Zodiac 550/Yamaha 115 hp - good deal

[nigel52]

I have just been offered a 2008 Zodiac 550 Pro Open with a March 2011 Yamaha 115hp EFI, trailer, full cover and instruments for circa £11,250. I am told it is in excellent condition and serviced earlier this year. The engine is still under guarantee.

Only problem is that it 300 miles from where we live and in France and time is not on my side for a number of reasons.

I don't actually need a RIB,engine, trailer etc until April 2013 although for the right deal will pay cash now as we have sold our current sailing boat.

If anyone is aware of a very agressive deal along the South coast or south of Birmingham for a cash buyer who wants a late model set up. Please PM me.

[thomas]

Looks like a good deal on paper but have a search on here as there are a couple of posts about them.

[nigel52]

Originally Posted by thomas

Looks like a good deal on paper but have a search on here as there are a couple of posts about them.

Hi Thomas,

I cannot really find too much negativity about the Zodiac 550 except the older ones had bench seats. Bearing in mind this will be a Summer RIB not likely to be doing too much heavy stuff. The newer ones have leaning post seat for the drive plus one and to seats at the back.


I am still thinking about a Ribtec 5.85 with 115HP EFI of 115HP Optimax. There are a lot of boats on the market to consider. I see three options really.

1. A good but older RIB and I buy a new 115HP Optimax with 5yr guarantee.

2. RIB & Engine maybe a yr old still with guarantees.

3. Maybe something in the 2007-2010 era where I may not get a decent amount of guarantee with the engine but the price, service history and person selling convince me to go for something slightly older.

[thomas]

I've never been out in one so can't really comment about the ride and handling but I have an Avon 470 made by Zodiac and identical to their Pro 500, have to say the build quality is very good and tidy and for what we use it for it's perfect, it's a nice little boat but at speed it does feel pretty hairy and I'd not want to get caught out in a chop.

Best thing you can do it to get a go in one, I expect there is a Zodiac dealer locally, as they were french, go and see one and get a sea trial.

[Dry Run]

From my point of view, I think that's a great deal for the 550 Pro Open (assuming it's described correctly). I've just sold one (a 2001 boat with Suzuki 115 four stroke) for over £10k!

[nigel52]

I did not move qick enough and it is sold