3 with 15hp and then later 25hp.

The C4 is a good match with 40hp, 25hp would work but rather anemic.

[azzurro]

Weight is not the only issue to need more power: the longer the boat is, the bigger surface in contact with the water, so more drag -> more power demanded.

Also consider that a 25hp engine on a C3 may not work on a C4...because of leg length.
Most of the "4,5m or more" sibs demand a long leg outboard; "4m or less" sibs need short leg.

[achille2124]

I sell a lot of these boats, Commando C4, MKII Classic, Commando C5, Futura etc...

Commando boats are very great, and a Commando C4 with a 25hp is a perfect kit, make sure that it is a short shaft. If you are a fan of speed, you might want a more powerful outboard but for fishing and normal use 25hp is enought.

If you are to use this boat with a trailer, take the Commando C4. If you will assemble and disassemble the boat each time (or often), take the Classic MKII. The Commando C4 is a pain in the !#@#% to assemble due to its wooden keel.

[Andynw]

Thanks for the comments, I am going to opt for the Commando C4 in red with the bench seats and steering console.

I like the hull shape of the Bombard given by the wooden hull. I only take my boat down once a year for winter storage. I have a trailer so the commando should not be an issue.

I have a short shaft Evinrude E - Tec 25hp it a tiller but converting to remote control.

I am not looking for water sports just coastal touring close inshore or in estuarys for fishing and beach hopping in good weather.

Thanks

Andy

[achille2124]

Good stuff, have fun buddy!

[raygunlabs]

you never told us how it worked out for you.

[Projectile]

We used to have a MkII with an old Evinrude 35 hp engine, which is probably equivalent to today's 30 hp ETECs. It was very fast. I don't think that you'll regret using the 25 hp ETEC at all.

A MkIII is another matter altogether, though...