Hello from Australia: pro530 project

Reno · 11 January 2019, 22:03

Hi all, I've been enjoying looking through some of the posts and trying to better understand the construction of the mid 80s zodiac pro530. Ive recently purchased one as a project for myself.
I intend to replace the floor as it's had a lot of things attached to it over the years by the looks of all the holes in it and the tubes need some repair as well.

The floor seems to be made from an interesting material, a light weight wood of some description that seems to have a 'grain' that runs vertically as opposed to the ply I intend to replace it with. I was also thinking of adding stringers from the centre outwards to stiffen things up some more.
Cgoing's post regarding his boat at http://www.rib.net/forum/f45/zodiac-...a-41834-3.html was interesting and basically what I hope to do as well as modify a centre console.
I hope to use it for diving and fishing and family fun.

Cheers
Craig

IainK · 13 January 2019, 16:29

Hi Craig, I have no knowledge of Zodiac's but would suggest as you are in Australia contacting Stu at Dangar Island just north of Sydney. Vast practical knowledge sometimes his materials are only Australian which is a real bummer for us in UK! https://www.facebook.com/pg/DangarMarine

Fantastic youtube updates and on two live boat projects. Best Iain

Reno · 13 January 2019, 21:25

Thanks IanK, just had a look at his youtube channel. Not much regarding inflatables but could be a good contact regarding materials. Cheers.

Phil M · 14 January 2019, 12:43

I cored holes in my 1988 Pro 530's deck under the console and in the rear well at the base of the transom. The deck was ply, with glass top and bottom, which really took some cutting! The rear well was 4-5mm glass only. I'd not bother with extra stringers to be honest. The reverse chines in the hull make it incredibly stiff by design and if yours is anything like mine was, very heavily built. I had a 115hp 4st merc on the back and never felt like there was any flex. The 530 is a medium V so not the most comfortable in rough weather but a very stable and dry ride.

Here is a link to my build thread, if it's any use to you

Zodiac Turn Polishing

Phil M

Reno · 15 January 2019, 19:56

Hey Phil, id previously looked at your thread, nice work!
I'm new to boat terminology and don't have much experience modifying boats, just fibreglass, what's a reverse chine?
I was thinking of adding an underfloor tank and possibly small storage areas, but as there isn't much space from all accounts I was anticipating removing some of the support that runs along the centre from hull to floor for the tank. If I removed some of the original support structure holding up the floor and stiffening along the keel/spine of the boat (not sure spine is a boat term but there you go) as well as holes in the floor itself for hatches I figured creating a bit of support through stringers or boxed sections around all these would be required. I have plenty of extruded polyurethane panels I bought at a junk yard that was originally factory insulation that I've previously made surfboards out of that I can glass to add support without adding much weight wherever I require support. As I said, there doesn't seem to be a lot of depth to work with so it may just end up with the tank and no storage, will wait and see what I have to work with once the floor is off and see if it's worth the hassle.

Phil M · 15 January 2019, 21:53

A chine is where the sides of the hull cross section changes angle sharply. In most boats, that where the V bottom meets a more vertical upper bit. In some hulls the change in angle becomes more horizontal or even turns down again. If the hull chines turn down, they are referred to as reverse chines. The 530 has the main v and then turns vertically down at the chine, almost like a trimaran, so it has really extreme reverse chines.

Regarding the chopping out of the central stringer, I have to say I'd be nervous about it. It is part of the core strength of the boat and any stringers placed outboard of a tank will be much shallower in section and potentially more flexible/less strong. If you do, make sure you extend the new stringers well beyond the removed central section.

Phil

Reno · 16 January 2019, 01:40

I share your concerns Phil regarding removing the central stringer. Once I get the floor up I'll assess how much space there is for a tank and whatever else, if I can squeeze one alongside it that will definitely be the go. I have a mate who fabricates stainless so I'm sure he can sort out something for me.
Craig.

jonp · 16 January 2019, 10:01

Sounds like a deep pocket project, have you looked at a new tube set as those are very old to be patching up.

Reno · 16 January 2019, 21:15

Im looking in to new tubes, although finding it hard to locate zodiac ones here in Aus. Most places I find want to make them up from scratch. I've made contact with a guy in the US to see how that might compare. For now I'm just going with the ones I have. I purchased the boat knowing it was needing a lot of work, but I only paid $1200 for the boat on it's trailer so I figure I have a good budget if I compare this project to buying something in 'good' (unknown) condition. I figured I was purchasing a hull and trailer at that price and the tubes will do for now. At least I'll know what I have and I can build it exactly how I want it.

jonp · 17 January 2019, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno

Im looking in to new tubes, although finding it hard to locate zodiac ones here in Aus. Most places I find want to make them up from scratch. I've made contact with a guy in the US to see how that might compare. For now I'm just going with the ones I have. I purchased the boat knowing it was needing a lot of work, but I only paid $1200 for the boat on it's trailer so I figure I have a good budget if I compare this project to buying something in 'good' (unknown) condition. I figured I was purchasing a hull and trailer at that price and the tubes will do for now. At least I'll know what I have and I can build it exactly how I want it.

Sounds like a bargain. I looked into new tubes to when I bought my rib,not because I needed them but to try and get an idea what I might be up for further down the track. Like you say, very hard getting info over here.

Bosi72 · 20 March 2019, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno

Im looking in to new tubes, although finding it hard to locate zodiac ones here in Aus. Most places I find want to make them up from scratch. I've made contact with a guy in the US to see how that might compare. For now I'm just going with the ones I have. I purchased the boat knowing it was needing a lot of work, but I only paid $1200 for the boat on it's trailer so I figure I have a good budget if I compare this project to buying something in 'good' (unknown) condition. I figured I was purchasing a hull and trailer at that price and the tubes will do for now. At least I'll know what I have and I can build it exactly how I want it.

Welcome to the group!
I am also new here, feel free to ask if you need help with the boat. I am not any kind of boating specialist, but extra pair of hands could always help.
Cheers

Reno · 23 March 2019, 00:45

thanks for the offer Bosi72. I'm still finishing off our house which was a non negotiable prior to starting this project, so it's still sitting under cover with a sad look on it's face... Hoping to make a start in a few months all going well. Where abouts are you in Melbourne? I'm Mentone.

Bosi72 · 24 March 2019, 11:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reno

thanks for the offer Bosi72. I'm still finishing off our house which was a non negotiable prior to starting this project, so it's still sitting under cover with a sad look on it's face... Hoping to make a start in a few months all going well. Where abouts are you in Melbourne? I'm Mentone.

Hi Reno. I also went through house priorities myself, burned out and quit.. In my case house is a never-ending project, however frequently reminded by my Mrs..

Now focused onto the other life projects.
Purchased the boat from Costco at beginning of the season, motor from JV Marine and other bits&pieces from bcf, ebay.. My recent addition (yesterday) was a spare 4hp outboard to have it as a backup, but it seems I bought a lemon..

I'm in Chelsea, not too far away, so feel free to join me any weekend in boating adventures.

Cheers