Good motor for a Zodiac F470

[woggman311]

I am not new to boating but new to zodiacs and inflatables, I have a F470 Zodiac, 15.5 ft long, I am looking for a new motor, I know the max is 55hp but I was looking at a 25hp motor and was wondering if that would be enough? I usual go out with about 4 people, I live in north florida on the coast.
thanks for the help

 

[abdiver7777]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

How fast do you need to go with 4 people in it?

A 2 hp outboard is plenty to push it around a harbor......

"Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it"

 

[jondavies]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

I have a similar sized boat and I found a 25HP was insufficient to push the boat on a plane when loaded with two divers and gear. I upgraded to a 40HP and it's been great.

As Abdiver said, it depends how fast you want to go.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

Yeap, will depend on how fast you want to go, overall load, will the sib live on a trailer or the standard place/retrieve engine each boating day. If in a trailer, the ideal min 30 max 40 HP, if not, will depend on speed and weight you want to carry.

Happy Boating

 

[woggman311]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

Thanks, I am going with the "Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" theory and looking at a 60hp 4 stroke this friday. I will let you know how it turns out.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

You will fly to the moon with that engine, personally would place 40 as Jondavis did or max exagerating a top 50.. A heavier 530 Rib with a 60 HP engine is already scary at wot, besides 3 cylinder engines really sucks gas. If fuel expense is not an issue to your pocket, proceed

Happy Boating

 

[jurassiccoast]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

Hi

Be careful if you opt for the 60hp engine, it could void any warranty you have on the RIB. 40hp would be a blast for 2, or go for a 50hp if you want the same speed/acceleration with 4 on board. I had a 4.2 with a 40 and it was good with 2. Good luck!
Jurassiccoast

 

[Nantucket Bay Scalloper]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

I have a 25hp honda on my 14' Avon and I think it plenty big enough. I have been on the same boat with a 40hp on it and the difference isn't to noticeable. I think the weight of the larger engine would be a deciding factor for myself. With a 25hp, 3 of us can lift the boat and engine off the trailer and this allows us to launch the boat in places there isn't a ramp. Maybe with 4 of you, it would be possible with a 55hp but I doubt it. Well, unless your navel seals.....

 

[ssobol]

Re: Good motor for a Zodiac F470

I have a Pro II 470 with a Yamaha 40 4-stroke. Since I haven't run it yet, I can't really say how it goes, but I'll let you know as soon as I try it.