Zodiac Mk 5/6 HD - Engine Question

[lump1066]

looking for advice on Zodiac Mk 5 and 6 HD. I know a few folks on here have used them on things like expedition ships, antarctic etc.. I've seen em with 50hp's on back - what would be the most sensible size to put on each without making too heavy to drive - assuming tiller steer..... I'm sure i saw an advert for Mk5 with a 70hp tiller setup but can't find it now.

much appreciated

[SixtyNorth]

I think it really depends what you intend to do with the boat… how much load and in what sea area. Are you after load carrying or speed… or both? They are big boats, if I remember correctly the rec. power was something like 90hp for the Mk5. But, if not heavily loaded you'd be fine with less.

[lump1066]

Goal is to to do Zodiac cruises for tourists - bit like the expedition ships do. Ideally 14 passengers plus one driver in the Mk6. May also have about 80kg of batteries in the front - as will need to use a secondary engine like a 20hp equivalent torqueedo for special interest sites.... Was wondering if a 75/80hp would cut it given fairly lightly loaded? Would need to get up onto plane, but not looking for any high top speed.

[SixtyNorth]

I have not operated the Mk6 but the info. sheet I have states the following:

. recommended power : 86 kW / 115 HP
. maximum power : 131 kW / 175 HP
. maximum power with 2 engines : 2 x 52 kW / 2 x70 HP
. maximum engine weight : 240 Kg / 529 lbs

The max no. of persons for the Mk6 is 20. Commercial regulations may restrict that, depending on the type of operation. With 14 passengers plus the coxswain, fuel, batteries, auxiliary etc I think you would want a bit more power given that the recommended power is 115hp.

Hopefully someone else will be able to give you some better advice based on real world experience with the Mk6.