New expensive hobby!

Alex Head · 24 October 2012, 03:52

Hello.

This is a great resource! I am glad I found it.

I recently purchased a used zodiac projet 350. It is my first boat ever. I have A LOT to learn and I think I will be coming back to this forum regularly for info.

I think RIBs are great and I see a lot of benefits with them over traditional boats. I don't see many RIBs in the Great Lakes region where I live. The few times I have been out so far, folks sort of just stare at the boat wondering what the heck it is. The fact that it has an inboard jet motor really confuses onlookers. They ask " where is the motor on that thing?"

If anyone else owns a zodiac projet I would be very interested in hearing from you. Or if any of you have general advice for a new boat owner (and so I don't end up regretting this!) would be great.

Cheers!

Alex

diverbert · 24 October 2012, 04:21

Hi Alex, nice to read you're a new enthusiast on this forum. The same goes here, I'm very pleased worn this forum to. It helps me trough tough times. Especially reading this posts from these enthusiastic members.
Have lots of fun with your new owned piece of happiness.

Regards from the Netherlands.
Bert

Wesley · 24 October 2012, 04:45

Hi Alex I am also a new owner, just bought a RIB 3.5m about 2 weeks ago and been out on it once already (to sea) and learning a lot not only about the boat but about the sea and it's moods too. I bought my boat 2nd hand and although only a year old I found some little bits here and there that need fixing and tidying up which I only found out when I got it on the water I recommend for your first outing dont go far or for long, just test it out then if all is OK next time go that little bit further, I also learnt the weather can change very quickly which was a bit scary for a first timer out on the waves haha so much to learn and be wary of but the process is fun and rewarding..

Alex Head · 24 October 2012, 11:22

Thanks Wesley

That reminds me, the first outing in my boat I rushed my family to the closest launch and got the boat in the water, pushed off, only to find I could not start the motor!! No matter what I did it would not start. So after some spinning around with an oar by the pier, several calls to the guy i bought the boat from, some evil eyes from my wife (and some crying - not by me, by her) I loaded the boat back up on the trailer and went home VERY disappointed and annoyed (and wondering how I was going to convince my wife I did not make the stupidest purchase ever).
After about a week in the shop getting the carbs rebuilt we could finally get out and start and use the boat! All a VERY memorable experience! We have been out several times since then before the fall turns too chilly. It is a blast and a very fast little boat. Got her up to about 43mph before I was getting too scared and slowed down. Went out on Lake Michigan over the weekend - I think we had the smallest boat on the lake!

Well this forum will be fun I can tell already. Thanks for the welcome!

Alex

spartacus · 24 October 2012, 12:07

Welcome to the forum Alex.

The Zodiac projet series is basically a luxury tender. Early models used 2-stroke Yamaha 80hp units, and later a 4-stroke 98hp. That's a lot of horses for a relatively small boat. Should be fairly robust, but it has a shallow v hull so expect it to slap in the rough stuff if you get caught out with the weather.

As you've already found out - getting the carbs rebuilt suggests it's been laid up for some time, possibly with stale fuel. Main thing is to determine its service history and get someone to check it thoroughly.

Zodiac still make the Projet for the US market, but in Europe it's the Yachtline and needs an outboard. http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/files...iac_Projet.pdf

Still hold their prices this side of the pond for use examples. Here's one: Zodiac Projet 350 - Autumn Special Offer £9,995 | Wills Marine Ltd

Alex Head · 24 October 2012, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

Welcome to the forum Alex.

The Zodiac projet series is basically a luxury tender. Early models used 2-stroke Yamaha 80hp units, and later a 4-stroke 98hp. That's a lot of horses for a relatively small boat. Should be fairly robust, but it has a shallow v hull so expect it to slap in the rough stuff if you get caught out with the weather.

As you've already found out - getting the carbs rebuilt suggests it's been laid up for some time, possibly with stale fuel. Main thing is to determine its service history and get someone to check it thoroughly.

Zodiac still make the Projet for the US market, but in Europe it's the Yachtline and needs an outboard. http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/files...iac_Projet.pdf

Still hold their prices this side of the pond for use examples. Here's one: Zodiac Projet 350 - Autumn Special Offer £9,995 | Wills Marine Ltd

Thanks Spartacus

Yes I have a year 2000 so unfortunately it has the louder/older 2 stroke yamaha. Has a lot of power though!
You are very correct about the shallow hull. Even in about 2ft waves we we could only get up to about 20mph before going airborne and flying around a bit. Not too fun for my four year old daughter up front (or safe for that matter).

Does the length of a boat affect the ride more or the angle of the v hull?

I have heard so much about bad gasoline (with ethanol) and stale fuel that I will ALWAYS being adding ethanol treament and stabilizer to my fuel and using premium grade. Worth the small extra expense I think.

*** Does anyone have a recommended PVC tube cleaner? I have heard most folks say use very mild cleaners. Even a household cleaner like 409 spray.

Thanks to all. This is a great way to get info.

Alex

jyasaki · 25 October 2012, 15:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Head

Does the length of a boat affect the ride more or the angle of the v hull?

Both. Length will allow you to sort of span chop rather than climbing and falling; deeper Vee means your entry is softer (try slapping the surface of the water with your hands held in a Vee , then try it with your hands held flat. )

Have fun, and be safe;

jky

zo11111 · 21 May 2013, 09:24

Hi Alex

I have a 1991 inboard 60hp Zodiac projet rib

I am looking for a new ignition switch any ideas where I might be able to purchase one?

Alex Head · 26 May 2013, 20:22

I would recommend finding a local zodiac dealer. Getting support from zodiac headquarters was nonexistent.

Fortunately I have not had to replace much on my boat yet. I bet a local marine repair shop could perform a simple ignition switch upgrade. It does not have to be a zodiac part I bet.

Good luck!

Mollers · 26 May 2013, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by zo11111

Hi Alex

I have a 1991 inboard 60hp Zodiac projet rib

I am looking for a new ignition switch any ideas where I might be able to purchase one?

Which engine/jet manufacturers have you in the Zodiac?

zo11111 · 27 May 2013, 14:13

Hi the rib is series 2051
60HP inboard Yamaha engine

zo11111 · 27 May 2013, 14:16

the Zodiac pro Jet rib is series 2051 inboard Yamaha engine

Mollers · 27 May 2013, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by zo11111

the Zodiac pro Jet rib is series 2051 inboard Yamaha engine

Go and see Robbin' Curnow in the mighty Borough of Penryn. He's a Yam main agent, i'll be a standard Yamaha item.

zo11111 · 27 May 2013, 16:05

Thank you for the suggestion

he is more of an outboard specialist may he may have ideas.

Thank you