Need Info on Zodiak MK4

[Liebgroup]

Hello,
I'm new to RIBnet and new to inflatable boats.
I just bought this Zodiac and would like to learn more about it. What year was it made? What is it constructed of? And any other info that you guys think is relevant.

Thanks,
~H.

[Liebgroup]

Correct me if I'm wrong but It looks like the transom was cut and I think there should be a metal motor mount on the transom.

[dhaglund]

Someone else will certainly know this better but the MK IV GR and the grey colour suggests to me that this is a Grand Raid and thus made of hypalon.

[spartacus]

Grand-Raids are hypalon, I can see the nickel-plated inter-communicating inflation valves. Actually the aluminium floor boards and stringers as parts are probably worth more than the boat itself.

That's a very early example - not sure if it's 1978 going by the transom plate, and agreed - that's a very poor transom cut-out, or bodge. Not only have they reduced the free-board, but it's not even finished with epoxy, so as soon as it gets wet you're going to see the plywood transom delaminate.

See it's rated for 80hp too.

[Liebgroup]

Thank you dhaglund and Spartacus for the information. I'll be looking for a sales or owners brochure/literature on this one and a metal motor mount. I suppose that I'll have to repair the transom. I'd like to know about recommended motors for these. Would it normally take a long shaft or short shaft outboard?


I bought the Zodiac for $480.00 US. Hopefully I didn't pay too much. It only has 1 very small patch on the top of a tube that I know of so far.



I have a 10 hp outboard that I can use to get started. One of the lakes where I live has a 10 hp limit. As far as putting a bigger motor on it the motor weight will be a consideration since I'd need to be able to switch back and forth from the 10 hp to a larger horsepower engine for bigger water like the Great Lakes.

[Liebgroup]

Is there a Zodiac Database anywhere as a repository for all of the company information? I saw where the Zodiac company was broken up in 2007.


It certainly didn't take long to get hooked on inflatables! I'll be getting a trailer, larger motor and accessories for this one. I just ordered a boarding ladder. I plan to use it for river exploration, Hookah and SCUBA Diving. I hope to learn a lot about these old boats and be here frequently to post the restoration of this one and pictures of how I'm using it.

[spartacus]

If you want more information about your particular boat - then speak to an authorised Zodiac dealer - quoting the serial number on the transom. I know from previous threads - that communication can be slow - probably as dealers need to liaise with Zodiac for more information, or because you're not strictly buying anything - it's not a priority.

Zodiac Grand Raids are still made but marketed under MilPro range but fundamentally they are designed as professional commercial inflatable, due to the inter-communicating valves, Hypalon tube material, D rings, etc.

https://zodiacmilpro.com/inflatables...le-work-boats/

https://zodiacmilpro.com/wp-content/...DUTY-RANGE.pdf

The outboard would have been a long-shaft. To measure - you go from the top of the outboard saddle where it sits on the transom to the anti-cavitation plate above the propeller - should be 20". That plate should be in line with the base of the hull.

Outboard wise it's rated for 80hp, but once you get to that size, then you're going to need to put in remote steering. A tiller-controlled 40-60hp should be sufficient. Remember it's a heavy boat, so once you start adding people, then you're going to struggle to get on the plane.

[Alerion]

Originally Posted by Liebgroup

Hello,
I'm new to RIBnet and new to inflatable boats.
I just bought this Zodiac and would like to learn more about it. What year was it made? What is it constructed of? And any other info that you guys think is relevant.

Thanks,
~H.

Hello how is your Mk4GR ?

[Alerion]

I just purchased an Mk 4 HD but I’m missing the aluminum floors

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Alerion

I just purchased an Mk 4 HD but I’m missing the aluminum floors

Not sure why they go walk about, unless the previous owner parted out. They aren’t that common to pick up second hand either. Pretty sure Zodiac will still make them (often referred to as HD in sales literature) but you’ll need to sit down before you get a price. Incidentally you’ll need the aluminium stringers too that holds the floor in position.

[SoCal Hurricane]

Just got a quote for these floors last month. See attached screenshot…

New floor is $6k(US) and there is only one in stock in the US.

[User name]

Ouch... You'd probably be better off trying to adapt a floor from another model.

There was an ebay link in another thread here where the seller had loads of floor panels up for cheap.

[SoCal Hurricane]

SeaBright marine in Canada has a boat with a very close floor system.

http://www.seabrightmarine.ca/sd500.html

The SB500 floor fits the zodiac 530 very well. I’ve used them on 3 in the past. You will have to shorten one board and slide out one section, but that’s all.

The floor sets were about $700 Canadian back in July of 2020.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by SoCal Hurricane

SeaBright marine in Canada has a boat with a very close floor system.

Interesting link. Wonder what the quality is like? Zodiac floors are excellent, but given the price it’s got to be a firm contender.

[SoCal Hurricane]

They are not military grade, but for recreational purposes they are great. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve retrofit 3 decks in the past and have a need to order 2 more here this coming week.

The shipping and duty between Canada and the US is a pain in the ass, but I found a company that handles that for a small fee. It’s still very worthwhile.