Zodiac future mk2 alu 13.5ft, any good?

SpearRib · 13 June 2014, 00:18

Ok still looking for new sib or rib for fishing.

This one has come up with a 30hp Merc 2 smoke both 2006, on a newish trailer.

Its had a transom replacement with fiberglass instead of wood, looks heaps stronger. Original got the typical rot.

Are these any good? What would be a fairish price to expect?

Peter_C · 13 June 2014, 01:24

They are known for glue failure around year ten. Since it has already lived a hard life even having the transom rot out, I would be very leary.

Landlockedpirate · 13 June 2014, 09:35

Petes right, glue failure somewhere between 10 and 15 years. However, if the transom has already been replaced, you wont get the glue failing issue there :-)

They are a fantastic boat, light and very fast, 2 stroke 30hp is a perfect engine for the boat. I have had 2 (Mk2C FR & 25 Yam and Futura Sport & 50 Yam), loved them both and would not hesitate to buy again.

No idea about price, but they are some of the most expensive sibs to buy new so expect a hefty resale value.

SpearRib · 15 June 2014, 03:28

cheers guys, thats good oil. its been under cover since new. so its 8 years old. as stated the transom had already been replaced. has those padded cross seats, but id like to replace them with a jockey type centre seat.

the trailer is 1 year old.

the asking price is $2500GBP equivalent. is that a fair price?

i missed out on a QS380hd recently, similar spec and that went for $1600GBP, so i can see the zodiac is demanding a higher resale.

if treated well it should have some life left in it still though surely?

Nico · 15 June 2014, 18:03

She's a good boat. As others have mentioned, we bought ours second hand and had to do quite a bit of glue repair. This included speed tubes, floor, etc. If you have glueing abilities they are relatively easy fixes, and the if the PVC was kept in good condition it is not a problem. The tubes are welded, so that is a plus.

SpearRib · 15 June 2014, 23:51

This is whats starting to keep me in sibs and ribs, gluing. Its much easier imo to fix a fabric boat than it is weld a tinny or reglass a smashed FG boat (if it hasnt sunk). The only other material I like is plywood.

Yes I feel confident in gluing, have done a fair few patches and sure I can learn. Currently it has no lifting anywhere im told, but where should I check for? Transom should be mint as its 6 months old and now fiberglass.

And what about that price of $2500GBP for 07 mk2, 06 Merc 30hp and brand new well respected trailer brand (with a host of goodies chucked in). Without seeing it, is that a fair price?

I know it will suck in the chop, but should handle a 1ft chop with no swell?

SpearRib · 16 June 2014, 09:41

the futura doesnt really have much of an up turned nose. is it going to get swamped in a 1-2ft sea?

Landlockedpirate · 16 June 2014, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

the futura doesnt really have much of an up turned nose. is it going to get swamped in a 1-2ft sea?

They ride fairly bow up. They go over, rather than through the waves.

jyasaki · 16 June 2014, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

the futura doesnt really have much of an up turned nose. is it going to get swamped in a 1-2ft sea?

In addition to what Pirate said, inflatables don't cut through the water like a hard boat, but rather ride on top. Short swell or chop will have more of the boat out of the water (compared to a hard boat) and less under. Waves coming over the bow won't be a worrisome problem unless they're large enough to be breaking. Even then, you've got the tubes to keep you afloat - you'll just be wet and miserable and not go very fast.

jky

Peter_C · 17 June 2014, 04:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

the futura doesnt really have much of an up turned nose. is it going to get swamped in a 1-2ft sea?

That is the type of waves that my boat produces its top speeds

SpearRib · 17 June 2014, 06:05

i generally dont like going out in 15knots +, which in most cases is a sub 1foot chop and below 5knots is just swell if there is any.

but have been caught out from flat to 4foot chop in 30 minutes in my prior zodiac 285s, the biscayne on the damn keel tube blew hahaha. wondered why it was so bumpy for thr 1km back.

SpearRib · 22 June 2014, 23:52

Its coming down to this future and the bombard 380.

Give it will mostly be used for ticky touring and spear fishing in areas that get up to 1ft of chop. Which is the better buy.

The equivalent aerotec is 3/5th the price of this zodiac. Is a tough choice as both have pros and cons.

Landlockedpirate · 23 June 2014, 09:43

They are both too similar to seperate. Both good boats, as a transportable the Aerotech wins hands down, but on a trailer thats irrelevant. Both boats appear to be very cheap in the UK market.

Engines, I prefer 2 strokes (Weight, simplicity, instant response), but the 4 stroke on the Aerotech is probably worth more.

Seriously, you have been looking for months, pull the trigger on one of them or you will still be sat on the beach this time next year.