Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

[azzurro]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

I just came across this:

Between the european continent and Sein island roll some of the most powerful currents of Northern hemisphere : 6.5 to 9 knots... if you come here by boat, make sure you use the tide to push you or have a POWERFUL motor: backward-going boats happen here too frequently and famous ocean-runners call this straight "the Horn of Brittany"


Besides the effect of the sun and moon, the shape of the coastline strongly influences the extent of tidal movements.On account of its geographical configuration, the coastline of the English Channel experiences the most extreme tides in Europe. The height of the tide, the variation in level from when the tide is in or out, is exceptional in Brittany, where the highest tides in Europe are recorded, for example 5.45 m at Penmarc?h, 12 m in the Bay of Saint-Malo and more than 16 m in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, whereas the average worldwide is just 2 m.

Thanks to the tide tables, professionals and amateurs alike can assess the extent of tidal movements and so avoid unpleasant surprises when the tide comes in. The scale ranges from 20 (lowest tide) to 120 (highest tide).

I mean: beware of low power engines, beach launching may not be possible, you should know the place you're sailing, and all of that.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

I just came across this:

Between the european continent and Sein island roll some of the most powerful currents of Northern hemisphere : 6.5 to 9 knots... if you come here by boat, make sure you use the tide to push you or have a POWERFUL motor: backward-going boats happen here too frequently and famous ocean-runners call this straight "the Horn of Brittany"


Besides the effect of the sun and moon, the shape of the coastline strongly influences the extent of tidal movements.On account of its geographical configuration, the coastline of the English Channel experiences the most extreme tides in Europe. The height of the tide, the variation in level from when the tide is in or out, is exceptional in Brittany, where the highest tides in Europe are recorded, for example 5.45 m at Penmarc?h, 12 m in the Bay of Saint-Malo and more than 16 m in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, whereas the average worldwide is just 2 m.

Thanks to the tide tables, professionals and amateurs alike can assess the extent of tidal movements and so avoid unpleasant surprises when the tide comes in. The scale ranges from 20 (lowest tide) to 120 (highest tide).

I mean: beware of low power engines, beach launching may not be possible, you should know the place you're sailing, and all of that.

'WOW" What a wealth of information you just provided for me. I will be no where near Sein island, that is open sea. All areas I intend to launch at have numerous beaches all over the place, but there is always the slip ramp that I can do it at as well to avoid any unpleasant circumstances. I will show you some maps of the areas I intend on boating in and of course, I fully intend to get maps and charts before even venturing on the water. If I feel I am not comfortable with this, I just wont do it. Let me show you some of the areas in question. Port of Morbihan is one of them. Bay of Biscay in the Brest harhor is one, not the actual open bay of Biscay, 'Aber Wrack, Aber Benoit and then otehr sounds and enclosed areas inland from the sea. Here is the map of Brittany, all sheltered areas are enclosed harbors. http://maps.google.de/maps?hl=de&rl...code_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQ8gEwAA and this one is with the sattelite images. Sein is south west of the penninsuelo of Crozon, and Brest is above that in the bay north eastish http://huffingtonpost.com/, Morbihan Port is south west of the map by Lorient etc in that area.

 

[azzurro]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Absolutely determined, ain't you?

OK. Go for a 3.4 meters high pressure V-hull 10HP 4 stroke boat. Nothing less, believe me. You can find many packs, but always look for the lighter engine. If needed, paint the number with anything to avoid identify it as a 10hp engine. Everything at your own risk. But at least get a chart for the zone, floating devices, flares, water-proof phone with emergency number, and please query meteorology. And tides table. Learn how to anchor in tides! The water goes away or suddenly comes.

Beaches are sooo wide there, think of this.

If you do not speak French, take a MMSI VHF radio for emergencies (but wait...you'll need a title for that).

Sorry but this is a Med boater.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

i grew up on a 40ft sloop in the south pacific, boating for me is pretty much second nature and i see people everytime i go boating doing idiotic things and for the most part i assume they are testing the theory of darwinian evolution. Most of them are downright rude if you let them know they are doing something wrong as well, though some are very thankful.

after reading this, and considering your available choices....
i think personally 5hp is ample power for a boat of that size provided that you stay within 1/4mile of the beach/land or so. You must understand that it will take time to get off of the water, if the wind is blowing against you or the tide is going out it could take a long time to get to shore...35minutes to an hour in bad conditions assuming your engine functions well. I would suggest you get the best propeller for the weight/drag of your hull, that would likely be best answered in the propeller forum.

As far as not knowing your way about boats.... I thought about that the entire time i was reading this thread, you really should be taught by someone who is capable personally. My suggestion would be to visit the local marina, and ask about a bit, offer to pay for the fuel used and buy them lunch to take you out, I know this has happened to me several times over the years....sometimes by someone who wanted to learn other times by someone who just wanted to get on the water or show their child or wife what it was like. Many times if properly asked by someone who shows genuine interest in boating a boater or marine savvy individual will often help out sometimes without cost to you.
I would suggest that you do NOT bring the dogs if asking someone to teach you how to operate a boat, I also suggest that until you are comfortable that the dogs stay home as they could very likely become a distraction.
If you ask at the dealership they may also be able to help set you up with someone that can teach you.
I also suggest that you learn how to get back into the boat should you fall overboard which at times is easier to do than it sounds.
I assume you can swim, if not you must learn.
you should also always have a flashlight on board (yes even for day trips) and suggest the clip on LED marker/running lights be carried at all times.
if you are going to be on the ocean or on a large enough body of water that it is possible for you to be out of sight of land due to some incident or on purpose then you should know how to tell direction via sun/moon and esp the stars. This is not full blown navigation just the ability to identify constellations and where they are in the sky....this will allow you to find north at any given time....which in turn allows you to move towards shore confidently when out of site of land (aka you are not lost) the big ones are the constellation "big dipper" and "orion"... another of value is "signet" notice i did not mention the "north star" as it is north but harder to find than the big constellations.

I hope some of this helped you at least a lil bit, any effort you put into boating and learning its ways will be paid back in full plus interest in the enjoyment you will get out of it.

Sean

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

i grew up on a 40ft sloop in the south pacific, boating for me is pretty much second nature and i see people everytime i go boating doing idiotic things and for the most part i assume they are testing the theory of darwinian evolution. Most of them are downright rude if you let them know they are doing something wrong as well, though some are very thankful.

after reading this, and considering your available choices....
i think personally 5hp is ample power for a boat of that size provided that you stay within 1/4mile of the beach/land or so. You must understand that it will take time to get off of the water, if the wind is blowing against you or the tide is going out it could take a long time to get to shore...35minutes to an hour in bad conditions assuming your engine functions well. I would suggest you get the best propeller for the weight/drag of your hull, that would likely be best answered in the propeller forum.

As far as not knowing your way about boats.... I thought about that the entire time i was reading this thread, you really should be taught by someone who is capable personally. My suggestion would be to visit the local marina, and ask about a bit, offer to pay for the fuel used and buy them lunch to take you out, I know this has happened to me several times over the years....sometimes by someone who wanted to learn other times by someone who just wanted to get on the water or show their child or wife what it was like. Many times if properly asked by someone who shows genuine interest in boating a boater or marine savvy individual will often help out sometimes without cost to you.
I would suggest that you do NOT bring the dogs if asking someone to teach you how to operate a boat, I also suggest that until you are comfortable that the dogs stay home as they could very likely become a distraction.
If you ask at the dealership they may also be able to help set you up with someone that can teach you.
I also suggest that you learn how to get back into the boat should you fall overboard which at times is easier to do than it sounds.
I assume you can swim, if not you must learn.
you should also always have a flashlight on board (yes even for day trips) and suggest the clip on LED marker/running lights be carried at all times.
if you are going to be on the ocean or on a large enough body of water that it is possible for you to be out of sight of land due to some incident or on purpose then you should know how to tell direction via sun/moon and esp the stars. This is not full blown navigation just the ability to identify constellations and where they are in the sky....this will allow you to find north at any given time....which in turn allows you to move towards shore confidently when out of site of land (aka you are not lost) the big ones are the constellation "big dipper" and "orion"... another of value is "signet" notice i did not mention the "north star" as it is north but harder to find than the big constellations.

I hope some of this helped you at least a lil bit, any effort you put into boating and learning its ways will be paid back in full plus interest in the enjoyment you will get out of it.

Sean

Oh Sean, I could jump right thru this computer and give you a big hug. I appreciate what you have written and if you too had said I was idiotic I would never get angry at that, I would listen. That is the reason I came here to begin with, to learn and ask the pros.

My intentions on all days venturin gout is not to go any more than 100 meters from shore (calm waters providing). And where I will be, land is surrounding all the bays and harbors. None of the areas is just a beach and open sea with no sight of land in front. Land is all around and there are thousands of boaters in summer. Maybe too many for that matter all sizes

You honestly believe this 5 merc will do the job? I only plan to move a bit off shore and drop anchor and do a little fishing and cruising along the harbor's coast line if that at all. That is just my intention. We will get the boat next month. We have many calm arms of rivers here where I will ask our dear friend from Finland to teach me all that I need to know. That was a brilliant suggestion. He is a licensed boater and have done boating a lot in his life all around Finland etc. So he can show me in this same little rubber ducky. I do know my way around boats, I used to drive bigger boats but without a license back in Oklahoma and also down in the Caribbean sea. I also sailed for numerous years on big yachts but was not the captain just a crew member. I will practice falling over the little boat especially seeing I will be fishing and what if I catch a JAWS I need to be able as you say to get back on. We will have a collapsable alu ladder. We will also have all the necesaary life savings equipment designed for bigger boats, but i will have them all on this little fellar. I will take no chances whatsoever.

what is a waterproof phone? We can take our cell phone and just put it in a water proof thingy but if there is one especially that I ought to know about, please let me know the name and where I can find one.

I intend to get my boating license and actually. I have been doing a US online course which is FABULOUS. I have been cramming at it day and night and then taking the tests at the end of each chapter. So far I am averaging a 95% accurate rate, missing only little things that does not pertain to navigation but to safety which I know in my head and will redo these tests until i get it 100% correct. Soon as my German gets better, i will take the course on this side.

I wanna ask you something, are all navigation courses for all countries on the sea the same? Or do they ask different things and also have different channel markers nad buoys as well as all ICW markers? Are they all the same regardless which part of the earth you are boating? what about rivers and lakes, are the markers and buoys the same as well for all countries, meaning the colors, sizes and kinds of markers and buoys? Are all locks the same rules no matter where you boat? Cuz if this is the case, I can study the US exams and just translate the german until I get the jest of it on this end.

Most important question of all. Tides, I intend to not only look and print and take with me the tide information but also to know their heights between the Eb and the Flow. I will also watch the sky, any sign of a black or gray silvery cloud and or signs of winds about to pick up I will head on back asap. I am determined to do this, so I hope my death if not calling me into the seas.:facepalm:

Another important question, when is the best time to launch the boat? Full tide already in, full low tide with the possibility of high tide coming in, or what? Whereever I am, I want that the tides take me back home and not to the Atlantic.

I navigate my car when travelling and when I am not using my GPS by the sun and its direction. I have done this my whole life and have never been lost, but I have not done the big dipper and the stars to navigate, would love to learn that. How can I?

Oh, I will not have a flash light or should I also take one in addition to the white navigation light that is essential for small craft? I have ordered the dealer to install the navi light at the back. Is there any particular height that I must have? He said it is 54cm tall. Will this be enough should I be caught out at night God Forbid

One more thing, do you fish? Can I troll with such a small engine? my hubby does not like fishing but I love it and miss it. If you do fish, can you please give me some tips and techniques for fishing out of a boat. As i have mostly fished from land most of my life.

Oh, I nearly forgot, about the propella, should I then replace the prop on the Merc 5 with a bigger prop? I will ask the dealer about this tomorrow. Does it really help move the boat faster if the prop is indeed bigger in dimension? thanks. Its all new ware so I have not taken delivery of them yet.

Thank you so very much.
zodiac

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Absolutely determined, ain't you?

OK. Go for a 3.4 meters high pressure V-hull 10HP 4 stroke boat. Nothing less, believe me. You can find many packs, but always look for the lighter engine. If needed, paint the number with anything to avoid identify it as a 10hp engine. Everything at your own risk. But at least get a chart for the zone, floating devices, flares, water-proof phone with emergency number, and please query meteorology. And tides table. Learn how to anchor in tides! The water goes away or suddenly comes.

Beaches are sooo wide there, think of this.

If you do not speak French, take a MMSI VHF radio for emergencies (but wait...you'll need a title for that).

Sorry but this is a Med boater.

Hi arazzo

I couldnt help but chuckle at your post. Get a 10HP and paint over the number cant and wont do this. Not only will it be dangerous as i dont now how much power I will be up against, but if caught I can be arrested, fined as well as Deported back to the USA from Germany. If the French would catch me and I am at fault, they have an agreement with Germany and my punishment will be quite STEEP which will include deportation, and that I cant risk. Our other friendly boater has given some advice and I am going to do all if not most.

As soon as I have my license, I intend to trade up for a RIB and a much bigger engine. This is like a practice thing until I feel comfortable. Atlantic coast is a whole lot different ball game to the Caribbean Sea or the Lakes in Oklahoma I will also make someone aware that I will be ont he water, even if it is the locak marina, because I undesrstand filing a float plan is essential. I should know some French by August to be able to politely ask someone to keep note of my departures. The French are very polite and friendly.

I saw a video with this girl in the Med Sea on a boat my size with the same engine and she was about 500 meters offshore but land was still in sight. But I wont be going that far out at any given time.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

just remember that the 5hp engine will not be fast....quick....or even exciting, however if you don't mind moving 5 to 8mph it should do yeoman duty at that, the most common place you find such small engines on 12-13ft inflatables is in harbors as tenders. they are used to go from sailboat to shore....i say sailboat cause they are usually lower on space than the guy with the big yacht who likely has a boat lift for his RIB. The paint new numbers on the engine (or put new decals) is a commonly done thing, it is seen at the lakes here in US that are rated for "less than 10hp" heck my 12ft john boat has a 15hp on it with 9.9 stickers only dif between 9.9 and 15 for the model on my john boat is carb, reed spacers, and exhaust tube... otherwise identical engines as they rev higher to achieve the higher hp rating. Am I suggesting this for you, in a word NO.
look over the local marina or boat yard or harbor and you will see lots of 10-14ft inflatables with 2 to 10hp serving as grocery getters... heck for that matter i used to have one of these pushing a 10ft avon (like a zodiac)
http://www.britishseagull.co.uk/history.php
it wasn't fast but it always got there. hmmmm i really miss that lil seagull

Sean

 

[azzurro]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Waterproof phone:
Just a mobile phone inside a special waterproof small bag! The bag should float with the phone inside, and you can use the phone inside the bag.

Collapsable ladder:
That's the one I have. When ladder is up, I use a velcro to stop it jumping; so it is easy to velcro off from the water. Always test the ladder, do not wait for a dangerous situation.

Waterproof flashlight:
Mandatory, even in rowing boats.

Water:
Always. Maybe silly but it is not. I always take water and dry sugar candys, it's enough for emergency.

Medicines:
A small medicine box for small injuries, and seasick pills and maybe sunprotect lotion.

Clothes:
Well I'm a Summer med boater! In my case swimming trunks, a towel and sunglasses is enough. But not in Brittany.

As you see there are many things to take on a boat. Think about the way to carry them and not disturbing you.


About all of these comments you are reading, and many more you will read and listen:

You may get overwhelmed because of so much info. Don't! Ask, ask and listen and ask again and listen and be patient.
When I sail with some other people, it's funny, they tell their rules and say don't do this and don't do that. Everybody is the same. This should not make you uncomfortable because this is the way things are at a boat. Even tough old sailors accept a new pilot's rules and commands because it is natural. I mean, when you are new, it may be disgusting; but when you learn, you do not care. It is not until you have sailed a lot with someone that you work in a different way because of coordination.
When sailing at a friend's boat, always help. Do not wait for him to give you commands: you must have initiative; but always accept to be corrected, the captain is the one who rules. The idea is not to be polite, but to learn! The more you help, the more commands you will be given. If you are not given commands, this is because they look at you as a passenger (yuck!).

So now comes a big, big issue: hubby/wife. Passenger or sailor? Commands or not? Better get him/her involved in the boat!

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

just remember that the 5hp engine will not be fast....quick....or even exciting, however if you don't mind moving 5 to 8mph it should do yeoman duty at that, the most common place you find such small engines on 12-13ft inflatables is in harbors as tenders. they are used to go from sailboat to shore....i say sailboat cause they are usually lower on space than the guy with the big yacht who likely has a boat lift for his RIB. The paint new numbers on the engine (or put new decals) is a commonly done thing, it is seen at the lakes here in US that are rated for "less than 10hp" heck my 12ft john boat has a 15hp on it with 9.9 stickers only dif between 9.9 and 15 for the model on my john boat is carb, reed spacers, and exhaust tube... otherwise identical engines as they rev higher to achieve the higher hp rating. Am I suggesting this for you, in a word NO.
look over the local marina or boat yard or harbor and you will see lots of 10-14ft inflatables with 2 to 10hp serving as grocery getters... heck for that matter i used to have one of these pushing a 10ft avon (like a zodiac)
http://www.britishseagull.co.uk/history.php
it wasn't fast but it always got there. hmmmm i really miss that lil seagull

Sean

When I was back home in Oklahoma I used to drive my friends huge Pontoon and jet skis and other bigger boats on the lake and I had no license. They maybe took a risk to let me use it, hut heck there was hardly anybody on the lake let alone the rangers or coat guard. So this changing numbers is done all the time? I must ask around here in Germany and see who dare to brave that. the problem with the 5HP mercury and the 8hp mercury is SIZE, 8HP is substantially bigger than the 5hp body, so that will be a no no and I wont risk it.
I know these little things are tenders and are used mainly to take boaters from their yachts to the land and so on. But I dont want speed for one, I dont want power. I only want to be able to leave the shoe and be back safely and do a little fishing and maybe swimming, othet than that, I am not planning to go wake boarding and all that, no no. Only simple things for me for now which will be safe. Considering my intentions to hug the coast or harbor lines, this I take it is safe enough?

 

[azzurro]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

I think a 5hp motor is good for lakes and rivers, or for ship tenders.

Of course you can use a 5hp motor when the weather is fine and do a lot of things.

But the problem is: holidays, weather, sea.

On holidays people use the boat. No matter if the weather is fine or not.

Picture this: you decide to go boating tomorrow. Then you wake up and the sea is not as good as you expected. You see people boating. You think it will not get worse. So you launch your boat and there you go. But then it gets worse. And you are in a 5hp boat.

That's why I recommend a 10hp engine.
Don't you expect many things from a 10hp engine. No wakeboarding no skiing no fast boat. But at least you have much more power to return home, and a 10hp engine (Selva Piranha or Tohatsu) is still light enough to handle.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

If you will only use the 340 sib and 5 HP engine on inland protected waters, no need to change prop, the standard factory version can push a J24 sailboat extremely well, probably won't plane with 2 mates, but will take you there at half throttle. Just go for 1 1/2 meter chain between anchor and rope, to place same sib lenght is an exageration, is used for heavier boats not light inflatables.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

I think a 5hp motor is good for lakes and rivers, or for ship tenders.

Of course you can use a 5hp motor when the weather is fine and do a lot of things.

But the problem is: holidays, weather, sea.

On holidays people use the boat. No matter if the weather is fine or not.

Picture this: you decide to go boating tomorrow. Then you wake up and the sea is not as good as you expected. You see people boating. You think it will not get worse. So you launch your boat and there you go. But then it gets worse. And you are in a 5hp boat.

That's why I recommend a 10hp engine.
Don't you expect many things from a 10hp engine. No wakeboarding no skiing no fast boat. But at least you have much more power to return home, and a 10hp engine (Selva Piranha or Tohatsu) is still light enough to handle.

I understand, stupid people go in the sea when it is raining or weather is set up to be bad. I see the clouds, I see the darkness coming and I do nto even go outside on the beach let alone in a boat. I will never do something that stupid. I see stupid people all the time in France inthe sea in extremely dangerous conditions surfing in the midst of winter with huge storms and turbulant seas. I only shake my head and utter how stupid. I dont even go in the sea if the waves are choppy. I love the sea but have GREAT respect for it and the dangers that lurke in it.

Two years ago we were in Brittany over Christmas. Four ardant fishermen in a 30 foot fishing boat ventured out to sea at 5am to go fishing. These were professional fishermen who did this for their living. They knew the storms were horrible, it was one of the worst that I have seen pass thru that area in many years. Yet, they went out to to sea in their little boat with 30 foot waves and swells. I was awaken by massive search and rescue helicopters scombing the bay in front of our house. I woke my husband and said that does not sound good. I think someone is lost at sea or a boat is in trouble. Then 7am came and the search got bigger and more helicopters and more boats. Their boat capsized in the storm, three were lost and never to be found again and one clinged for his dare life to some floating object that eventually drifted towards a buoy somewhere in the open sea marking a safe passage. he was rescued after numerous hours in the freezing Atlantic Ocean, he lost both legs due to hyperthermia and the others were never found again. I was devestated to learn those men died right in front where we stayed and I have always watched the coast of Brittany as a beautiful but deadly place on this earth.

So will I go out because I see idiots in their boats or canoes in so much as rain or windy rough seas? ABSOLUTELY no way in this life i will do something that stupid.

Tell me something, the changing of numbers how is this done and is there anything that indicates on the actual engine that its not a 5HP? I am not saying I going to do it but I want to ask around and see if anyone over here has done it.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

If you will only use the 340 sib and 5 HP engine on inland protected waters, no need to change prop, the standard factory version can push a J24 sailboat extremely well, probably won't plane with 2 mates, but will take you there at half throttle. Just go for 1 1/2 meter chain between anchor and rope, to place same sib lenght is an exageration, is used for heavier boats not light inflatables.

Happy Boating

Hi searider, nice to see you again. Yes, i will be in protected and as they put it Ultra protected bays in Brittany. There will be hundreds of boats on the water in summer. I wont go out more than 100 meters at any given time. If this little engine can push a j24 then it can certainly push a 56 kilo boat plus 25kilo engine and two bodies of 160 kilos. Maximum kilo carrying weight of this is 750kg. I have No intention whatsoever of planing, I am not one to like that kind of boat ride, I always freak. so I intend to keep this little toy flat if at all possible at all times. I am also getting safety equipment which is really for biger boats and by passing the mimimum requirements for this small size boat. I rather have everything and feel secured than not to have it. So if I can use half trottle and still push then full trottle should do more if need be then? Of course any water I go on wont be sitting still, but it certainly is not in dangerous areas where currents can push me out to sea. Worse case scenerio I can end up in the Naval harbor of the French Navy LOL. Last year we took a boat cruise on the same waters and when the cruise boat got near he naval harbor the navy personnel hurried to the side of the big boat and ask them to please move out of their waters. Lol. Surely they wont think i am a terrorist with two mini dogs heehee.

I appreciate all the feedback I am getting here. Once we take delivery of the boat my friend from Finland said he will show us all we need to know so I am looking forward to some coaching -

I think also that the J24 Sailboat is far bigger and heavier than this little boat, so if it can push that big thing I am sure it can push this? Is that with or without the help of sails?

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

A little bit on where I intend to boat in France, please note its a Landlock bay, so will the 5HP be ok for this kind of surrounding.

Brest is located amidst dramatic landscape near the entrance of the natural rade de Brest (Brest roadstead), at the west end of Brittany.

It is situated to the north of a magnificent landlocked bay, and occupies the slopes of two hills divided by the river Penfeld. The part of the town on the left bank is regarded as Brest proper, while the part on the right is known as Recouvrance. There are also extensive suburbs to the east of the town. The hillsides are in some places so steep that the ascent from the lower to the upper town has to be effected by flights of steps and the second or third storey of one house is often on a level with the ground storey of the next.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Hi Zodiac 340 : With respect of 5 HP "at half throttle", with your total weight definitely won't plane, if you use 3/4 or full throttle you will only gain greater rpm with extreme under water sib resistance and up bow, better is to have sib sliding in a horizontal position with less throttle, engine will run smoother and gas will last longer. A matter to try and see the big cruise difference.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Hi Zodiac 340 : With respect of 5 HP "at half throttle", with your total weight definitely won't plane, if you use 3/4 or full throttle you will only gain greater rpm with extreme under water sib resistance and up bow, better is to have sib sliding in a horizontal position with less throttle, engine will run smoother and gas will last longer. A matter to try and see the big cruise difference.

Happy Boating

Hon, I dont knwo what sib resistance is , what exactly is that? Not to mention my two little dogs both weigning about 5 kilos, then the fire extinguiser 1 kilo the tackle, the safety equipment, food, water, so I dont want this boat to ever plane if possible. Should I put the stuff all that I am carrying up front, oh I have two anchors 4 kg each, then chain rope, life vests etc etc, should I put them up front to prevent any plane from happening? I just want the boat to go slow and sit on the waer, I am NOT interested in speed or making wakes or showing off, I only want to be safe and fish and swim nothing more. Please help a rookie out, thanks

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Resistance is when the boat rubs its bottom against water causing excesive darg, making it slow, when on place, the water resistance is broken. You should put all your gear evenly distributed inside sib. a 5 HP will push a J24 sailboat without sails and that's a 1.5 ton monster. Anyway owning a Zodiac and small engine is a very nice start, you will enjoy it. Welcome on board !! Place some pics for the audience.

Happy Boating

 

[azzurro]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

I've seen this on Youtube: lovely light pack.
Selva 3.6 VIB + Selva Piranha 9.9 hp 4 stroke. The engine is just 30.5 kg!

http://inflatable.boat.product.info/Video_Test.asp?keywords=inflatable boat&typ=demo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY5O0o7LUuQ

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

i am certain you will have fun amd that you will be safe in the lil zodiac w/ 5hp. Should you decide to upgrade to a larger boat such as a live aboard yacht you will have a tender, should you upgrade to something else you will have a small boat to put about when the bigger one is just too much. and you can always sell her at a marina to a yachty should you tire of her (keep in mnd 35-60% of her purchase price will be lost on a sale as she won't be new then)

and just to give you perspective i used to find it fun to sail a 12ft sunfish sailboat from San Fransico to Angel island in the San Fransico bay..... i got flushed out the golden gate twice because i failed to pay heed to the tide.... rather interested to get flushed out of a bay and have to wait 6hrs to continue you journey.... lol

i also used to have fun taking same lil sailboat from the LA area (roughly longbeach) and sailing out to catalina island, you have to be careful on that one though as the current moves rather steadily to the south and you can miss the island if you just try to sail west.... as it is just over 22mi from the mainland... at for a while you are out of sight of land period.

just thought i would share that as I managed to survive so in a landlocked or very protected bay you should be absolutely safe especially if within 100yd or meters from the shore.


Sean

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

Resistance is when the boat rubs its bottom against water causing excesive darg, making it slow, when on place, the water resistance is broken. You should put all your gear evenly distributed inside sib. a 5 HP will push a J24 sailboat without sails and that's a 1.5 ton monster. Anyway owning a Zodiac and small engine is a very nice start, you will enjoy it. Welcome on board !! Place some pics for the audience.

Happy Boating

Hi sea rider, you give me such confidence as soon as I take delivery of my rubber boat and go out on either the lake or sea I will be sure to post pics. I intend to do fishing should I have a fishing rod mount mounted and if sho where? I think if you say this 5hp pushes such a big boat of 1.5 ton without sails then surely it can push this little rubber ducker of 56 kilos. Is this J24 being pushed in the sea or lake?