Zodiac 340 Cadet RIB enquiry

Island Ribber · 05 May 2013, 17:06

New to RIBs and currently considering purchasing 340 Cadet RIB, 20 hp (tiller steering) and trailer for use inshore / Scottish islands. I haven't see much discussionsn on these boats, or much on YouTube either. Are they really just targeted for use as yacht tenders. I don't need flexiblilty (literally) of putting boat in the back of the van, so assumed RIB was way to go. Just looking for small dinghy as runabout / fun with the kids. Would welcome anyone's perspective on these boats. Thanks.

mister p · 05 May 2013, 17:24

Good choice

Nick Hearne · 06 May 2013, 07:30

Hi 20hp is plenty for that I would think about a 15hp 2 stroke as come in at about 36kg which is plenty to cart around!
With the zodiac fast roller you very much sit on it not in it, so kids will be much more exposed.
Something like the Honda air floor gives you much more depth in side giving you a more secure feal same as my Bombard which is a great sib

If you do not need it to pack away then I would defiantly look at a small rib!
And you would be hard to go wrong with a 4m sea rider

and if you are looking at keeping a sib on a trailer they rather defeat the idea of something being able to pack up.

Island Ribber · 06 May 2013, 07:55

Thanks Nick, It is the Cadet 340 RIB that I am looking at, not the fast roller. Maybe 15hp would be sufficient? I am assuming the Cadet RIB would more freeboard than the equivalent SIB?

Nick Hearne · 06 May 2013, 08:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Ribber

Thanks Nick, It is the Cadet 340 RIB that I am looking at, not the fast roller. Maybe 15hp would be sufficient? I am assuming the Cadet RIB would more freeboard than the equivalent SIB?

Should red the question

Are you looking new or second hand?
I would try & pick up a second hand rig as you should get back what you shel out then you want to up grade as I think you will get the bug and want bigger in the end

Locozodiac · 06 May 2013, 15:17

If wife is included along with the kids, better go for a roomier & larger 360-380 rib if planing a 20 HP engine and a trailer. Usually same width, just tad larger. Probably not available on that brand size...

Happy Boating

Davidlan · 09 May 2013, 20:28

Hi,
I would be interested if you went for this set up as it is the same set up I'm looking at.

Based in East Lothian we get a lot of 1 to 2m high seas. While I know the local club ribs (Vallient 4.9m RIBS and 50 hp engines) handle this well, how well will this set up handle the waves and act as back up when we are sailing our Pico sailing dinghy.

How well are they made for hopefully regular use?

Regards,
David