Zodiac Help

[Beach Bum2]

I have wanted a boat for years and finally have the means and opportunity to buy one. I want to buy a small zodiac to be used in the ocean off of the outer banks. I would like to be able to fit comfortably with at least a friend or two and I am 6ft 3. I was looking at the Zodiac cadet 340 or a 310 and also at the zooms. What is the difference between the two? I need to be able to transport it in the trunk of a car. My plan is to launch and return on the beach so it needs to be durable.

Ya so I was thinking 340 Cadet (not sure what type) with 20 hp motor.

Thanks in advance

 

[Mlmg]

Re: Zodiac Help

I just bought the same setup....

Based on my limited knowledge..The difference is in the seams...the zoom' seams are glued and Zooms is guraenteed for two years. The Cadet's seams are welded and the boat is guarenteed for five years. As to the ocean question, I plan on taking my 340 on lake Michigan, but only after I get some experience wih the boat and on calm days..I am sure the saltwater will cause extra "care" for the boat and the engine..

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac Help

The Zoom is the entry level sib, slight cheaper version than the Kadet, 20 HP seems too much for that 340 set up, check transom tech plate to see if that size can accept that HP motor, if not, will be overpowering your Kadet. If possible go for a 2 stroke 15 Hp, lighter than 4 strokes, will match nicely.

Happy Boating

 

[Beach Bum2]

Re: Zodiac Help

I just bought the same setup....

Based on my limited knowledge..The difference is in the seams...the zoom' seams are glued and Zooms is guaranteed for two years. The Cadet's seams are welded and the boat is guaranteed for five years. As to the ocean question, I plan on taking my 340 on lake Michigan, but only after I get some experience wih the boat and on calm days..I am sure the saltwater will cause extra "care" for the boat and the engine..

Thanks for the info. I will definitely go for the cadet then. As for the extra care I will probably spray down the boat and engine with a hose after each use. Which type of cadet do you think is best for both easy transport and durability?

 

[Beach Bum2]

Re: Zodiac Help

The Zoom is the entry level sib, slight cheaper version than the Kadet, 20 HP seems an exaggeration for that 340 set up, check transom tech plate to see if that size can accept that HP motor, if not, will be overpowering your Kadet. If possible go for a 2 stroke 15 Hp, lighter than 4 strokes, will match nicely.

Happy Boating

Thanks, the website says that the maximum recommended hp is 15 and the maximum allowed is 20. Also, which Cadet type do you think is best for a combination of durability and ease of transport? There are fastrollers, airlites, ribs, solids, compacts, and roll ups.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac Help

The standard Kadet 340 with wooden floor is ok, there is also same size version Cadet Fastroller with air floor which is faster to assemble/disassemble. If possible look for 2 strokes engines, weights about 10 Kg less than same 4 strokes versions. Probably can find new 15 HP Yamaha engines.

Happy Boating

 

[Beach Bum2]

Re: Zodiac Help

The standard Kadet 340 with wooden floor is ok, there is also same size version Cadet Fastroller with air floor which is faster to assemble/disassemble. If possible look for 2 strokes engines, weights about 10 Kg less than same 4 strokes versions. Probably can find new 15 HP Yamaha engines.

Happy Boating

Thanks for the info. I think I am leaning towards the solid which has the wooden floors bc I feel like it would be more stable and durable. As for the 2 stroke I am having trouble finding them. I think they are kinda phased out due to emissions standards. Not sure but that's my suspicion. Will probably go for a 4 stroke.

 

[Peter_C]

Re: Zodiac Help

From someone who owns a two stroke...get a four stroke motor. They run better, and more importantly don't stink. My motor runs great and only lets out a puff of smoke when first started. You can still smell it when running through. The four strokes are awesome! I would trade for one in a heartbeat. They also have more torque. Of course the four strokes also don't leave that sheen on the water surface of oil.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac Help

There will always be personal opinions on who's best...Mc Donals or Burger King, Ford or Chevy, NGK or Champion, Guillette or Schick the list will continue endlessly...

Happy Boating

 

[Beach Bum2]

Re: Zodiac Help

From someone who owns a two stroke...get a four stroke motor. They run better, and more importantly don't stink. My motor runs great and only lets out a puff of smoke when first started. You can still smell it when running through. The four strokes are awesome! I would trade for one in a heartbeat. They also have more torque. Of course the four strokes also don't leave that sheen on the water surface of oil.

Alright thanks. I'll def get a 4 stroke and since its 15 hp I don't think the extra weight will kill me. Plus I am having a lot of trouble finding new 2 strokes.