Zodiac Pro - Open 650?

[tiverton_tom]

Howdy folks,

Am considering purchasing a 2nd hand (possibly new) "consumer grade" RIB (vs comercial) for our whale watching tours in Nova Scotia. This boat would mostly be the peak, not so rough seas "spare". Ideally I am looking for 5.9-7.0 meters, to take 8-10 passengers.

I was considering trying one of the cheaper imports (Northstar from Turkey, Excedo from South America) Caribe? ... if new, ...... or came across a couple Zodiac options. .... The SRO 700 which has hypalon tube and the Pro-Open 650 - PVC tube. It is 2001, so already 5+ years old.

Any comments or reviews? .... much appreciated!!

tom


Tom Goodwin
Ocean Explorations Zodiac Whale Cruises
Tiverton, Long Island, Nova Scotia
902.839.2417, winter/home:834-2830
toll free reservations 1.877.654.2341
http://www.oceanexplorations.ca

[dessaler]

2 friend have buy a 650 (made usa) and 2 have major problem with....
hull delamine...and tube go out slut in a moyen wave...
zodiac change with new boat same problem ....for instant zodiac say no drive boat without resolve problem in a shop...
1 pro 2005 and other 2006
zodiac send 4 new boat after first problem
all that have same scrap...

sorry for my english

Originally Posted by tiverton_tom

Howdy folks,

Am considering purchasing a 2nd hand (possibly new) "consumer grade" RIB (vs comercial) for our whale watching tours in Nova Scotia. This boat would mostly be the peak, not so rough seas "spare". Ideally I am looking for 5.9-7.0 meters, to take 8-10 passengers.

I was considering trying one of the cheaper imports (Northstar from Turkey, Excedo from South America) Caribe? ... if new, ...... or came across a couple Zodiac options. .... The SRO 700 which has hypalon tube and the Pro-Open 650 - PVC tube. It is 2001, so already 5+ years old.

Any comments or reviews? .... much appreciated!!

tom


Tom Goodwin
Ocean Explorations Zodiac Whale Cruises
Tiverton, Long Island, Nova Scotia
902.839.2417, winter/home:834-2830
toll free reservations 1.877.654.2341
http://www.oceanexplorations.ca

[Aidan]

Hi There, here is one that caught my eye. These people are well rated for service but I do not know them yet. I am buying a ballistic which are dearer (and they also sell 7.8 mtr person carriers).
This Rib eye looks good value and will take the numbers.

Rib International had an article from a professional Whale watch and island hop tour in previous issue, The last I think.

Aidan

[Aidan]

Hi There, here is one that caught my eye. These people are well rated for service but I do not know them yet. I am buying a ballistic which are dearer (and they also sell 7.8 mtr person carriers).
This Rib eye looks good value and will take the numbers.

Rib International had an article from a professional Whale watch and island hop tour in previous issue, The last I think.
http://www.ribsforsale.com/detail.asp?RefNo=7872453
Aidan

[tiverton_tom]

thanks all for the help.

the pro-open 650 was sold (what a name "pro" for a poor quality consumer grade, short lifespan RIB!)

came across a Tornado in New Englad that I'm considering (too).

happy rib-ing!

tom
www.oceanexplorations.ca