Zodiac Futura first test ride

[dhaglund]

So, I bought a Zodiac Futura S IIC a couple of days ago and tried it for the first time today with my son. Great fun little boat! It put a big smile on my sons face. I'm hoping my teenagers will use it next summer.

This boat is 20 years old but all seams around the transom look great as well as well as under the boat. The only delamination (so far) is in the front floor. About 15 cm total. The boat came with the speedpack (2 benches and console), a bow bag, the original cover and a few smaller items.

The boat also came with a Parsun 15 hp 4-stroke. Weighs 49 kg. Not my first choice in outboards but it starts easily and is in very good condition. We managed to do 18 knots before we hit the rev-limiter. Perhaps 20 kn is possible with another propeller? The engine is not too bad lifting on and off the transom but I certainly would not want to carry it more than a few meters.

I know you all have told me and others to stay away from old SIBs, for good reason, but I like this model and the price was right. 1200€ for boat and motor which is almost what the motor is worth by itself here in Sweden.

I attached a few pictures so you can see what it looked like after a quick wash.

[dhaglund]

Does anyone know what these C-channels on the transom and front floor section are used for?



And the eyelet in the middle of the floor, what could that be for?


I hope we have some Zodiac-people here that can enlighten me.

[pagick]

Congratulations on your new ride. The channel on transom and the short straps with clips on the floor edges is for the air floor option.
As you have read once seams start coming loose stay on the re-gluing. Most all the main tubes have welded seams an those generally do give you trouble.
I have a futura Mk ll with seats/ steering and a 60 hp.

[dhaglund]

60 hp!! That must be awfully quick. I suppose you have the steering as far forward as possible to minimize bow-rise.

[dhaglund]

Second time out today. Hit 17 knots with 3 people but still hit the rev limiter at 5600 rpm. That Parsun has a 9¼ x 9 inch propeller. I think I will need a 9¼ x 10 inch propeller instead. I will also try to step up from the lowest trim setting.

[pagick]

https://youtu.be/4bUkdRAqGOU
https://youtu.be/DVyGSzEivRg

Here is my boat. I get 38mph with 2 on board.
Props are tricky. I either buy used so if it doesn't pan out I can flip them back and only lose shipping, or buy on Amazon. Returns are easy if you don't mark them.
How are you inflating? Checking exact pressure? 3.4 psi is harder than you think. And full pressure important.

[pagick]

I just looked at your pics on my desktop. My phone won't enlarge and I didn't notice the transom trim piece should be low, near the floor. Im guessing they raised it up out of his way for some reason.

[dhaglund]

So, that's you! Yes, I've already seen those videos. That is some excellent work on your part! Great looking Zodiac.

[dhaglund]

So, I've been out a few times now. There is a something oddly appealing about a boat that is light, fully collapsable and still somewhat capable.

I've been out in 14 knots of wind and 30 - 60 cm chop. Since I'm on a lake the waves are frequent and steep. I doesn't handle that well at all! The ride is suprisingly uncomfortable. To the point where I start to think if I'll be needing a chiropractor or not. But it's also fun! And since the boat is so boyant it takes the beating from the waves and just keeps going. I had to tie some ropes to the opposite side for me and the crew to hold on to. That helped a lot.

I got the propeller sorted. A 9¼ x 10 inch propeller brought the rpm down within good range and raising the engine about 18 mm on the transom removed the strange water-spray pattern I had before. No more spray over the transom. This also gave a slightly higher top speed.

All in all I like the SIB but can conclude that pretty much any other boat will do a whole lot better in chop. I've never been on a boat before where it is easier to take the waves from the side that head on. Still I hope and think that this will be a great flat-water boat for the kids next summer. On flat water it's like a gocart. Fun!

[dhaglund]

Originally Posted by dhaglund

Does anyone know what these C-channels on the transom and front floor section are used for?
Attachment 138863

I found this picture. It seems that there is a transom pocket that goes in that C-channel.