Wanted Small - Cheap - Zodiac/Avon

ribber duck · 29 September 2011, 09:47

Hi ,

I am new to Ribnet "Hello Everybody " I am, also new to ribbing/sibbing and I am looking for a cheap but quality Inflatable , I already have an engine from my fising boat (a 15hp Merc s/s).

I am looking for £300-£500 Mark .It has to roll up to fit In the Boot of my Mondeo.
to use mainly for island hopping on Scotland's west coast, I was there this year and SO wanted to get out and explore !!

I am looking for one Preferable Orange

, NOT grey or white !!

, to fit 2/3 people ,so about 3.5/3.8m long.

any suggestions / leads .Thanks in Advance.

Downhilldai · 29 September 2011, 11:30

3.8m Orange Avon SIB, std shaft transom, rated 20hp max:

AVON INFLATABLE ERB PRO 3.8 | eBay

If you can stretch your budget, it should be ideal for you.

ribber duck · 29 September 2011, 11:36

There is stretch the budget ,,, but not triple

it argh!!

ribber duck · 29 September 2011, 11:42

http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/zodiac-...ale-44126.html

This is well worth considering

Downhilldai · 29 September 2011, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by ribber duck

There is stretch the budget ,,, but not triple

it argh!!

It's been for sale for some time - may be worth contacting the seller to see if there's much scope in the price.

Highlander · 29 September 2011, 11:56

The zodiac futura has an inflatable keel and 2 speed tubes, great boats,I have 1 .

Fenlander · 29 September 2011, 12:11

I'd be wary of getting a "bargain" in the sub £400 price range without a very careful examination. There are sadly quite a few 10-15yr old PVC boats where many of the seams and fittings are failing all at once and it's one hell of an effort to get/keep them seaworthy. Really only suitable for the enthusiast who has loads of time and glueing skills.

Elevate your budget to £500-£600 at this time of year and you'll get something much more modern (perhaps only 2-5yrs old) that's only cheap because this is the wrong time to sell a boat. You need to look hard at Ebay every day and see what is selling for what then drop on that bargain. Often the bargains are not due to condition but just the seller is in the wrong location and selling the week no-one has any cash.

Your colour choice does restrict you a fair bit though, I'd agree white looks grubby quickly but grey and grey/blue look OK?? My inflatables have been grey, grey/blue, white/grey and now grey/blue. I prefer red or black but would never make the choice on colour alone.

Max... · 29 September 2011, 13:20

As Fenlander says - eBay is your friend. The vast majority of the big reliable makes though are all grey/white so you will find it very difficult if you exclude them!

ribber duck · 29 September 2011, 13:21

Alzi · 29 September 2011, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I'd be wary of getting a "bargain" in the sub £400 price range without a very careful examination. There are sadly quite a few 10-15yr old PVC boats where many of the seams and fittings are failing all at once and it's one hell of an effort to get/keep them seaworthy. Really only suitable for the enthusiast who has loads of time and glueing skills.

Elevate your budget to £500-£600 at this time of year and you'll get something much more modern (perhaps only 2-5yrs old) that's only cheap because this is the wrong time to sell a boat. You need to look hard at Ebay every day and see what is selling for what then drop on that bargain. Often the bargains are not due to condition but just the seller is in the wrong location and selling the week no-one has any cash.

Hi People ,

I have the Zodiac In question for sale.

Hi Fenlander , What happened to your Brand New boat ?

Anyone Is welcome to come and have a look at the Zodiac , Then feel free to critisise.

It does Have an Inflatable keel , and 2 extra "Speed Tubes".

no its NOT falling apart at the seams.I would happily use it myself.

I had a fellow ribnetter (a fantastic guy , Gareth from Manchester) down last night to have a look , He said "Its not as bad as the advert makes out".

If he reads this thread I hope he posts a message.

Yes it is reasonably priced , Its Only been advertised on Here once ,as I didnt have the time or inclination to Ebay It.

Fenlander · 29 September 2011, 14:23

Alzi I guess it is inevitable you'd take that personally but you shouldn't because my comments were aimed right across all the boats he might consider. What I say is a fair assessment of many older boats and I've known folks get bargains home only to find the whole floor peels off a week later. There are exceptions and perhaps your friend's is one so fight your corner and get Ribber Duck to have a look.

As to the dig about my new boat... I guess that's fair enough. But I had the chance to use the boat for many miles off the West coast of Scotland so it was a great experience of the type, I put some minor scuffs on it, drilled holes for the transom wheels etc... then when it was found unsatisfactory it was collected and all my purchase/carriage costs were refunded in full. You don't get that reassurance with a private used buy.

Jizm · 29 September 2011, 14:24

Send a PM to Biffer on here, he may be able to help you.

http://www.rib.net/forum/members/biffer-4724.html

Gareth · 29 September 2011, 22:17

Hi - Yep I went a took a look at Alan's Zodiac last night and can say it's no where near as bad as I expected - in fact it wasn't bad it was pretty good, and wasnt falling apart at all. I'm no expert - far from it, but am considering it, just need to find a suitable engine (maybe should have come on saying it was rubbish so no one buys it while I make up my mind! ;-) ).

Alan - sorry not got back to you today, will be in contact asap.

Thanks
Gareth