Is this a good buy?

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 18:19

Hi, Long term Lurker here, with a chance to buy an inflatable.

Zodiac Futura Mk1 w/ 25hp outboard, both in good, if not excellent condition, should I just bite the bullet and buy it for 1500pounds??

I think im pretty sure this is a good deal but it would be good if someone who is current in these sorts of things could offer their input.

I really just want a day boat I can explore secluded local beaches in and maybe camp on some islands on inland waterway....

Thanks!

Locozodiac · 10 June 2013, 19:05

Welcome to Ribnet,

How many US dollars would that sum be ? If that's near 3 K souds fine to me if in mint working condition and engine is not an oldie. But you can always offer a lot less and see what happens as long you are not buying in plain summer which can shoot prices up.

Happy Boating

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 19:07

google says : 1500 British Pound Sterling equals
2328.90 US Dollar

Comes with a bunch of accessories too, donut, buoyancy aids, bow bag, seat, etc etc...

Locozodiac · 10 June 2013, 19:12

Zodiac are pricey inflatables. For that nice price, engine and extra gadgets included don't let that opportunity go by. Visually check sib/engine condition and if possible test that combo with seller, then decide...

Happy Boating

Landlockedpirate · 10 June 2013, 21:48

I have a Futura Mk2C and a 25hp Yamaha and the deal you have been offered sounds good (Its a lot less than I paid

)

But it depends on the age of the rig, make of the engine, service history etc. Have you got a picture or a link and we can give you better advice.

ashbypower · 10 June 2013, 22:38

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 23:07

i've just got pics from the seller, here's one...

Think im going to go for it.

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 23:08

second try

Nick Hearne · 10 June 2013, 23:10

That looks mint should go well too

Landlockedpirate · 10 June 2013, 23:26

Looks really decent condition, and that Suzuki looks huge

Its a good price for a late 90's rig.

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 23:30

the only thing stopping me is the size of the outboard! trying to wrk out if I could actually manage it alone or if it'd need two...

looking like 70 kilos.... thats a two man job really....

henryfreston · 10 June 2013, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by miccheck1516

the only thing stopping me is the size of the outboard! trying to wrk out if I could actually manage it alone or if it'd need two...

I wouldn't go above 15hp if you are intending to remove the engine every time.

miccheck1516 · 10 June 2013, 23:37

I suppose I coould get one of these for getting it from the car....

Outboard Engine Motor Stand Trolley Yamaha Heavy Duty | eBay

henryfreston · 10 June 2013, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by miccheck1516

I suppose I coould get one of these for getting it from the car....

Outboard Engine Motor Stand Trolley Yamaha Heavy Duty | eBay

with the deal your getting, why not just buy a cheap trailer for £200?

Locozodiac · 11 June 2013, 00:05

If that's a 380 meter sib and plan to place and retrieve engine everytime the combo is used, you could trade that 25 which weights around 50-55 kilos for a 2 strokes 15/18 HP that weights around 40 Kg. Or better, get a trailer and have that nice 25 sitting on transom permanently.

The crossroads issue : seller wants the more he can get, buyer the least to pay. Don't waste that nice opportunity, the combo looks real mint cond...

Happy Boating

S4Simon · 11 June 2013, 03:42

As with buying any second hand boat, I'd take a cheap pump up pressure sprayer filled with soapy water and just spray the whole boat (top and bottom) to see how many leaks there are (small micro bubble leaks not an issue, big bubbles will see the boat lose pressure in a few hours). Also check the last two digits of the serial number. These will indicate the year of manufacture. A zodiac will last a good 15 years if looked after well.

ashbypower · 11 June 2013, 14:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landlockedpirate

Looks really decent condition, and that Suzuki looks huge

Its a good price for a late 90's rig.

And it runs on LPG Result..although the cylinder would be better inside rather than Hung off the Bow

miccheck1516 · 11 June 2013, 14:34

with all that power i suspect ill be needing something heavy like that at the bow!

im reminded of when i was a kid in my xm260 with slatted floor i allways had a small grapnel type anchor and my ten litre fuel tank to keep the bow down!

Landlockedpirate · 11 June 2013, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbypower

And it runs on LPG Result..although the cylinder would be better inside rather than Hung off the Bow

At least they got a matching colour cylinder

miccheck1516 · 12 June 2013, 19:50

well folks thanks for your advice, i've made an offer, hopefully hear from the seller soon.

Unfortunately I can't test it before I get it as it's about 200NM away but i've had plenty of pictures and the seller has even said they are happy for me to send it back if I am not satisfied ith the description they have given which is 'excellent - as new'

I'm still a little unsure of wether or not the outboard is too big but I guess i'll think about that when it arrives...