Zodiac Cadet Compact 300

[andyblueflame]

Hi all,
I’m new to the forum and pretty new to the world of SIBs/F-RIBs.
Many, many years ago I owned a Kawasaki jet sk and also a couple of SIBs (one a Zodiac) with a 40hp Mariner outboard that we used for general fun and water skiing etc so have a teeny bit of experience but I’m by no means any kind of expert!!

After a few decades of abstinence I recently bought an oldish, fairly tatty Zodiac Cadet 280 (air floor) with a really nice/newish Honda 5hp outboard.

I’m now looking at upgrading my inflatable to a pretty rare Zodiac Cadet Compact 300 which has a rigid hull and the folding transom so packs down into a pretty long 7ft bag and can be carried comfortably by 2 people. It’s also Hypalon rather than PVC.

I want to use my Honda 5hp on this boat if I do go-ahead with the purchase so am really just looking for some advice on your (more expert) thoughts on the Cadet Compact and how good you think it is and will this make a decent pairing with my outboard etc?
I think it’s no longer made by Zodiac.
I’d be looking to use it on the sea, only in calmish conditions (not going too far out) and also inland lakes and rivers etc.
Be very grateful for any thoughts/advice.
TIA - Andy.

[Fenlander]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm aware of this Zodiac model as we considered one about 12yrs ago but came to the conclusion they were really a niche boat for tender use stored in the bag on a cruiser or sailing boat.

Have a look at the comments on this thread as the forum boss JK owned one and offered some detail.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/my-first-rib-37757.html

[andyblueflame]

Many thanks Fenlander, reply and link greatly appreciated!
Anyone else got any experience/thoughts?

[whisper]

Would this work?

https://www.rib.net/forum/f21/osprey...tml#post878100