2002 Zodiac w/engine

[ssobol]

I have found a 2002 Zodiac YL 420 DL with a 2004 50hp Merc oil injected 2-stroke and trailer. The engine only has about 50 hours on it The guy wants $7K.

Does anyone have any idea about the durability of this brand of boat? I know Zodiacs are supposed to be THE inflatable boat.

I don't know what the boat is made of, but how can I tell if the fabric has been treated ok (other than no obvious scrapes and tears)?

If I go to look at it, are there any things I should particularly look out for?

Is this a reasonable price?

I had a RIB previously and we had fun with it (although it was a little small). It met with an unfortunate accident and I have it no more, but I liked the way it ran and the ability to tow and handle it easily.

Thanks.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

The durability will depend entirely if it's pvc or hypalon material and how much time has been exposed to outdoor conditions, if properly treated should have no patches, no fabric detereoration, no seam leaks, no floor issues. The price seems very reasonable and wallet atractive, that sib/engine/trailer combo, should cost new, minimum $ 15 grand but probably short on price. If in mint condition, make an hostile offer to owner and see what happens Just the engine alone should cost 5 K +

Happy Boating

 

[ssobol]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

Zodiac boats seem to be made of "Sharc" fabric. Although I don't know if the 2002 boats use it. The website describes it as:

Undisputed Toughness

Unlike other tubes, Zodiac?s exclusive SHARC? fabric won?t deteriorate over time. It won?t suffer damage caused by solvents, oils and hydrocarbons. And its resistance to abrasion and tearing is unprecedented.

SHARC? is made of a polyester, rot-proof textile backing, and a high-quality polyurethane coating. Not only does it stand up to wear from rocks, docks, and quays, but it also provides superior resistance to ultraviolet rays, ozone, and cold weather. Even after years of being left outside, SHARC? maintains incredible strength and appearance.

SHARC? also features Zodiac?s signature thermobonding assembly process?providing yet another level of strength and durability. Its thermobonded seams provide superior air retention and a permanent weld, ensuring years of worry-free reliability.
Exceptional Air Retention

With the creation of Strongan?Duotex? material, we increased air tightness and pressure retention. But with SHARC?, we?ve taken it to a whole new level.

SHARC? doesn?t need to be topped off with air with every use. In fact, it can retain a high level of pressure for several days. This is due to the fabric?s molecular density and high-quality thermobonded seams, which prevent air loss through osmosis.
Impressive Appearance

Looks aren?t everything, but they definitely matter.

Thanks to innovative chemical compounds, SHARC? is easy to clean, and maintains its "new look" well into the life of the boat. The boat resists discoloration caused by chemicals and solvents, as well as fading caused by ultraviolet rays. And even after extreme use, just wipe the fabric with a sponge to restore its original immaculate appearance.

So it seems to have some of the features of Hypalon (e.g. solvent and UV resistance), but it also says that the seams are "thermobonded" which probably means welded which is something I don't think you can do with Hypalon.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

All fabrics used on inflatables, pvc, akron, hypalon detereorates over short/long periods of time specially if living all year in outside sunny environments as found on the tropics, are not kevlar.

Few manufacturers are using (Akron PU) polyurethane fabrics, it's a fabric in between pvc & hypalon, much cheapper than hypalon with near same tech specs, employed in recue & work boats as well. Seems same fabric as Shark just with a fancy name, same case as Strongan, which is a PVC French fabric.

You cannot thermoweld hypalon, must be hand glued assembled, so, do you intend to buy this well priced boat. Is Yacht Line a sib or rib boat ?

Happy Boating

 

[ssobol]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

I'm thinking about buying it. Making arrangments with the owner to see it this week.

 

[Syzygy]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

In 2002, Zodiac did not offer Hypalon tubes on the Yachtline 420DL (Zodiac #Z11332), nor had they launched their proprietary Sharc PU fabric. The 2002 YL420DL was only offered in PVC fabric.

Hypalon was not offered in their recreational boats until 2006 and their Sharc PU was launched in the US in 2007, after a few years of "market tests" in Europe.

For what it is worth, selling Price for a 2002 YL420DL, with a 40hp 2-stroke Yamaha was $12,725.00.

A new set of tubes would run about $3K (part number is Z1623, only available in PVC).

Hope that helps.

Cheers

S-

 

[ssobol]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

If it comes down to it and the tubes have problems (haven't seen them yet) I could low ball the price and use the savings for new tubes.

Anybody have any idea if changing the tubes is a task a fairly mechanically inclined person can take on or is it something that a repair shop needs to do?

I know that on some boats the tubes just sort of slide on, while on others they have to be glued.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

Will be a matter of asking ownwer if he happens to know, wether tubes slide on or must be hand glued to hull laterals. Contact Zodiac America and inquire about. If it's pvc as stated, surely will be standard 0.9 mm gauge fabric.

Happy Boating

 

[ssobol]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

Looked at this boat today.

Seems to be ok. One small glued patch (2" diameter) on a tube on the top of the aft cone. Motor looks nice. Boat comes with all the bits and accessories (including a cover) needed to be able to take it straight to the water.

Can tell that it has been used a bit. Fiberglass a bit "off white". The plastic bits are yellowed. Movable parts (panels, seat cushions) don't fit as well as they probably once did.

Other than the patch, the tubes look good (the current owner keeps it garaged). The hand hold straps on the top of the tubes look a bit worn, but I did not notice any worn spots on the tube bottoms. The tubes have a fabric texture to them that I did not expect on PVC tubes. Apparently these are the original tubes. The boat has a FR hull number. Are the French built boats better or worse than the other Zodiacs?

The hull looks ok except for a small hole in the sharp edge of the keel at the bow (underwater). The hole is about 1/4" by 1/2" and goes all the way to the fabric (a piece of the gel coat is missing). Probably fairly easy to fix. There is another small ding near this hole.

This boat does not have a "deep V" hull. My Walker Bay Genesis 310 did have a deep V hull and I'm concerned that the ride in the Zodiac will be a bit rougher. The increased size and weight of the Zodiac might make the difference a wash. Where I intend to run it, there are a number of larger boats zipping around.

Any comments?

Thanks.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: 2002 Zodiac w/engine

Seems minor cosmetic issues, gel coat is always reparable as seat cushions are, not bad for a 8 year old rib, French Zodiacs ribs are as good as any other reputed rib brand, have heard the British are the masters of ribbing, but their water toys are very expensive, will include both eyes, nose and ears. Starting 420, deep hull ribs are for long shaft engines, probably YL 420 has one on back. A 310 rib has nothing to do with a 420 rib performance, as you can balance more weight forward to compensate ride. With time and sun white gelcoats tend to turn yelowish, can apply 303 aerospace protectant to minimize more sun decoloration.

Happy Boating