Newbie question - buying Zodiac

dopp · 07 March 2011, 23:15

I've been looking at a RIB to buy so I can fish and just cruise around outside of Newport Harbor, CA. I came across this ad and wondering if it's a good deal. Any additional info you could give on this model/year zodiac would be great. Thanks so much.

the ad...

Roll-up aluminum/hypalon floor
Loaded with D-rings
Stainless transom plate
speed tubes
has tiny pinhole somewhere....but holds air all day. Someone can give it the TLC she needs.
Come and see it.

The trailer is not included. They are asking $1,000 for it.

engarom · 08 March 2011, 01:15

Great all around boat.here is the website for all the specs
http://www.zodiacmilpro.com/zodiac-inflatables.php

The price is excellent, assuming there are no issues.
If there are any problems though, it can be expensive to deal with.
It is a military only boat so parts can be hard to find and pricey if found.
Good news is, there are a ton of guys in your area who have the same boat and can give you advice. We should all get togehter and start a Fc470 club!

dopp · 08 March 2011, 01:57

Thanks for the reply. What issues should I look for?

Newport F470 · 08 March 2011, 02:35

I just bought a similar boat in January. Paid approximately same price you are considering, except mine did not come with a floor. I found a 25 hp 2 stroke for it, and am still putting everything together. I too will go out in Newport Harbor.

If you get it, we should plan to meet and compare boats. jmarlo@hkclaw.com

dopp · 08 March 2011, 04:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newport F470

I just bought a similar boat in January. Paid approximately same price you are considering, except mine did not come with a floor. I found a 25 hp 2 stroke for it, and am still putting everything together. I too will go out in Newport Harbor.

If you get it, we should plan to meet and compare boats. jmarlo@hkclaw.com

Do you think you'll be able to hand launch it in the harbor like off 15th st or something? I'd like to be able to do that so I don't have to launch from newport dunes which is like 20 bucks and 40 min to get to the ocean.

jyasaki · 08 March 2011, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by dopp

Thanks for the reply. What issues should I look for?

Take a garden sprayer with soapy water with you when you look at the boat. Spray over entire tubes, with emphasis on the valves and any patches that may be present. Check the transom to tube joints and make sure they're solid. Check that the transom itself is solid; tapping with a bit of metal should tell you if there are any rot sections (assuming it's a wooden transom.) If you can get underneath, check that the floor is securely attached to the tubes (might want to do that before going nuts with the soapy water...) Deflate one tube section on each side, and make sure the other section stays up (rather than draining into the empty one - that would mean a leaking baffle; not a deal breaker, IMO, but something to be aware of.)

Luck;

jky

prairie tuber · 08 March 2011, 16:50

To add to what Jyasaki had mentioned, check the integrity of the transom-tube connection, make sure that is solid. If there is a slow leak, it should be pretty easy to find and patch. If the boat is structurally sound, $ 1000 is a steal!

dopp · 08 March 2011, 17:00

Thanks everyone for the help! I'm going to head over today after work and check it out. I'm sure you'll hear a lot more from me if I buy it. I'm pretty excited. The next step is to find a cheap 40hp outboard for it!

martini · 08 March 2011, 17:13

We look forward to welcoming you into the "FC Club"

dopp · 09 March 2011, 01:58

I took a look at it today. I brought along a soap spray bottle as suggested. Found a lot of small little leaks. The biggest one was at the back on the end of the cone. There were probably 10-15 patches on the boat. Looks like it's a 1984. The transom didn't look rotted at all. The guy said that when a 40hp motor is on it end tends to kind of bend the boat by the transom at full throttle. Is that normal? I held off until I got some feedback from you guys. How hard is it to patch all these little holes? Is it a pain to get old glue off? I notice some of the handles starting to peel away. I would also need to find a trailer somewhere. Thanks again for the help!

jyasaki · 09 March 2011, 16:16

The transom is held in position by the tube pressure, so it will tend to "flex" a bit (actually distorting the tubes) when running.

Patching isn't *that* hard (and you get better with practice); the cone end part might be worrisome, though. Is the leak in the fabric of the cone or is it the solid plug?

Old glue can be removed with elbow grease and sandpaper, or (my favorite) a Dremel tool and an abrasive flap disk. I've never found solvents to be that effective at removing old glue, but it is more effective at recent applications.

jky

dopp · 09 March 2011, 16:40

I'm wondering now if I should just go new with something like this...

http://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable_boat_sd430.asp

A few hundred more but for a new boat. From what I've read people are pretty happy with them. Decisions, decisions.

thornbackflound · 09 March 2011, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by dopp

Do you think you'll be able to hand launch it in the harbor like off 15th st or something? I'd like to be able to do that so I don't have to launch from newport dunes which is like 20 bucks and 40 min to get to the ocean.

Do you think you'll be able to hand launch quote,I think you will have trouble trying to hand launch it with a 40 hp on the back,i have Heavy duty type sib that you have looked at and it is on 395,so not so long but dam heavy with an alloy floor in,also good ole hypalon made same age 1984,had a lot to do on her and still have few slow leaks,transom was abit knacked but i done it up,its a tuff one decisions decisions as they say,good luck in what you do,that saturn one looks nice for a bit of inshore fishing and no work to be done,if i had the money i would of gone new,good luck.

jyasaki · 09 March 2011, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by dopp

I'm wondering now if I should just go new with something like this...

http://www.boatstogo.com/inflatable_boat_sd430.asp

A few hundred more but for a new boat. From what I've read people are pretty happy with them. Decisions, decisions.

Boats are sort of like cars: The depreciation curve is pretty steep. In the first year or two, you can expect resale value to drop to about 1/2 the purchase price. Buying used lets the other owner take that hit.

That said, there is something to be gained in peace of mind when buying new. No questions about what damage might be hiding where, etc. Warranty may be a plus as well.

As you say, the decision which route to go is problematic, at best. Good luck whichever way you decide.

jky