Newbie question - buying Zodiac

[dopp]

I've been looking at a RIB to buy so I can fish and just cruise around outside of Newport Harbor, CA. I came across this ad and wondering if it's a good deal. Any additional info you could give on this model/year zodiac would be great. Thanks so much.

the ad...

Roll-up aluminum/hypalon floor
Loaded with D-rings
Stainless transom plate
speed tubes
has tiny pinhole somewhere....but holds air all day. Someone can give it the TLC she needs.
Come and see it.

The trailer is not included. They are asking $1,000 for it.

[engarom]

Great all around boat.here is the website for all the specs
http://www.zodiacmilpro.com/zodiac-inflatables.php

The price is excellent, assuming there are no issues.
If there are any problems though, it can be expensive to deal with.
It is a military only boat so parts can be hard to find and pricey if found.
Good news is, there are a ton of guys in your area who have the same boat and can give you advice. We should all get togehter and start a Fc470 club!

[dopp]

Thanks for the reply. What issues should I look for?

[Newport F470]

I just bought a similar boat in January. Paid approximately same price you are considering, except mine did not come with a floor. I found a 25 hp 2 stroke for it, and am still putting everything together. I too will go out in Newport Harbor.

If you get it, we should plan to meet and compare boats. jmarlo@hkclaw.com

[dopp]

Originally Posted by Newport F470

I just bought a similar boat in January. Paid approximately same price you are considering, except mine did not come with a floor. I found a 25 hp 2 stroke for it, and am still putting everything together. I too will go out in Newport Harbor.

If you get it, we should plan to meet and compare boats. jmarlo@hkclaw.com

Do you think you'll be able to hand launch it in the harbor like off 15th st or something? I'd like to be able to do that so I don't have to launch from newport dunes which is like 20 bucks and 40 min to get to the ocean.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by dopp

Thanks for the reply. What issues should I look for?

Take a garden sprayer with soapy water with you when you look at the boat. Spray over entire tubes, with emphasis on the valves and any patches that may be present. Check the transom to tube joints and make sure they're solid. Check that the transom itself is solid; tapping with a bit of metal should tell you if there are any rot sections (assuming it's a wooden transom.) If you can get underneath, check that the floor is securely attached to the tubes (might want to do that before going nuts with the soapy water...) Deflate one tube section on each side, and make sure the other section stays up (rather than draining into the empty one - that would mean a leaking baffle; not a deal breaker, IMO, but something to be aware of.)

Luck;

jky

[prairie tuber]

To add to what Jyasaki had mentioned, check the integrity of the transom-tube connection, make sure that is solid. If there is a slow leak, it should be pretty easy to find and patch. If the boat is structurally sound, $ 1000 is a steal!

[dopp]

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm going to head over today after work and check it out. I'm sure you'll hear a lot more from me if I buy it. I'm pretty excited. The next step is to find a cheap 40hp outboard for it!

[martini]

We look forward to welcoming you into the "FC Club"

[dopp]

I took a look at it today. I brought along a soap spray bottle as suggested. Found a lot of small little leaks. The biggest one was at the back on the end of the cone. There were probably 10-15 patches on the boat. Looks like it's a 1984. The transom didn't look rotted at all. The guy said that when a 40hp motor is on it end tends to kind of bend the boat by the transom at full throttle. Is that normal? I held off until I got some feedback from you guys. How hard is it to patch all these little holes? Is it a pain to get old glue off? I notice some of the handles starting to peel away. I would also need to find a trailer somewhere. Thanks again for the help!