Zar 65

[pop]

sat here reading my rib mag for the 4th time this month, and came across the Zar 65, this rib seems to be a strange looking craft. whats you opioion on this rib? the guy who made it or has somthing to do with them "powerboat" post on ribnet i would like to know about the hull just out of pure interest.

I cant make my mind up if its a rib or powerboat? from what it says i guess its an ilalian design but whats is background or is it completely new?

it always worries me when they show a pic when there is not one white cap in sight and the hull is out of the water

Rib international says " the zar is very much a waterborne limousine, rather than a sports car or off road vehicle, and she carries herself with that same air of distinction."

Well she ain't a limo, nor a sports car but could be a new one for top gear as a flying caravan with that table!

[Jizm]

Featured in this months boat mart, they reckoned it was pretty good although it looked uncomfortable to drive, tested on a very calm day tho'. UK distributor is in southampton on the itchen.

[Powerboats]

Pop

ZAR is an Italian manufacturer which has been building inflatables since 1979. We act as the UK importer. The design of the range does differ from a conventional RIB in that the forward bow section is rigid GRP as opposed to an inflatable collar.

The reason for this is that the hull features a very fine forward entry, which then "rolls" out to form tunnels, which channel air towards the aft section of the hull. The result of this is a ride which is extremely composed and soft riding.

A by-product of this shape is that a large internal volume is created, so for the size of boat the ZAR is very spacious. The transom of the RIB is in line with the rearmost point of the sponsons and the forwardmost section of the hull is in line with the most forward part of the tubes, so a 6.5m ZAR has a 6.5m hull length.

This hull design is the result of a long process of research and develoment and has a number of patents. The product is well established in the mediterranean, where it is highly regarded and has a strong following, with a number of bareboat charter fleets operating them because of their, ease of driving, robust build and longevity.

The unique internal arrangement has a huge amount of built in storage and seating which we believe will appeal to customers looking for a multi purpose, family friendly craft. We don't expect it to appeal to the "hardened" ribber, who prefers jockey seats and foot straps and do all weather ribbing, so horses for courses! However we do think the high quality construction, excellent finish, abundance of seating and storage, sunbathing space, soft ride and competitive pricing has a place in the UK market.

The test in Boat Mart is the smaller 5.3m model, which was done in quite light conditions. The conditions during the test of the 65 were well below the boat's capabilities. The photograph of the boat airbourne was taken crossing the wash of the Red Funnel ferry at full throttle.

We have a demonstrator of the 65 available in Southampton, you are more than welcome to come for a personal demonstration at any time.

Please see http://www.formenti-forsea.it/en/filosofia.htm for more information on the hull design.

Dan Cross
Managing Director
Powerboats Ltd

[UKPOWERBOAT]

We did a sea trial on the Zar 650 Suite, at last years Sports Boat & Rib show, and the ride was very smooth. There was a little chop in the harbour, however we arrived at the show in my Avon 580DL SeaSport and found the ride in the Zar 650 was a lot smoother in the same conditions. It was also very dry, stable, and the stand-up position helm was not as uncomfortable as it at first appears.

The finish was excelent, loads and loads of room, I agree it is more of a leisure rib than all out rugged, plus there aren't many ribs out there at 6.5m size that has beds either end that will sleep 4 adults as the 650 would, with the tent option. There was enough storage space under the rear seating area to store wakeboards and god knows what else. Not forgetting the other storage in the bow. Plus what was really cool was the self draining ice box under the drivers seat, to keep those berverages nicely chilled. Lots and lots of really neat ideas in a 6.5m Rib that you would not see elsewhere.

I think one of the things Zar ought to change are the tube cols as that is the biggest thing that put us off and found the black & white to be not to our taste.

For the record I do not know "POWERBOATS" or have any vested interest in Zar Powerboats, just my unbiased opinion.

[pop]

All the reviews are good, but when do you read a bad one?

The cabin space looks quite a good size, is there a shower in the cabin?

does the bow have any tube at all? (in the pics i cant tell)

how long has this hull been around?

quote "The reason for this is that the hull features a very fine forward entry, which then "rolls" out to form tunnels, which channel air towards the aft section of the hull. The result of this is a ride which is extremely composed and soft riding."

whats so new about that then? all hulls direct the airflow under the hull to get the hull working?

where is the test rib?

Nauti Buoy

what did you think of the build quality of this rib?
did you think the zar was a good rib for the solent chop?

questo rib e uno schierzo?

[Powerboats]

"The cabin space looks quite a good size, is there a shower in the cabin?"

The ZAR 65, does not have a cabin. The 73 Skydeck Cabin RIB has a separate heads compartment with a tap/extendable shower head.

"does the bow have any tube at all? (in the pics i cant tell)"

No, the bow section of the hull is completely GRP, providing an anchor locker, bow roller and permanent storage for a Stainless Steel Danforth Anchor, with the option of an electric windlass.

"how long has this hull been around?"

The hull/deck concept is used, in various forms, across the whole range from 4.3m to 7.5m. It was developed in 1992, so is well tried and tested, and has 4 international patents. See http://www.formenti-forsea.it/en/progetto.htm

where is the test rib?

We keep the demonstrator at Southampton Dry Stack, just round the corner from our office at Shamrock Quay.

Thanks

Dan

[ZAR64Suite]

Just bought new one. Honda225 engine. Will be deliverd in 3 weeks !
This summer we make first trip in Friesland/Holland.
Next year we want to go to Ibiza.
Any ZAR owners on this site? Looking forward to hear from you!

[Idrian]

You should have a look in the german and austrian Rib Forums. There you will find a lot of Zar owners - from the Zar 43 up to Zar 65.

http://www.schlauchboot-online.at/

http://schlauchboot-forum.com/forum/

[PeterM]

Looked at the 73 Skydeck at the boat show a year or two ago. Very impressed by the quality & thought that had gone into the planning of the cabin & the usable space.

Never water tested & was waiting for the OB version of the cabin boat. On the list of possible replacements for current boat in a few years.

Have to agree - Black & white doesn't do much for its looks..........

[shthpnz]

Originally Posted by ZAR64Suite

Just bought new one. Honda225 engine. Will be deliverd in 3 weeks !
This summer we make first trip in Friesland/Holland.
Next year we want to go to Ibiza.
Any ZAR owners on this site? Looking forward to hear from you!

Yes I am a ZAR65 owner and a very proud one! The ZAR has been on the Northsea and around Greece several times. Easy to handle it, stays dry whatever the waves do and I like her elegant looks. If you want more info, tips or just a chat: PM me.

Regards, Roel