Zodiac FC 470 as a recreational boat

entropy · 28 March 2020, 18:39

Any opinions on how FC 470s ride in the water as compared to recreational boats. I've got a shot at getting a 470 (always wanted one). I don't know if the military mission they were designed for make them less friendly for everyday boating as I've heard mentioned before that they ride pretty rough and the speed tubes can be maintenance headaches.

Would be interested in thoughts on this. What do you 470 owners think?

Thanks,
Greg

95gstnj · 29 March 2020, 19:30

Do you mean how do military grade sibs ride compared to recreational sibs?

They ride alot better. With sibs, the heavier the better for ride quality. Sibs are already really light. Adding the extra weight really helps in chop etc. They are also much more resilient and will last much longer.

Speed tubes also improve ride and turning. If you ever have a problem with them, just clamp them off and don't use them.

Buy it!

cgoing · 30 March 2020, 17:32

They are high maintenance. Is the one you found have 15”,18”, or 20” transom. That can make it more of a challenge to find a motor and make it handle correct. Great boats but many that hit the market are trashed. Check the thrustboat for rot. That is an expensive fix if needed.

Locozodiac · 30 March 2020, 20:10

Would prefer a Rib in same size or bit shorter one zillion times than a Zodiac F470. Those are old heavy dinosaurs loved by the military...

Happy Boating

pagick · 30 March 2020, 20:33

It sounds like it’s similar to what I have with a a extra fat guy on board to add the extra weight your boat will weigh.
My setup is Futura mk2 with 60hp.
I love it but I run in rivers. Fairly flat. The lake I start in can be very chopped up from wind. It’s hard to make headway when going into the wind. If I get stuck out in those conditions I generally wait for another boat to follow behind.
Light wind chop is not a problem since you just skip on the top of the chop. But ocean chop will be a different animal.
All that said there is something satisfying about having to tough out a bad day. It really makes good days more enjoyable. Presuming you didn’t bring the wife on the bad day.