Zodiac Cadet ALU 360 RIB w/ 15hp 4 Stroke?

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Thank you all so much with your patience and advice so far especially with my mad scientist hoist idea. I have been posting in a lot of boat forums and this one is BY FAR the BEST!!

I told my dad about my plan and he graciously offered to make space in his 11x7ft storage unit IF I fill my spare room with odds and ends that are currently occupying the storage room and take him out on the boat once in a while. I thought he would advise me against buying the boat or I would have asked earlier! lol

It is not climate controlled so I still worry a little about the PVC/glue on 110 f degree days...

Anyway, All of my research has led me to a Zodiac Cadet ALU 360 RIB w/ 15hp 4 Stroke Tohatsu Fuel Injected.

If you haven't seen my previous posts I would use this set up for general exploration of my salt water rivers, creeks and marshes as well as some recreational fishing/crabbing etc \

Mostly Solo but sometimes with some gear or a passenger. I have done ALOT of research so I am pretty confident but before I pull the trigger I wanted one more go of advice from you fine folks!

My only real concern is that although my research shows:
- this set up will plane fine with 2 people maybe 3 people (without much gear)..
-be plenty of speed for my first boat despite being rated for a 30hp max. --
-have enough deck space for my lite salt water recreations
I wanted to know what do you think about my choice?

The only thing I plan to upgrade is glue some sort of reinforcement patches onto the bottom of the tubes by the transom as well as reinforce the areas i will be pulling line into the boat or dropping my 2 crab pots etc

Thanks so so so much again y'all! Again you are the best forum out there - be proud!

Cheers!

Boat and Engine SPECS

[Max...]

I have not read all your other posts but for a first boat the same advice *always* applies.

Before you spend a ton of cash on what you *think* may work for you buy a well looked after big name *used* similar outfit and see how you get on.

Few people get the right boat/engine first time, end up trying a few set ups before getting it right or in many cases hate the faff/water/grief and sell a lovely shiny new outfit after a few hours at great loss.

You can do all the research in the world (and it sure helps a bit) but out on the water and in and out of the car things can be very different.

[Fenlander]

>>>I have not read all your other posts...

>>>buy a well looked after big name *used* similar outfit and see how you get on

As always yes... "trialling" a used outfit gives the best financial route.

The OPs need is unusual... operates in area with many sharp oyster beds which threaten a fabric bottom. Also he is wary of the SIB assembly faff at the waterside each time... and he lives in an upstairs flat where the boat would need hoisting to for storage (but he may have now found a small storage unit).

Re your choice Matt... forgetting the new vs used question the boat choice looks good. To have a durable alloy hull for just about 15lbs extra weight over a similar size air floor SIB and 50lbs less than a sectional alloy floor SIB looks very handy.

The only choice I would query is the 15hp Tohatsu… seeing as the hull is rated to 30hp and also that the 15hp is the same motor as the 20hp apart from tuning I'd go for the 20hp. No point in lugging about 20hp weight with a lower output. It would help future proof against you ever carrying more load than you expected... or a boat change where a 20hp was better suited.

Edit: Also I do have to admit to slight envy when I chat at the pontoon to folks with these small lightweight alloy SIB style ribs... they would never suit my "must pack down into a car loadspace" need at the moment... but in the future... who knows???

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Max...

I have not read all your other posts but for a first boat the same advice *always* applies.

Before you spend a ton of cash on what you *think* may work for you buy a well looked after big name *used* similar outfit and see how you get on.

Few people get the right boat/engine first time, end up trying a few set ups before getting it right or in many cases hate the faff/water/grief and sell a lovely shiny new outfit after a few hours at great loss.

You can do all the research in the world (and it sure helps a bit) but out on the water and in and out of the car things can be very different.

I would love to buy used if there were any available - seems alloy RIBs and fRIBs are usually owned until death of the boat as they are well liked.

I see a few options but they are far enough to where the would cancel out any savings - I will certainly consider used in the future when the new boat value is higher. But for 1700-2000 dollars I think I've done enough research to be confident I will get 2000k of enjoyment from it!

Your point is sound and I agree but in this case it doesn't make sense to spend 12 hours driving to save a couple bucks (my truck not great gas mileage)

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>

Re your choice Matt... forgetting the new vs used question the boat choice looks good. To have a durable alloy hull for just about 15lbs extra weight over a similar size air floor SIB and 50lbs less than a sectional alloy floor SIB looks very handy.

The only choice I would query is the 15hp Tohatsu… seeing as the hull is rated to 30hp and also that the 15hp is the same motor as the 20hp apart from tuning I'd go for the 20hp. No point in lugging about 20hp weight with a lower output. It would help future proof against you ever carrying more load than you expected... or a boat change where a 20hp was better suited.

Edit: Also I do have to admit to slight envy when I chat at the pontoon to folks with these small lightweight alloy SIB style ribs... they would never suit my "must pack down into a car loadspace" need at the moment... but in the future... who knows???

Indeed that makes sense...I can't imagine anyone on the water ever wished the had less powerful motor.. so more power might be worth if it isnt too much on the budget. Will check out the 20hp tohatsu!

Its crazy that the 9.9 , 15 and 20 hp are all just about the same weight - it doesn't make sense to me! lol

I agree - the alloy RIBs seem badass!! if you can fit them somewhere lol
I am on a general boating forum as well and ALMOST EVERYONE is telling me to get a 12ft aluminum Jon boat instead...

Is there a lot of misinformation and prejudice about inflatebles and RIBS in the boating commuinity?

The RIB out preforms the aluminum flat bottom boats in almost every aspect yet they keep saying inflatables are no good ? Maybe they are just jelous


Thanks as always Fen!

[Locozodiac]

Personally would skip a buying a Zodiac Cadet, what deslike about them is that the bow space area is too tight compared to other better build inflatables market available with roomier square, D type bows. A roomier deck space is a must have as you will notice if going for one

OTOH, a 30 HP motor is an excess of power, unless going for the full passenger and load capacity rated for. A 15 HP will suffice if plan using the inflatable with 1 max 2 up along a prop maximization to power better a 360 inflatable. But if budget allows a 20 HP will perform much better.

Happy Boating

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

Personally would skip a buying a Zodiac Cadet, what deslike about them is that the bow space area is too tight compared to other better build inflatables market available with roomier square, D type bows. A roomier deck space is a must have as you will notice if going for one

OTOH, a 30 HP motor is an excess of power, unless going for the full passenger and load capacity rated for. A 15 HP will suffice if plan using the inflatable with 1 max 2 up along a prop maximization to power better a 360 inflatable. But if budget allows a 20 HP will perform much better.

Happy Boating

Thanks Loc! Any examples for D bows? - I haven't been able to find any Alu RIBs for similar price in my area or online that ships to USA

[Locozodiac]

Originally Posted by HiltonHeadMatt

Thanks Loc! Any examples for D bows? - I haven't been able to find any Alu RIBs for similar price in my area or online that ships to USA

There are 4 bow types which are : Pointy, Medium Square, Full Square and D Type as the posted pics. All my Sibs models that range from 320 to 460 are built with D shape bow which is the roomiest of all. Would recommend going for the full square model if the D is not market available

If in USA, check Saturn Inflatables for traditional Sib models. Mercury Marine Inflatables has alum deck Rib models but pricier than fiberglass traditional Rib models. A matter to inquire both.

Anyway post whichever Sib-Rib model you plan going for...

Happy Boating

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

Anyway post whichever Sib-Rib model you plan going for...

Happy Boating

Thanks again great info! I dunno I am still liking this one - there are lots of narrow creeks around so I kinda like the sleek hull shape

Here's a few more detailed pics

[Fenlander]

I like a pointy nose type...

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I like a pointy nose type...

hahah I great pic! I think the dog likes pointy nose type too!

It looks like the zodiac is a medium square nose?

[Fenlander]

Loco makes a fair point if maximum loadspace was a top priority but...

Unless you wanted to go on week long camping trips two up with all kit stowed in boxes... had a commercial need to do something at the bow that needed space... or were using it as a water taxi in moorings it wouldn't be a deciding factor. For most folks daily outing use the shape of your proposed boat looks fine. Generally with a SIB or small RIB like this you don't want them nose heavy with kit or people.

[Ferryman]

You won’t go wrong with that Zodiac but I’d definitely go for the 20hp - as you said no one ever wished they had a smaller engine if it was the same weight!

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Loco makes a fair point if maximum loadspace was a top priority but...

Unless you wanted to go on week long camping trips two up with all kit stowed in boxes... had a commercial need to do something at the bow that needed space... or were using it as a water taxi in moorings it wouldn't be a deciding factor. For most folks daily outing use the shape of your proposed boat looks fine. Generally with a SIB or small RIB like this you don't want them nose heavy with kit or people.

Agreed - If you have seen how limited I am with gear storage on that paddleboard video I posted then you will see I will be happy to have any extra space and any motor hahah

Water Taxi does sound like a dope side biz and an excuse to be on the boat ... but there aren't too many mooring points - mostly you have to rent a slip in a marina if you come in via the water your boat.

Perhaps loading up with cold beers and heading to the party coves to sell $5 beers to boaters who didn't prepare well maybe a better boat business idea!

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Ferryman

You won’t go wrong with that Zodiac but I’d definitely go for the 20hp - as you said no one ever wished they had a smaller engine if it was the same weight!

Thanks! Exactly why not go 20! I'll treat it well too se it carries over to the next boat hopefully

[HiltonHeadMatt]

The best price I can find is from "Inflatable boat specialist" But I told them about my climate and they are strongly recommending I go Hypolon.... However they only carry the 360 hypolon in the double hull version which is close to 4000 dollars - double the price of the 360 single hull PVC I wanted. (IT is crazy dope looking though and only 150lbs)


I think I am gonna go PVC single hull like I originally wanted and make sure to order some sort of UV protection for the Tubes that can be used while underway. But it will eventually exposed to stagnant 105 degree heat and humidity and I worry for the life span.


Given that my plan is to learn on this boat and get another in a few years using what I have learned about my boating needs to decide..I only really need a few years life out of this but of course it would be helpful to be able to sell off or keep for longer if needed. I don't think I have seen anyone else here in hot climate areas who can lend some advice on this detail unfortunately.

My worry mostly stems from manufacturers info on the subject so perhaps they aren't as delicate in heat and UV as they put on and rather they are just trying to sell more expensive hypolon boats more often lol

[Ferryman]

PVC is fine if the tubes are going to be cleaned after use and covered or kept inside. It’s a quality manufacturer - hypalon is definitely better but it takes a lot of sun to kill PVC in general use on a SIB that’s stored properly.

[HiltonHeadMatt]

Originally Posted by Ferryman

PVC is fine if the tubes are going to be cleaned after use and covered or kept inside. It’s a quality manufacturer - hypalon is definitely better but it takes a lot of sun to kill PVC in general use on a SIB that’s stored properly.

It is more that I heard the glue//pvc welds will fail if exposed to high temps for long periods and here inside a storage unit would easily get to 110/115f degrees and even in the shade in july/august it is 90s/
low 100s daily

But like you said its a quality manufacturer even in these less than optimal conditions for PVC it surely will have a decent life span..

I tend to excessively worry about such things when I spend over a this much money..

and thank you!

[HiltonHeadMatt]

I agree I think I am still better off with PVC for my needs and taking some extra care to protect it - I heard you can get pvc safe/UV blocking paint and protect the tubes while making it look unique

Or of course tube covers that can be attached while underway etc

[Ferryman]

I’d think very carefully before painting a new Zodiac, there’s a reason why they’ve been in business so long, they’re good quality. I would just keep it clean and waxed.

Tube covers are only necessary if it’s kept outside and the temperature in the storage unit will be ok as long as there’s not too much pressure in the tubes - or get pressure relief valves.