Hi, looking for some advice. Just bought a Zodiac GR2 4.2m SIb for the princley sum of £100. I know the full history of the boat as it came from the fire service where it was a standby boat. It then went to the sea cadets who are now getting rid. It has the original paperwork with it. Needs the floor reglued or patched as it's peeling at the bow and needs sorted. Also needs the inflateable keel as its missing. I have been quoted a really good price to do this. Now to the question. The makers plate says that the max engine size is 40hp. I have a 40hp 2 stroke mariner in the garage. Would this work out? We would be using it for 4 divers and kit.
Yes, the 40hp 2 stroke would be ideal, assuming the shaft length is correct. The older Grand Raids were short shaft, the newer ones long shaft. I had a GR MK2 with a 30hp ETEC and it went very well. They are good boats. Just make sure you inflate the tubes and keel to the recommended pressure as it makes a big difference in the chop.
its in really good condition, the fire service hardly ever used the boat as it was a spare boat. The sea cadets have only had it for a couple of years. Picking it up tomorrow.
Get some pictures posted. They really are great boats. Hypalon, inter-communicating pressure valves, reinforced seams. What's not to like!
With 4 divers, you want the tube pressure to be spot-on, including keel. You can pick up the old fashioned pressure gauges on Ebay. What sort of floor does it have? Assuming it's marine ply or aluminium, then get some rubber matting down to absorb wave slap when you're underway. When it's fully laden your kit will take a knock otherwise.
Here's the boat. Needs the deck reattached at the bow and the second deck board as it's missing. Getting packaged up on a pallet to head to SIT for repairs. My rib in the background. Changing the engine on it from a 60hp 2 stroke to an 90hp 4 stroke.
spy-sea-one
Sula
