futura mk III

[mike19]

I am looking to buy a Futura Mk III

Trying to get info on the boat's durability.

Can any one having been an owner of such a boat for about three years
or more comment on that?

[spartacus]

Zodiac Futura is a bit of a classic. In terms of durability, you'll find many of these boats going strong 15-20 years after manufacture if well maintained. Material is Strongan Duotex (PVC). The MK III is big at 4.7m and if it were me I'd be looking for one with an aluminium floor (HD) rather than the air floor (FR) for rigidity. Power to weight ratio, then a 50hp is perfect. Can be built from 2 bags, but for ease of use, then trailering is the way to go, given the weight of the outboard, plus rigging.

Lots of Zodiac accessories and seat kits available, but be warned... they're not cheap.

[Northern Pike]

I have one. Its durable.

[office888]

As of 2016, all Futuras still have all welded air holding seams and a glued floor + glued transom. The longevity of the glued components is a key factor in the boat... Typically, you'll get 6-15 years depending on use and care.

They have a fairly shallow draft and are light weight. They can handle the rough stuff, but you'll find that it is very fatiguing to the operator and passengers.

[Durhampro]

I have a 2001 Zodiac MKII, when I purchased it, it was a mess but it is now rebuilt with a new transom and re-glued floor and it flies! In fact we clocked it at 53mph last weekend. They might require service every few years but the fun factor is well worth it IMHO

Cheers

[mike19]

OK guys;

Thanks for taking time to answer.

I'v never had this type of boat before, and a lot of questions come to mind.

One of them is the following. I shall be using this boat on rivers ( sometimes shallow) on rather large lakes, and on occasion on the St-Lawrence river.

Would a jet outboard give satifactory performance in most cases. I am particularly concerned with the motor sucking in air rather than water in choppy conditions?

If you have any experience of this your comment would be appreciated.

[Futuraz]

Hi, I currently own a Zodiac Futura S Mark 1 with speed tubes etc...it's a really great boat, but does anybody know the difference between the MK1, MK2 and MK3... then the difference between C and FR. As I thought FR meant 'floor roller', however my futura is an FR but it has Alu floor. Could anybody help?
Many thanks

[JTURNER]

Just sold mine a few weeks ago. It was a Futura Mark II. Excellent boat. I had the aluminium floor version and console and seats. Boat was a 2007 and the engine a 2001 Yamaha 25HP 2 stroke. The boat planned well with that engine (long shaft). Boat was durable, stable in light winds and slight chop. Speed tubes made cornering amazing. I would highly recommend it if you want a light fully inflatable boat that you can lock away in the shed for the winter with no storage hassles etc. I also had transom wheels and invested in an outboard trolley to help move the engine around. If you want something that you will keep on a trailer all year round and possibly use in the sea with bigger waves etc a RIB will feel more comfortable and will "feel" more solid. Horses for courses and I have just upgraded to a Zodiac 550 Pro Open so i stuck with Zodiac which is reflective of the quality of the boats. All in - highly recommended.

[office888]

Originally Posted by Futuraz

Hi, I currently own a Zodiac Futura S Mark 1 with speed tubes etc...it's a really great boat, but does anybody know the difference between the MK1, MK2 and MK3... then the difference between C and FR. As I thought FR meant 'floor roller', however my futura is an FR but it has Alu floor. Could anybody help?
Many thanks

MK = size

MK1 = 11'6" ish
MK2C (MK2 Compact) = 12'6" ish
MK2 = 13'6" ish
MK3 = 14'6" ish

I say "ish", because it is plus or minus a few inches depending on the year and model.

FR = Fastroller. Air-floor model.

The floors can be swapped between models, so you can put an aluminum floor in a fastroller model.