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That's a very good boat you've got there.
I would also recommend Dag Pike's book, 'inflatables'. It is an older book now, but the text on boat handling is still very relevant for gaining experience, and is written by someone with a wealth of experience. I still refer back to it.
Check out his recent publication, 'challenges', where he describes the development of early inshore lifeboats, which he was involved in.
We had a Bombard 3.8m previously, (from the same stable as yours), and as has been mentioned aready, once you learn how to handle these type of boats they are very capable, allowing you to explore areas where some bigger boats couldn't.
I think the thing these boats really teach you is how to read the waves, and know your limitations.
They also teach you how to make best progress, and you should have little difficulty in the futura, either aiming off from a head sea to make progress, or running in a cross sea. Your boat also looks has a good power to weight ratio, which should also help to keep you out of bother, (dodging breaking crests!).
Where our Bombard showed its limitations was in a head sea, where it would tend to lift to a wave, instead of cutting through.
We did one trip in our Bombard of 50nm, and had some brilliant trips. Bigger is not necessarliy better!
Hope you enjoy the Zodiac, it's very capable and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with it.
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so 28-30 is a good cruise speed for me .
