What year is this Grand Raid?

[dhaglund]

I'm planning on buying this old Zodiac Grand Raid. I know these old Zodiac hypalon boats last a long time, but they don't last forever.

Could anyone give me an estimate on what year this boat might be from?

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by dhaglund

Could anyone give me an estimate on what year this boat might be from?

Estimate, you can date it exactly. Ask the seller for a close up of the ID plate on the transom. Normally XDC, the last two numbers on that code are year of manufacture. Looks in good condition.

[dhaglund]

The ID-plate ends with 77L. After searching the forum for a while I found another Grand Raid from -82. It has the newer Zodiac logo on the side. So this should be older than 82! Perhaps 77?

Although it's only been lightly used the last five years and rolled up in storage all those years before. It is in great condition. It is complete including an original cover and bags, no oars. All seams are holding well. It only requires a few pumps of air each summer. Apart from all that, I mean, it is antique! Can't last very much longer right?

Price is 1500 EUR and that includes an Evinrude 25XP (-96 or so) serviced and in great condition.

[dhaglund]

[dhaglund]

Now it doesn't matter what year it is anymore, since I bought it!

My guess/estimate is that it is about 45 years old. Apart from some cracking in the rubstrake and keel guard where it was folded and stored for 40 years it seem fine.

The tubes seem to be a little larger diameter than my -02 Futura and the valves are on another level of course. Nickel plated metal intercommunicating valves instead of those terrible older style plastic recessed valves. The only good thing about the recessed valves is that just, that they are recessed.

The Grand Raid Mk3 seems to give a softer ride than the Futura Mk2c. Less bouncing, but also less speed and G-force in the turns.

[User name]

That's a bargain. Well done.

[dhaglund]

Originally Posted by User name

That's a bargain. Well done.

So far it is! But it all depends on if it will hold up or not.