Zodiac Pro 530

cgoing · 29 May 2011, 16:59

Picked up a former fire department owned Zodiac pro 530. The tubes were filled with self expanding foam which failed miserably. Apparently some of that foam was strong enough that it pulled some seams completely apart. The hull itself is in excellent condition. The motor is not bad but will be getting replaced.

cgoing · 22 June 2011, 19:24

The new tubes have arrived.

I have also acquired a new console from an older fiberglass boat. Now I have space to hide a 40 gallon fuel tank mid ships without having to cut out the deck. I'll also be gaining storage by removing the tank which was hidden under the rear seat.

Progress !

cgoing · 19 July 2011, 19:10

The hull has now been completely stripped and has been refinished. The console and fuel tank are in and the tubes are on. The new engine has been installed and rigging is about halfway done. Hopefully she gets wet this weekend !

jyasaki · 20 July 2011, 14:45

Hmmm. Funny looking head you've got there. Or is the seat missing a cushion?

Luck with the sea trial;

jky

SDDiver5 · 20 July 2011, 14:53

Nice man that looks pretty sweet. I am looking for a zodiac similar to yours. Did you pass by the fire station and see it for sale or did you get it a govt auction?

D

cgoing · 20 July 2011, 16:26

I came across the boat on Craigslist. It was listed as a 470 at the time. The fire department had sold it last summer to a policeman from their town. He inturn put it up for sale after gettting a really high quote for new tubes. He wanted a lot more than i was willing to pay. Well apparently he had a deal on it and it fell through when the potential buyer got a price on tubes. When it got relisted I asked for photos and noticed it said 530 on the hull not 470 as it was listed. Apparently he was not completely aware of what he had. I lowballed on it and he took my offer. To make things better I sold the evinrude it came with for almost as much as I paid for the package.

Unfortunately it seems that most dealers are trying to retire on what they sell tubes for. It certainly does not help the industry.

cgoing · 20 July 2011, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

Hmmm. Funny looking head you've got there. Or is the seat missing a cushion?

Luck with the sea trial;

jky

HMMM.. I never considered sneaking a head under the seat. Not a half bad idea... LOL !

SDDiver5 · 21 July 2011, 14:40

Oh nice you got pretty lucky! If you can keep the thread updated. Looks like fun, enjoy it!

D

cgoing · 05 August 2011, 15:25

Well the boat will finally be getting launched later today. Unfortunately there have been some delays which have been beyond my control. Apparently somewhere between the builder and here a mouse got inside the motor and had a little feast. Luckily the manufacturer stepped right up and sent out the needed parts to get this resolved.

cgoing · 15 August 2011, 18:49

Well , I am very pleased with how it handles. Have not had a chance to get it on a GPS to get a speed on it yet but the fuel economy is excellent and it takes waves very well.

engarom · 24 January 2012, 20:12

It turned out pretty good. How does it handle larger waves?
I was told that the hull shape doesnt cut the waves as much as a searider does.
Also, where did you get the replacement tubes?
Thanks
J

cgoing · 24 January 2012, 20:48

Thanks- The boat runs real well with the 75 ETEC. It took a little while to get the right prop worked out but i'm now getting mid 40's out of it in flat water. Personally I like the way it handle better than a searider. It turns flatter at speed because off the deep strakes on the outide of the hull.

I got the tubes from Defender where I work. Unfortunately the price jumped a bit since last year but if you want send me a PM and I'll get you a price.

My boat is actually torn apart once again. The deck has been removed and I have installed a belly tank under the deck. I also bought a new console, T-top and bolster for it. I am trying to make it a little more comfortable and gain some storage. The plan is to also fabricate a bow locker into it as well.

-Chris

engarom · 25 January 2012, 04:42

My zodiac is the 4.7 version of yours, same year. I am looking for tubes so if you know where i can source them im interested. They dont show them on the Defender site.
Thanks

cgoing · 25 January 2012, 13:17

I'll get you a price

ssobol · 25 January 2012, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgoing

... The plan is to also fabricate a bow locker into it as well. ...-Chris

I also have the 470 version of this boat. I have also been thinking about adding a bow locker and will be very interested in how you do it.

Thanks.

jyasaki · 25 January 2012, 15:09

Whose T-top did you put on there?

Boat looks good.

jky

cgoing · 25 January 2012, 21:27

Thanks. I am happy with how it turned out . Hopefully it will be a bit nicer once I get the under deck fuel tank fully installed and the new console and leaning bolster. The t-top is a Atlantic towers t-top. It is a kit and are adjustable so they'll fit a number of consoles.

jyasaki · 26 January 2012, 15:42

Thanks, C-Going.

Have fun with the toy.

jky

Bertus · 16 March 2012, 01:24

HI,

Looks good with the T top, I have some own Ideas.

I desperate would like to have some pictures of the inside of the hull. Is it possible to send me some pictures. How did you lift the deck for that tank.

Mine needs a transom repair seems that the wood is wed.

cgoing · 16 March 2012, 12:36

If you send me a PM with your email i will be happy to send you photos. I have cut almost all of the deck out of the boat, new stringers are in place, the tank should be mounted this weekend and then the new floor will go in place.

I also have ordered a new console, T-top and leaning bolster for it. I've got a new baby so I've been slow to work on it for a couple months but a few nice days of 60 degrees plus reignited my motiviation.

-Chris