Ribnet inspired zodiac

[ruvaz]

I just wanted to post some pictures of my Futura, I have been spending endless hours reading through this forum enjoying the massive amounts of information on Inflatables and engines.
I purchased a used Futura Mk3 1997 (excellent condition) with a Honda 50 early this winter and have spent some time modifying the boat to suit my 6'5" height and fishing needs. I only managed to get one 50 mile ride in before the temperatures dropped and the lakes froze solid.
Still some work to complete like fishing rod holders and a mounting a suitable fish finder, these are the next things on my list.

Thanks again RibNet and members for hosting such a rich environment for RIBs and SIBs

[thornbackflound]

Originally Posted by ruvaz

I just wanted to post some pictures of my Futura, I have been spending endless hours reading through this forum enjoying the massive amounts of information on Inflatables and engines.
I purchased a used Futura Mk3 1997 (excellent condition) with a Honda 50 early this winter and have spent some time modifying the boat to suit my 6'5" height and fishing needs. I only managed to get one 50 mile ride in before the temperatures dropped and the lakes froze solid.
Still some work to complete like fishing rod holders and a mounting a suitable fish finder, these are the next things on my list.

Thanks again RibNet and members for hosting such a rich environment for RIBs and SIBs

Cracking sib there mate,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,can i ask were do you get them SEATS from?i see you have one your steering console sits on,,,,,,,,,i have tried everywere,,,,and no one on here knows so far?ANYBODY?

[ruvaz]

The seats I found on Ebay from EBAY store "The Smart Farmer" I had to shop around for a while until I found reasonable shipping to my remote location. EBAY ITEM#230399696164 (there is a few colors available) I had to modify these units removing the slider feature as this feature is not required, and saves weight.
I mounted the steering on system on a 3 drawer modified tool box. Proto/stanley brand model# J9993 I have seen other brands with the same dimensions. The drawers I figured will be useful for fishing supplies and any small tools I night need. The flip top opening is not very accessible as I would have to flip open the attached console...I will probably just store emergency items such as my spare prop.

[kelson]

Nice ride there ruvaz. Sure wish I had the extra length of the mk3!

Depending on your use you may find that the console will torque the top of the tool box. Ah, but I abuse my poor inflatable and launch off waves so the console really takes some load.

I think Thornblackflound is referring to the Zodiac track mounted bench that is under your tractor seats and the console assembly. They are original Zodiac sliding bench seats that attach to the track that is integral with the aluminum floor. Available from Zodiac for some obscene amount of cash. Here in California they pop up on Craigslist or E-Bay occasionally. I got my third set of rails without the seat board off Craigslist. In the end my tractor seat / track seat combo rocked a bit and the seat supports wore away part of the track. I ended up replacing the OEM seat supports with a fixed mount. For more reasonable use the track system works just fine and the adjustability is nice. The Zodiac track is an odd shape, if you don't have the track on your boat already it would be hard to duplicate.

Be sure to post pics of your boat on the water and a few with all those fish you will be landing!

[Nasher]

That's a cracking looking boat

Well done.

[Tony]

Originally Posted by ruvaz

I just wanted to post some pictures of my Futura, I have been spending endless hours reading through this forum enjoying the massive amounts of information on Inflatables and engines.
I purchased a used Futura Mk3 1997 (excellent condition) with a Honda 50 early this winter and have spent some time modifying the boat to suit my 6'5" height and fishing needs. I only managed to get one 50 mile ride in before the temperatures dropped and the lakes froze solid.
Still some work to complete like fishing rod holders and a mounting a suitable fish finder, these are the next things on my list.

Thanks again RibNet and members for hosting such a rich environment for RIBs and SIBs

You dont look 6 foot 5" to me....

[jyasaki]

Very nice job. Clever design, and the seats look quite good (as well as appearing functional and confortable.)

I'd be a little concerned with the tool box rusting, but that may be less of an issue if you're normally in fresh water.

jky

[ruvaz]

Thanks for the input.KELSON...i have read all of your posts and took the tractor seats idea from your SIB. I fully understand the concern with the track wear. I will give it a try for this season and probably modify like yours next winter. I really want to get a larger gas tank, when i find a suitable one i will design my seat mounts so it fits nicely underneath like yours.

[ruvaz]

Figured I would add some Labrador fish picks from last season. My Zodiac should allow me to travel much farther and hopefully land some bigger ones!

I'll be sure to post some Zod on water picks, as soon as the lake unfreeze!

26lb Lake Trout and some "speckle" trouts pics.

[kelson]

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures with the zodiac in remote locations! That sure looks likes some great fishing. The stability of the inflatable makes for a killer fishing platform, though the last time I took out a crew in Mex they got tired of me saying "Don't HOOK the boat". I have got to give that fresh water action a try! Seen any bears recently? I only have to deal with Federales...