Will definitely buy a zodiac and I need some advice

[Sea Rider]

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

If you can pass the course the way to go would be a 360 or 380 sib with a 9.8 Tohatsu outboard, 9.9 & 15 HP are much heavier engines.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

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

If you can pass the course tha way to go would be a 360 or 380 sib with a 9.8 Tohatsu outboard, 9.9 & 15 HP are much heavier engines.

Happy Boating

If I had to take the test in English I would pass, but to pass it in a foreign language which I am not very well at, will be impossible. I can try, all I will lose is 95.00 euros I dont get them all. I wonder what the margin of error is allowed on an exam such as that?

 

[ONERCBOATER]

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

most tests have a margin of 70% successfully answered questions.... there are exceptions... and i have no idea about that test.
I am certain that if you printed out a picture of the rod holder or anything else you wanted that you found here, that you could find it there as well just by asking a dealer.
The only worry i have with you passing the test will be the language issue.... if you can work through it, or get a translator you should be ok.
Yes the larger boats are going to move just about the same and 3.4 meters to 3.8 meters is only a .4 meters diff..... could make all the difference in the world or you may not even notice it. look at the weights and make sure 1 person can move it...you never know you might be wishing to go by self one day.
I am glad you found the story amusing ... it was rather painful and i still wince when i think of it, but i share it as a warning, be careful of what you do at sea....there are always things that you don't expect. I am just very lucky that i didn't have a loop of fishing line around my finger or toe at that time.

Sean

 

[Sea Rider]

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

Yes the larger boats are going to move just about the same and 3.4 meters to 3.8 meters is only a .4 meters diff..... could make all the difference in the world or you may not even notice it. look at the weights and make sure 1 person can move it...you never know you might be wishing to go by self one day.
Sean

Consider, the larger the lenght, the wider the sib, usually 1.50 mt for up to 3.40 and 1.70 mt width for 3.50, 3.60, 3.80 sibs. Wider better, more stable and also heavier...look at least for a extra mate if wanting to move it for boating alone Ask if you could use a translator for the test..

Happy Boating

 

[azzurro]

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

I don't know how is it like in Germany, but consider the following:
- Do you know the dates the exams are taking place?
- Once you pass the exam: how long does it take to get the title?
- Here in Spain the quiz has many questions hard to understand, even for spaniards.
- In France a license is needed for 6hp, in Germany for 5hp... and in Spain for 15hp.
Here in Spain the basic official license (PNB 5 miles) has the same questions than the next license (PER 12 miles plus inter islands in Canary and Balear isles), except for chart navigation (not needed for PNB). Maybe the exams in Germany and France are easier than in Spain.
- Is it possible to get a title at UK (valid for Germany and France) with distance exams?

 

[zodiac340m]

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

I don't know how is it like in Germany, but consider the following:
- Do you know the dates the exams are taking place?
- Once you pass the exam: how long does it take to get the title?
- Here in Spain the quiz has many questions hard to understand, even for spaniards.
- In France a license is needed for 6hp, in Germany for 5hp... and in Spain for 15hp.
Here in Spain the basic official license (PNB 5 miles) has the same questions than the next license (PER 12 miles plus inter islands in Canary and Balear isles), except for chart navigation (not needed for PNB). Maybe the exams in Germany and France are easier than in Spain.
- Is it possible to get a title at UK (valid for Germany and France) with distance exams?

No, the rules for the engine size is same in France as it is in Germany 6 ps. 5 ps I dont need a license. I cant get an overseas english license. Looked at flying back home taking it in Oklahom and then coming back. no can do, it wont be valid. Its a damned shame, cuz i can pass it if it were in English. I called the boating commission who overseas the exams, they WILL NOT ALLOW me to do it in English. bastards. I may have to opt for the 5ps and just sell it once I get the excam passed. I know I will pass it, I have enrolled today in refresher german couses so it should help.

 

[zodiac340m]

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

Consider, the larger the lenght, the wider the sib, usually 1.50 mt for up to 3.40 and 1.70 mt width for 3.50, 3.60, 3.80 sibs. Wider better, more stable and also heavier...look at least for a extra mate if wanting to move it for boating alone Ask if you could use a translator for the test..

Happy Boating

I would like to go the largest I can without having to buy a trailer and pay 1,000 euros for a trailer hookup. Which do you think is large enough to be pushed by a 5hp for now and still be able to transport on top of car?

 

[zodiac340m]

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

most tests have a margin of 70% successfully answered questions.... there are exceptions... and i have no idea about that test.
I am certain that if you printed out a picture of the rod holder or anything else you wanted that you found here, that you could find it there as well just by asking a dealer.
The only worry i have with you passing the test will be the language issue.... if you can work through it, or get a translator you should be ok.
Yes the larger boats are going to move just about the same and 3.4 meters to 3.8 meters is only a .4 meters diff..... could make all the difference in the world or you may not even notice it. look at the weights and make sure 1 person can move it...you never know you might be wishing to go by self one day.
I am glad you found the story amusing ... it was rather painful and i still wince when i think of it, but i share it as a warning, be careful of what you do at sea....there are always things that you don't expect. I am just very lucky that i didn't have a loop of fishing line around my finger or toe at that time.

Sean

I was thinking the same thing, the size is not so much difference, while it is it really isnt all that much bigger, heavier it may be, but if it can be pushed by the 5hp for starters I will opt for the bigger cuz of the security feeling. They wont allow me to do the exam in english. I just have to refresh my German and study really hard. How long before I get the license after exam? Either same or next day as far as I know but usually same day.

Yes, I didnt mean to laugh but I can only picture the look on your face once that fish hit lol sorry for laughing.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

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

yes the look on my face eyes bulged out

lol

Sean

 

[Sea Rider]

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

If you intend to carry your sib car topped, the larger width is a big difference specially if your car top is not wide enough, will have both tubes protuding sideways, before sib purchase measure available car/van whatever top space and decide, had been carrying sibs on compact cars tops (roofs) for years and the sib with 1.50 mt width were the best for my particualar car. Now tow a trailer.

Other issue, the larger the sib, the wider, the bigger diameter tubes and naturally more weight...Any 5HP engine will push better a larger size sib than a shorter one. Some cheap ideas for car top transporting.

Happy Boating

 

[azzurro]

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

Remember always to deflate the keel to take your boat on car roof. Of course, remove the engine!
An inflatable car roof rack: Handyrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X7s7V1JM24
http://www.handiworld.com/default-home.asp

Some more ideas from an Italian forum (you can look at the pics):
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic31572.html
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic17150.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40
(even videos!)
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic28280.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10

 

[zodiac340m]

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

yes the look on my face eyes bulged out

lol

Sean

Any you expect me to feel sorry for you LMAO heehee poor baby I hope you learned a lesson

 

[zodiac340m]

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

If you intend to carry your sib car topped, the larger width is a big difference specially if your car top is not wide enough, will have both tubes protuding sideways, before sib purchase measure available car/van whatever top space and decide, had been carrying sibs on compact cars tops (roofs) for years and the sib with 1.50 mt width were the best for my particualar car. Now tow a trailer.

Other issue, the larger the sib, the wider, the bigger diameter tubes and naturally more weight...Any 5HP engine will push better a larger size sib than a shorter one. Some cheap ideas for car top transporting.

Happy Boating

Hi
We have a Passat VW 4 door very heavy car, my Beetle wont work but the Passat of my husband will work. How big are those boats in those three photos? The width of the 340 s 1.79cm wide. If the 380 is made in France I will buy it, if not I dont want any Chinese made boats. If the 5HP will push a bigger boat, then bigger I ultimately want for security as well as place.
If the boat is too big to haul on top of car, then is deflating and inflating on a daily basis hard on the boat and fabric itself?

 

[zodiac340m]

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

Remember always to deflate the keel to take your boat on car roof. Of course, remove the engine!
An inflatable car roof rack: Handyrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X7s7V1JM24
http://www.handiworld.com/default-home.asp

Some more ideas from an Italian forum (you can look at the pics):
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic31572.html
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic17150.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40
(even videos!)
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic28280.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10

The Mfg has recommended that the boat be transported keel side facing heaven and upside down more or less. I have noticed those photos of sea rider being loaded with boat in normal position. They recommend it be transported inflated upside down. Let me have a look at the racks.

 

[zodiac340m]

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

Remember always to deflate the keel to take your boat on car roof. Of course, remove the engine!
An inflatable car roof rack: Handyrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X7s7V1JM24
http://www.handiworld.com/default-home.asp

Some more ideas from an Italian forum (you can look at the pics):
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic31572.html
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&start=0
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic19135.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic17150.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=40
(even videos!)
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic33414.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10
http://www.gommonauti.it/ptopic28280.html&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=10

Bloody amazing, where do I find one of thoe rolleys to buy? We have a car rack for transporrting that coffin type thing that people but as extra storage above car when travelling. I am wondering if a regular top mount car rack will suffice for the transportation of the boat? I noticed even Ribs were being transported car top WOW, and I thought I couldnt get a rib cuz of transport factors. This whole inflatable things has picked up all over the world and so in abundance. Surely there are more ways to transport it. I dont think the blow up rack is good for a boat tho. The others seems really good. I think as soon as we take delivery for the boat we will do some practice in the garage to see how easy it is to put it on and off and deflate and inflate it. Thanks for this information

 

[Sea Rider]

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

Hi
We have a Passat VW 4 door very heavy car, my Beetle wont work but the Passat of my husband will work. How big are those boats in those three photos? The width of the 340 s 1.79cm wide. If the 380 is made in France I will buy it, if not I dont want any Chinese made boats. If the 5HP will push a bigger boat, then bigger I ultimately want for security as well as place.
If the boat is too big to haul on top of car, then is deflating and inflating on a daily basis hard on the boat and fabric itself?

The 3 photos were from a Quicksilver 330 sib, no longer in use. Go for the sib width that fits perfect your car top available space. Inflating/deflating on a daily basis will be hard on you + will be bored soon, a large sib needs much more air, go for an electric pump. Personally would go for a 340-350-360 sib that can be car topped, near instant boating, than having to constantly inflate/deflate. If all those reommended models have near 1.80 width go for the one that suits you best.

The posted position of my ex sib is with deflated keel down, the reason, passing wind will act as it were cruising on water or inside a wind tunnel, have reached highway speeds of 100 Km/h (max permited) if flipped opposite, keel upwards, highway winds will push sib upwards, acts as a parachute, eventually will brake car speed with excess gas consumption. Have tried both ways and first one performs outstanding well, if sib is correctly belted/tied to car.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

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

The 3 photos were from a Quicksilver 330 sib, no longer in use. Go for the sib width that fits perfect your car top available space. Inflating/deflating on a daily basis will be hard on you + will be bored soon, a large sib needs much more air, go for an electric pump. Personally would go for a 340-350-360 sib that can be car topped, near instant boating, than having to constantly inflate/deflate. If all those reommended models have near 1.80 width go for the one that suits you best.

The posted position of my ex sib is with deflated keel down, the reason, passing wind will act as it were on a wind tunnel, have reached highway speeds of 100 Km/h max permited) if flipped opposite, keel upwards, highway winds will push sib upwards, acts as a parachute, eventually will brake car speed with excess gas consumption. Have tried both ways and first one performs outstanding well, if sib is correctly belted/tied to car.

Happy Boating

I agree wholeheartedly with the method of gas consumption with keel down, but you said deflate the keel? the 340 is what I have ordered because that model is still made in France, whereas the bigger ones are made in Chinamanland and i dont want Chinese products becuase of quality issues and different material being used on them. French is still using good material and workmanship is still excellent. The 340 is measuring 179 cm in width, not sure of the car#s witdh but I would assume car is wider if not a bit may stick out.
I asked about the deflating daily becasue I didnt know how tiresome it can get, but sicne I have not ever inflated a boat before, I think you are right also in this area. We will just have to tie it down and can you recommend straps or gurneys or something to hoist the boat to the above rack? Do you cover yours to protect it from stones and highway debris? I also heard 100km is the max you shoudl go at any time with a boat on top the car. Not noly for security reasons but gas mileage.

 

[azzurro]

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

Inflatable keels with alu/wooden floors:
You must deflate keel to let the boat rest on the sponsons, it will be more secure.
Keel is small enough not to be a pain inflating and deflating.

High pressure hull: not having to mount-dismount the alu floor is a big advantage. Just get a high pressure electric pump and it's done in 15 minutes. That's why people like them.

Me , I would get a 3.2 or 3.4 meters high pressure hull + 10hp lighter as possible (Tohatsu, Selva Piranha) + Rooteq outboard Trolley like this:
http://www.falmouthyachtbrokers.co.uk/ranges/rooteq.htm
Maybe a folding launching trolley like this.
http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/112/folding-launching-trolley/
And a Bravo High pressure pump with battery included like this:
http://www.marineallied.com.au/bravo.php

 

[Sea Rider]

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

In my particular case, wanted to have both tubes sitting on both top wooden large slats, yes, deflated keel is the way to go, you can place fastening straps through these main sib locations :

1-Bow d'ring, tying straps to car bumper or front towing rings to form a triangle
2-Through middle sib, passing straps through windows into car's inside.
3-Engine transon plate, where you tie motor to it, form a triangle, then secure to rear bumper, or towing rings.

You can place a boat cover on top sib, just tied it well. Infating/deflating, folding is a hard issue specially if boating frequently, get a electric pump + a foot pump to top max recommended working pressure, the one you lock with feet and push with hands, much better than simple foot pumps.

Happy Boating

 

[zodiac340m]

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

Inflatable keels with alu/wooden floors:
You must deflate keel to let the boat rest on the sponsons, it will be more secure.
Keel is small enough not to be a pain inflating and deflating.

High pressure hull: not having to mount-dismount the alu floor is a big advantage. Just get a high pressure electric pump and it's done in 15 minutes. That's why people like them.

Me , I would get a 3.2 or 3.4 meters high pressure hull + 10hp lighter as possible (Tohatsu, Selva Piranha) + Rooteq outboard Trolley like this:
http://www.falmouthyachtbrokers.co.uk/ranges/rooteq.htm
Maybe a folding launching trolley like this.
http://www.marinescene.co.uk/product/112/folding-launching-trolley/
And a Bravo High pressure pump with battery included like this:
http://www.marineallied.com.au/bravo.php

High pressure floor I cant do remember? Dogs . We have a strong pump that can be used from the car battery. The trolly for the engine we can get later on when we get a bigger engine this is not heavy even I can carry it, so we will get that once I et my boating license and buy a bigger boat and engine but its nice for sure. The inflatable floor is also nice but not with dogs and fishing gear