Advice on used boat -zodiac futura

Nico · 22 February 2013, 03:18

Hey guys,

Looking at a 1994 Zodiac 13'-9" mk2 Virage futura concept.

It has a 1994 Nissan 40hp 2 stoke as well as trailer.

The guy kept it in his garage its whole life, its in Perfect condition.

What would you value this at? Am I going to run into unforseen problems with a 20 year old boat like this? Any special things I should look out for? I am familiar with PVC and Urethane tubed boats, but not so much hypalon.

Thanks!

jyasaki · 22 February 2013, 06:27

Probably looking about, oh, $3-4000. Wouldn't worry about fabric as much as glue and wood.

jky

achille2124 · 22 February 2013, 21:12

Are you certain it is made of Hypalon? Make sure it is not made of the infamous "Pearl fabric". If it is really Hypalon you are right to be interested, highest grade of fabric and the owner can truthfully claim it is brand new.

If the fabric is a bit faded, just buy some "fast orange" hand cleaner and the Zodiac's Revival paste, you'll bring the shine of the fabric.

Is it tiller on remote steering?

Look carefully if there are traces of wear on the transom, regluing the transom can be done easily but replacing it if rotten is a big job.

3000$-4000$ is reasonable if in good condition.

prairie tuber · 23 February 2013, 08:37

Chance are at least 95% that it is mad of PVC, not hypalon and has welded seams. If it has been stored on a trailer and out to the sun the whole time, it should be fine. I'd agree that $ 3000-4000 would be a reasonable price.

If he can deflate the tubes for you, you could check the suppleness of the material and make sure there are no rigid areas where the PVC is polymerizing and susceptible to cracking. (esp. check at the welded seams).

40hp is a good match for this boat. Ideally you would want it with a tiller rather than the remote steering gimmicry.

jyasaki · 23 February 2013, 15:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by prairie tuber

Chance are at least 95% that it is mad of PVC, not hypalon and has welded seams.

I thought Zodiac changed to PVC (at least full time) in about 96. Am I wrong on this?

If it is PVC< OP should be aware that Zodiac had a *lot* of problems with early PVC boats, mostly seam problems which are tough to repair.

jky

prairie tuber · 23 February 2013, 16:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

I thought Zodiac changed to PVC (at least full time) in about 96. Am I wrong on this?

If it is PVC< OP should be aware that Zodiac had a *lot* of problems with early PVC boats, mostly seam problems which are tough to repair.

jky

I think it was 1985 when their recreational boats went to PVC in 1985. The only hypalon boats with the futura hulls are from the FC & Heavy Duty series (both mil-pro)

This is a worthwhile read:

The truth about Zodiac's PVC Fabric

jyasaki · 23 February 2013, 18:58

Well, I don't know if it's the whole truth, but a nice read anyway. Thanks.

jky

Peter_C · 23 February 2013, 19:16

My PVC Zodiac from 1993 has just about every part that was glued on re-glued due to glue failure. That includes the entire transom and floor.

The thermo bonded PVC seams do not fail.