Hello from Finland

[DeeQ]

Hello from Southern Finland

Still not in possession of any kind of a boat, but I'm looking for a handy little RIB for leisure time at rivers and lakes.

I'm thinking about something like Zodiac Futura...

-DeeQ

[MarkM]

Welcome. Very nice boat a Zodiac Futura, was my first one.

[DeeQ]

Actually i think it's a SIB in this case (MK2c).

Zodiac Futura Mark 2c moottorivene 2003 - Nettivene

Look at the pics, don't mind about the language. The boat is 2003 MK2c with 2008 Tohatsu 4-stroke MFS30B outboard. Thought i'd pay a visit to the seller this week...

[Neptune262]

Hi DeeQ,

I now live in Finland and have owned a few RIBs, one I brought here for exactly the purpose you state. One of the first questions to ask yourself for RIBs over here, is what material do you want the hull made out of? Also what is the purpose of the boat to be? I have owned an inflated V, GRP and also an aluminium hulled RIB.

PM me if you want to talk about this more.

Cheers,

[m3mm0s rib]

Welcome. The zodiac futura is a very good option

[DeeQ]

Inflatable with aluminium floor will be just fine for me.

Since i don't have too much storage room, i like the idea of being able to break it down and deflate it. You don't usually drive inland waters up here on winters (maybe this winter you can...) Other thing is the ability to run on shallow waters.

I've been reading about this thread...
http://www.rib.net/forum/f50/who-own...ura-21019.html

...and most of current or past Futura owners seemed to be happy about (or have no regrets of) their choise. Only thing they didn't like about was the boats behaviour on a choppy waters. As i said in my first post though, i use the boat for leisure. Trips on lakes and rivers on a beautiful day.

And if the weather gets so choppy my teeth are starting to fall i don't mind slowing down or turning back.

EDIT: Security is also one thing. What i've been reading these boats don't capsize easily...

[Neptune262]

At least it is snowing this morning!

Ok, well I am glad to see you are doing lots of research. If the Futura fits your specifications and requirements, then great.

All RIBS don't capsize easily, so that is a common feature across all hull types.

When you see the Futura here, just pay special attention to the hull and check it is in really good condition, as well as all the normal checks on the rest of the boat.

Enjoy.

[DeeQ]

Thanks for the pointers.

Meeting with the seller is set for tomorrow.
Anything specific i should be searching from the hull?

Well atleast you can spend less money for heating your house and more money for your hobbies...

I just hope it'll bee a decent summer next year...

[Neptune262]

Well you are looking for nicks, cuts or tears in the hull fabric. Also, as I look at the pictures of it on its advert, it looks semi deflated and you can see specific areas where it sits on the trailer / launch trolley. Check it is fully pumped up when you first arrive, then see if it feels the same when you leave - this is not ideal to check for leaks, but the best you can do for now. Regarding the trailer points, check around those in the hull, also how it is loaded up onto the trailer. Look for wear points, scrapes, etc.

Best of luck with the viewing.

[DeeQ]

OK. The valves will be checked anyway, since i have to deflate it for transportation since that trailer is not legal in traffic.

I the plan to inflate it again and check the tubes and the hull again after 24 hours. Zodiac specs says that a 20% pressure loss in 24-hour period is normal. 10mBar/5hrs is too much.

Zodiac Marine - FAQs - Supplier of Inflatables, RIB's, IRB's, Liferafts and Military Boats in Australia.

Legally boat trade here is what-you-see-is-what-you-get -type so one must be careful.

[DeeQ]

Merry Christmas everybody.

I brought that boat with me on 22nd.
Some wear and tear at the hull, but nothing serious. Electrics were a complete mess.

Luckily the cables between outboard and battery or between outboard and controls (or whatever you call it) weren't touched but there was this crazy ass DIY bilch pump MacGyvering and some sort of 12V power outlet with no fuses attached to the battery with jump cable hooks and duct tape (YIKES!).

The outboard however was in excellent condition.