I have an older model Zodiac Mk II Classic with wooden floors. This boat was purchased back in the 80s. Whne I went to Greece, we started with a 35 hp Johnson and went up to a 50 hp Johnson. At the time, the boat was rated for a short shaft 55 hp max. Stearing controls added and this made it a great ski/dive boat combo. Skiing was great and the diving we could handle 6 divers and gear and still plane to get to our dive site. In rough seas, the motor did sometimes feel a lillt over powering but we never did anything stupid and as I am here today we all survived.
As I look at today's Zodiacs the same madel Zodiac and few more have hp ratings far lower then when we were using this one and a number of them come with the newere aluminum floor boards that I think adds more strength overall. I tried to see about contacting Zodiac directly but so far no luck.
Any idea why the lower power ratings? Too many accidents? Liability? Boats got weaker while the motors got stronger?
Appreciate any information. I am currently not sure i want to take this out with the 50 hp mootr until I find an explanation.
Thanks,
Daryl
As I look at today's Zodiacs the same madel Zodiac and few more have hp ratings far lower then when we were using this one and a number of them come with the newere aluminum floor boards that I think adds more strength overall. I tried to see about contacting Zodiac directly but so far no luck.
Any idea why the lower power ratings? Too many accidents? Liability? Boats got weaker while the motors got stronger?
Appreciate any information. I am currently not sure i want to take this out with the 50 hp mootr until I find an explanation.
Thanks,
Daryl
