My Zodiac 3.8m. Classic Mk2 C

[NZDoug]

So this is a continuation of my intro post
https://www.rib.net/forum/f64/greeti...z-59969-2.html

Heres the truck with boat, from the previous post.
Second shot, what it looks like assembled on the beach at Managawhai, NZ.
We rented a beach front cottage there for 5 nights.
The second photo shows the boat cover with the fish bin holding the anchor assembly.
Third shot, the Zodiac underway with me on tiller, about to run the bar, with no breaking waves, just a nice rolling sea.
4rth shot, my log from NEBO, an app. to track speed, time and distance, works great!
Actually, this log entry is from a different trip.
The cool thing about NEBO is when you close your trip it emails you your results, so you can put them in the ships log.
It also gives monthly summaries.
For example 22 hours underway in Feb. 60 litres used, by my calculation.
Lovin' the new to me boat.
Im 73 years young and I could manhandle full assemble, engine lift and launch on my own, with a little help from the tide.
Its just like my Zodiac from back in 1979.
cheers

[Fenlander]

Great to see those pictures and good to hear you are OK doing the setup at 73... I'm just 9yrs behind you and hope I'll be able to do similar.

Are you super strong or do you have a system to manage the 25hp?

[NZDoug]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Great to see those pictures and good to hear you are OK doing the setup at 73... I'm just 9yrs behind you and hope I'll be able to do similar.

Are you super strong or do you have a system to manage the 25hp?

Hi Fenlander,
The Yamaha 25N 2 stroke weighs in at 46kg.or 101 lbs.
I'm 1.8m. 6 foot, 90kg. 200 lbs
When alone, I slide the engine off the truck using a towel to protect the leg and balance it on a block of wood so it doesn't sink in.
When balanced, I pivot it 180 degrees so I can lower it onto the transom of the inflated boat.
Laying things out before hand helps and being familiar with the engine, like making sure its out of gear, ensures the leg will tilt.
I use gloves and kneepads as you bruise more easily when you turn into an old bugger. ��
If your not sure you can handle it, get another person to help.
We live on the beach so I use a Wheelez beach trailer.
https://www.beachwheels.co.nz/shop/b...20Dollies&gp=1
I am considering a hand winch to simplify the whole ordeal at home, as I can hang a pulley off a tree on the lawn or modify the car port for a winch.
Heres a photo of the Zodiac on the trailer at home.
Please note that I have let some air out as it heats up in the blazing NZ sun.
I also thrown a boat cover on if sitting on the beach.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Nice set up Doug

I leave mine fully set up on a trailer and float off works for me and my aching bones.

[NZDoug]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Nice set up Doug

I leave mine fully set up on a trailer and float off works for me and my aching bones.

Giday, Jeff,
The wheels on the trailer make it necessary to stand on the tongue of the trailer to launch if solo.
Its easier with two.
Each crew can sit on the wheels, which are very buoyant.
The same with retrieval.
Its a wet job.
Anyhoo, the Wheelez trailer can be modified by removing the lock pins.
The wheel base base, and trailer length can be modified to suit the vessel or situation.
Here is a photo of the trailer with the Zodiac floorboards attached with 3 C or G clamps, call them what you may, to convert the boat boards with trailer into a photo rolling dolly.
Shooter plus booms and power pack can be carried with ease.
The dolly width can be shortened by removing the sling stanchions
Action tracking selective focus high end imagery!
No samples yet as were CORVID-19 lockdown and really, the fashionistas aren't that thrilled to play with the over the hill gang.
Still, I think I will give it a go , just to blow my own mind.

[jeffstevens763@g]

hi Doug
looks like you've got it set up spot on for your needs those wheels are the dogs danglies, i trail mine all over so the road trailer was the best for me, at the end of the day it's the same result, getting wet is part of it tasting the salt on the lips nothing better. keep safe hopefully we'll get some boating in before the end of the season cheers

[NZDoug]

Hi Jeff,
Were at equinox today with days getting shorter.
Were in 28 day lockdown due to COVID-19 so even boating is verboten.
The gov. does'nt want any coastguard callouts.
I still got my swim raft but the water is cooling quickly.
Stay safe!

[Callum B]

Im lovin this forum.....it makes me feel young, surrounded by all you old buggers!!

That all looks perfect doug....except for the lockdown bit!!

[NZDoug]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Great to see those pictures and good to hear you are OK doing the setup at 73... I'm just 9yrs behind you and hope I'll be able to do similar.

Are you super strong or do you have a system to manage the 25hp?

i'm 74 now and have succumbed to old age by adding a winch to my car port.
I now assemble the boat in the car port, winch it up, slide the beach trailer under the boat, lower in onto the trailer, disconnect the boat from the winch, pullthe boat forward, bring in the engine on the engine cart, pop the cowl, lift the Yamaha engine on its lift point where have have installed a deep D shackle,
back in the trailer to align with the transom, and lower away.
2 finger operation and no blood.
XLNT!

I have my "Old Guys Rule" t-shirt.

[Fenlander]

Very impressive setup!

[jeffstevens763@g]

not as old as you Doug at 66 but like you my first job is to make life easy my guess is at 84 that'll be an electric winch