Introduction zodiac pro 470

cozza · 27 March 2013, 10:37

Hi all I am new to rib net and am from Queensland Australia, I have recently bought a Zodiac pro 470 and I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what size outboard I should run on it or if any one knows what it is rated to. This is a great site. Cheers Cozza

Troy · 27 March 2013, 12:11

Welcome

zookeeper · 27 March 2013, 13:13

Hello and welcome

Im guessing you have better weather for your boating! I have pro 500 which is basically the same boat 4.70 long. The maximum engine size is a 70hp but zodiac recommend a 50hp. Check the weight of the motor too. I have Mariner 60hp which weighs in at 91kgs. We get a good 32 knots plus.(the boat is max 36 knot rated!) We love ours and take it out in most conditions being sensible of course. Some prefer a deeper hull but she keeps well on a lumpy sea. Post some photos!

navig8 · 15 April 2013, 23:45

Hi Cozza

I have a 470 pro with a 2004 50 HP Johnson 2 stroke. I used to get about 25.5 knots average speed (just me and a full tank of petrol). When I load it up with the family, it probably cuts it back to about 21-22knots.

The max HP is 60 and I don't think I would ever need to go that high - you start to come down a bit hard (or I may just be getting old).

Following some media coverage of propeller strikes (a lot of which were from people falling from RIBs) I recently fitted a propeller guard which I had custom made by Midcoast Marine up on the Gold Coast. I think it is the best piece of kit I could have bought. I have full peace of mind and I only lost 1 knot off the WOT speed.

My advice, go for a 50 hp it will give you close to the same performance as a 60 HP and you save on purcahse and running costs.

Cheers Navig8

treerat · 16 April 2013, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by navig8

My advice, go for a 50 hp it will give you close to the same performance as a 60 HP and you save on purcahse and running costs.

Cheers Navig8

Welcome - my 4.7 runs a 50 and purrs along nicly

cozza · 16 April 2013, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by navig8

Hi Cozza

I have a 470 pro with a 2004 50 HP Johnson 2 stroke. I used to get about 25.5 knots average speed (just me and a full tank of petrol). When I load it up with the family, it probably cuts it back to about 21-22knots.

The max HP is 60 and I don't think I would ever need to go that high - you start to come down a bit hard (or I may just be getting old).

Following some media coverage of propeller strikes (a lot of which were from people falling from RIBs) I recently fitted a propeller guard which I had custom made by Midcoast Marine up on the Gold Coast. I think it is the best piece of kit I could have bought. I have full peace of mind and I only lost 1 knot off the WOT speed.

My advice, go for a 50 hp it will give you close to the same performance as a 60 HP and you save on purcahse and running costs.

Cheers Navig8

Thanks so much for your post it really helps me out, I managed to buy this rib for a song so I am looking forward to purchasing a good motor and getting into it. I also wanted to ask if you have any photos of your rib and are you local to qld.

navig8 · 18 April 2013, 00:52

Hi Cozza,

I'm from the NSW Central Coast. I haven't a photo on this computer but will get around to it. Is your RIB set up with a centre console and bench seat or is it the motorbike style of seat? Grey or red?

treerat · 20 April 2013, 18:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by treerat

Welcome - my 4.7 runs a 50 and purrs along nicly

Which I now know to mean she'll run at 26 knots with two adults and two kids on board at 6000rpm

cozza · 24 April 2013, 04:19

Thanks for your reply I have decided on a 50hp 2 stroke outboard with electric start, forward controls, electric trim and tilt. Now I just have to source one for the right price.

WOPALX · 24 April 2013, 11:46

Give Shannon a call at Shannon's outboards in Hornsby a call. Great stand up guy, good service and hooked me up with a great deal for a 40hp. Was even happy for me to self install with a fair charge to check my work and commission the motor.

Catch-Up · 26 September 2025, 18:30

What prop size are you using on your 470?

navig8 · 29 September 2025, 05:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catch-Up

What prop size are you using on your 470?

I have upgraded to a Yamaha 50 4 stroke with a 15" pitch. With just me in the boat, WOT is borderline for over-revving, pushing at 6000RPM, so I could go to a 16" and reduce my RPM, but it's not worth it as I rarely have just me in a boat. With two in the boat, WOT is about 5500RPM.

jonp · 29 September 2025, 21:06

I really liked the little Yam f70 on my Zodiac here in NSW. My daughter has a Mercury 60 on hers which is the same size as yours only called a 500 pro (and for sale). Always go the max allowable, you won't regret it, especially if you want to head offshore to the likes of Lady Musgrave for a few days camping etc, or any other offshore island adventures where you need to carry additional gear.

Resale value will also be higher when powered to the max allowable. In most cases more power results in better economy as the engine can sit at lower rpm for the same cruising speeds. Also more power often makes for a safer boat here in NSW where we have to cross dangerous bar conditions and need power instantly when needed to work between the swells. Under-powering will reduce your potential sales customers if and when you decide to sell later.

The more used to a boat you get the more disappointed you will become with the power, especially when not going the max. I have a 4.3m boat which I had re-surveyed so I can run a 115hp which is incredibly economical, great for crossing bars in bigs seas and also great for reaching offshore islands in QLD and the NT. I can outrun weather fronts and have a heap of fun when using the throttle down all the way.

In regards to the propellor strikes story, not heard that one, perhaps it's a QLD thing, where I believe you don't need boat licences or any boat skippering skills to own one. Put the kill cord around your knee, then if you fall over the engine will stop, having around your knee leaves your hands clear of the kill cord to operate the wheel and throttle without it getting in the way.
The only time Ive heard of anyone getting hit by a prop was during a spearfishing comp when a diver was run over by someone driving a boat under the influence who didn't see the boat dive flag or divers larger orange float.