Zodiac 2250 Classic

[Splash gordon]

Ive recently brought a Zodiac 2250 Classic.
I think its a Mk2 (it has 4x wooden deck boards and a covered bow without a zip).
I think it was built in 79 as these are the last 2 didgits of the serial number.


It came with an old (1970) Mercury 20hp short shaft engine. I put it in for a service and was told the crank shaft is fucked and knocking quite bad so due to the age probably had its last dance.

So ive got a couple of questions if any of you know a bit about these craft.

1. It has 2x brackets low on the transom. I assume these are for launching wheels. Does anyone know what wheels fit these brackets. If not can anyone recomend a decent set that work well and dont get in the way when stowed for transit.

2. There is a row of eyeletts along the top of the bow store cover. What are these for ?

3. There is a shallow thread on the bow. What is this for ?

Thanks in advance for any information/advice.

Splash

[Fenlander]

The transom brackets if at lower part were probably for the genuine Zodiac launch wheels. They were either on or off and didn’t flip up. The earlier brackets were about a 1"x2" squared off shape compared to the later and current ones that are a smaller round button. What I can't remember is if they both work with the same leg fitting.

The eyelets are for lacing on a short windscreen.

The thread is for a pennant on a short plastic stubby mast.

Image below of my early 70s mk.1 transom showing fittings.

[Splash gordon]

Fenlander thanks for the reply. You obviously know your way around one of these.
looking at yours its very similar to mine which makes me think mine may also be a Mk1 albeit a little newer because of the colours.

I brought it with an engine (very old 2 stroke Mercury 20hp short shaft) which I got serviced immediately but was told by the guy not to use as the crank shaft is damaged.
I am on the lookout for a new engine so can you give me some advice.
ive only ever used 2 stroke and was hoping to get a 15-20 hp 2 stroke as I think anything lower and I won't get it up on the plane very easily.

I have no clue when it comes to 4 strokes what would get it up on the plain as they are heavier.

Any advice gratefully received

Splash

[Fenlander]

Mk.1, Mk.2 etc refers to length rather than age. Mine was the smallest around 3m... I reckon yours being the next one up will be 3.5m or so??

We used a 9.8hp 2-stroke Tohatsu on ours and that went well enough with one adult plus two kids... or two adults. Yours being a bit longer/heavier will be well suited to a 15-20hp. Much depends on the weight you are happy to swing about... the 20hp is a jump up in weight but if you are fairly strong with no back aches then the 20hp would be OK to heave about in most circumstances.

I'm assuming you will set up each outing not use a trailer?

The weight of brand new 4-strokes has come down from a decade ago with the advent of lighter build and Efi. You are looking at just over 40kg compared with often 50kg plus on the older ones. This weight won't affect getting on the plane really just handling during setup.

[Splash gordon]

Thanks for the advice.
I have secured a very nice 2 stroke 15hp Yamaha that is practically new. Ill see how i get on with it.
If nothing else itll get me going for now while i keep my eye out for a 20hp at a decent price.
And yeah you're right i do intend to colapse the craft after every use.
I will slso wash it down and run the engine through with fresh after every use.
Splash

[Fenlander]

>>>I have secured a very nice 2 stroke 15hp Yamaha that is practically new.

Like mine??

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/yamaha...ice-81611.html

[Splash gordon]

Yep exactly the same.
Mines 2016/17, only done 4 hours, is immaculate and comes with manuals.

First question (as you are currently my main reference point for knowledge) is about the fuel mix.

I only have experience on one type of outboard (50hp 2 stroke Tohatsu).
Its the only outboard we used when I was in a boat troop.
We used a 50-1 mix on them at all times.

Upon reading the manual for the 15hp Yamaha I noticed that the page about running in protocols says use a 50-1 mix (This I am familiar with).
However the section about standard operational procedures says use 100-1 mix.

Don't shoot me if I'm stateing the obvious here but are you running on 100-1 now yours is run in ?

Splash

[Fenlander]

You've done well getting an... err... commercial... nearly new one!

Re oil mix... well that could develop a thread here that would end up heading for the bilges.

It's a personal thing.... go by the book and onto 100:1 after running in... or go old days and add double the oil forever. I bet after 20yrs of leisure use there'd be little or no difference in condition.

For my part I sit on the fence... and mix at 75:1. And... again personal decision... I always buy makers own oil.

[Splash gordon]

Trying not to sound too much like smashes and nicey off of the harry Enfield show (wise words mate !)

Think I'll follow your lead on this. 100-1 just sounds a little light to me.

Cheers for all the advice so far (Im sure there will be other questions to follow) !

Splash