530 should I pull the trigger or not??

Fullcave · 21 July 2020, 08:33

I’m in the process of buying a zodiac 530 with a 75 hp evenrude e-tec for 7000euro with a easy launch wagon the problem is as follows:

No evidence what year it’s from, the seller says that he thinks boat and engine is from -04

I got the manufacture date from the plate on the boat guess someone now how to read it.

Is there anything else I should pay extra attention to when having a closer look still I need to drive 800km back and forth so need to do my homework before showing up.

Is the price in a good range of what it should be?

Txs in advance since this is my first post and I learned a lot only by scanning the previous posts.

Nasher · 21 July 2020, 09:00

Serial number from the engine would really help to date it, in fact the manufacturing date is usually on the engine plate, but if it is an ETEC then I think it can only be from 2003 on anyway.

On a boat of this type and age condition is actually more important than the accurate age. Particularly if it's Hypalon.
For example, a well looked after, clean, stored under cover 2004 boat would be a better bet than an abused 2010 boat left out in all weathers.

Is there any service history with the engine?

Nasher.

Fullcave · 21 July 2020, 14:55

No history what so ever. So need to gather as much info before I’m paying him.

My guess is that it’s been in that hut/ barn when it haven’t been in sweet water since this guy took over it. Would be 2014-2015 so before that it’s a gap. Still they are rare to find and I think the set up is good. 75 hp 5.30 m rubber boat. Good if I have some friends over with rebreathers and do some diving when the weather is nice. Steady and easy boat vs my diesel inboard in a 9 meters aluminium hull

The sun kills rubber we all know that so understand your age vs used idea.

I’m on him regarding engine number.

beamishken · 21 July 2020, 18:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fullcave

No history what so ever. So need to gather as much info before I’m paying him.

My guess is that it’s been in that hut/ barn when it haven’t been in sweet water since this guy took over it. Would be 2014-2015 so before that it’s a gap. Still they are rare to find and I think the set up is good. 75 hp 5.30 m rubber boat. Good if I have some friends over with rebreathers and do some diving when the weather is nice. Steady and easy boat vs my diesel inboard in a 9 meters aluminium hull

The sun kills rubber we all know that so understand your age vs used idea.

I’m on him regarding engine number.

A dealer can plug it in and read a significant amount of data from the ECU maybe worth spending a little on getting it plugged in & checking hours etc

brveagle · 21 July 2020, 22:56

Given that much of a distance between you two, i would ask for a lot better pictures and more information before even thinking about driving or sending him a deposit.

Get the Hull ID number and that will tell you the year. Find out if they are original tubes as well and how long they hold air. big $$ to replace.

SoCal Hurricane · 22 July 2020, 00:43

That boat would go for $10,000 here in the states.

Based on the plate, I think it’s a 1991 year 530.

If the Hypalon is in good shape, you should be fine. The floor itself is worth a few thousand dollars. Couple that with the trailer, jockey console (rigged?), and engine... you should jump on it and go have some fun!

Fullcave · 23 July 2020, 13:35

Here is the picture of the boat id.

Fullcave · 23 July 2020, 13:46

Sorry here it is last pic.

SoCal Hurricane · 23 July 2020, 19:26

It’s a 1991 boat. So long as the engine runs well and compression is good, I’d give it a thumbs up. Most air leaks can be repaired if you find any.

Go for it!

Fullcave · 23 July 2020, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal Hurricane

It’s a 1991 boat. So long as the engine runs well and compression is good, I’d give it a thumbs up. Most air leaks can be repaired if you find any.

Go for it!

So it’s probably room for some negotiation. How do you read the numbers to figure it out it’s from -91

Best regards Magnus

SoCal Hurricane · 23 July 2020, 22:14

Always negotiate! Never hurts...

The last 2 digits of the zodiac HIN are the year. The XDC sequence is the HIN (boats VIN #)

You can also tell by the shape of the bow that it’s a much older zodiac. They are more rounded now.

Fullcave · 24 July 2020, 06:19

Cool txs for the info.

smallribber · 26 July 2020, 04:57

Does the plate not say tthat the maz you should put on that boat is 50hp ?

Fullcave · 26 July 2020, 12:44

Went and had a look at the boat. It need some TLC is it hard to get in shape? Any ideas how to make it black again. As shown on the pictures the grey rubber is cracking not any big deal until I saw it under in the front of one of the keel. Is it a deal breaker?

Txs in advance

Fullcave · 26 July 2020, 13:20

Here is some more pictures

Fullcave · 26 July 2020, 16:15

Guess some time and new paint would help the average look on this boat.

QUOTE=Fullcave;817700]Here is some more pictures[/QUOTE]

SoCal Hurricane · 26 July 2020, 19:20

The rubstrake is not much of an issue where it’s cracked. The speed tube covering isn’t that much of a big deal either.

The 75hp Evinrude is fine. The max HP raising are based on the weight of the engine and the ability to bring you to plane. You’ll have no issues here with that size of motor.

If it were me, I would offer no more than $5,000 USD (4,290 euro).

Fullcave · 26 July 2020, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal Hurricane

The rubstrake is not much of an issue where it’s cracked. The speed tube covering isn’t that much of a big deal either.

The 75hp Evinrude is fine. The max HP raising are based on the weight of the engine and the ability to bring you to plane. You’ll have no issues here with that size of motor.

If it were me, I would offer no more than $5,000 USD (4,290 euro).

Yes it’s a bit of different when he starts at 7,000 euro so I need some straight forward things to enlighten him to drop the price and also be honest what the boat needs since it is in a shape today.

SoCal Hurricane · 27 July 2020, 05:39

The floor has value, as does the engine. You can always find another 530 down the line to repurpose the floor. They are very hard to find...

Hard to tell on the boat itself from pictures. If the Hypalon was shielded from the elements, it should be relatively fine - even for its age.

Looks for leaks... get some soapy water. Do the valves spin freely? When we’re they last serviced? When was the motor last serviced - the impeller, spark plugs, etc...?? How’s the engines compression?

Are you able to sea trial the boat?? That’s the best way to do this...

SoCal Hurricane · 27 July 2020, 05:42

Also, the transom and thrust board have seen better days. They both need a good sanding and refinishing. If either are rotten, then the boat is not worth saving... or buying!

Tap them with a hammer and listen for the sound of rotten wood vs solid wood.