Zodiac vs Achillies

[ToZlo]

Hi everyone,

I am in need of some opinions and feedback. I am looking at the Zodiac Cadet 310 RIB and the Achillies HB 315DX. Although I am not happy with Zodiac's customer service in North America...I am leaning towards the Zodiac 310 RIB. I have compared both boats over and over. My dealer has offered me a pretty decent price on both models. My previous dinghy was a Zodiac Cadet soft roller and I was happy with it. Any thoughts or feedback about Zodiac or Achillies would be much appreciated...I'm torn.

THANKS


ToZlo

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

If both are alike rib models, go for Achilles if it's hypalon made fabric, much better than Zodiac's pvc traditional fabric.

Happy Boating

 

[slance]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

If both are alike rib models, go for Achilles if it's hypalon made fabric, much better than Zodiac's pvc fabric.

Happy Boating

Hi Sea Rider and ToZlo,
Just thought I'd let you know that Zodiac launched two 3-meter (10') Hypalon RIBs at the Miami Boat Show. They were priced about $2500 and $3000 for the SE310-Lite single deck and SE-310 double deck models respectively.

Only prototypes were for viewing at the show, but they are supposedly going to be available in the upcoming months.

That being said, I would still agree with SeaRider.....buy an Achilles RIB. It is a great boat.

Cheers,

Stephan

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

Between Zodiac and Achilles...Achilles.

But, between Achilles and Mercury...Mercury.

http://www.solutiononemaritime.com/mercury-inflatables/32-330.html

Mercury buys their material from Achilles But, Mercury gives you a ten year warranty on the fabric where as Achilles only gives you a five year warranty. I'm a dealer for all three brands and Mercury is gives the best value at the present time.

And, yes, I know this was a shameless, self-centered plug

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

TG, factory warranty could be relative, does Mercury warrants for a 100% full refund in the ten year warranty for haypalon fabrics ? Have had Mercury pvc inflatables, and the warranty was year scale prorated not full , example : payed 2,000 grand for a sib with a 5 year warranty for the fabric, after 2.5 years tubes went kaput, Mercury will only stand for the remaining 2.5 years and only credit $ 1,000 grand on a replacement. Is this the same policy as for hypalon fabrics ?

Happy Boating

 

[jondavies]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

The Mercury warranty does not appear to be prorated but gives them the option to repair the boat instead of providing a refund:

Duration of Coverage
The fiberglass hull, AirDeck? floor, all hull attachments and accessories, but not limited to, floorboards. seats, rope holders, oar locks, oars, rope, air pump, lifting handles, d-rings, oar holders, valves, seat webbings, and transom integrity are covered by this Limited Warranty for one (1) year from the date the product is first sold, or the date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first. All the air holding fabrics are warranted against defects in material or workmanship that cause blistering and delaminating for five (5) years for Duratex (PVC) fabrics and ten (10) years for Hypalon fabrics. The repair, replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this warranty does not extend the life of this warranty beyond its original expiration date. Unexpired warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent purchaser upon proper registration of the product.

Conditions That Must Be Met in Order to Obtain Warranty Coverage
Warranty coverage is available only to retail customers that purchase from a Dealer authorized by Mercury Marine to distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred. Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration of the product by the authorized dealer. Routine maintenance outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be performed in a timely manner in order to maintain warranty coverage. If the retail customer performs this maintenance, Mercury Marine reserves the right to make future warranty coverage contingent on proof of proper maintenance.

What Mercury Will Do
Mercury?s sole exclusive obligation under this warranty is limited to, at our option, repairing a defective part, replacing such part or parts with new or Mercury Marine certified remanufactured parts, or refunding the purchase price of the Mercury product. Mercury?s sole and exclusive obligation under the limited warranty against fabric delimitation is the replacement of the boat skin (only the boat skin). Mercury reserves the right to improve or modify products previously manufactured.​

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

Since no one offers a REFUND on boats the question is pointless. All manufacturers offer to repair or replace at their discretion. As to Mercury having a prorated warranty...Not true in the U.S. It is certainly possible that in 3rd world environments that they do prorate...It's also true that in third word environments that most warranties on most goods are not as good as the warranties offered in the industrialized world.

 

[slance]

What is a 10 year warranty really worth??

What is a 10 year warranty really worth??

Elvin, though I appeciate your point about the Mercury warranty being 10 years and SeaRider, I hear what you are saying about it potentially being pro-rated (which it is not)..........the fact is, both arguments are flawed.

The 10 year fabric warranty offered by Mercury (they use Achilles fabric) and by Avon (proprietary Aerozure fabric made for Avon) and by AB (Pennel 820 fabric) and by several other inflatable boat manufacturers.........is on the air-holding integrity of the fabric and delamination of the external rubber coating. That is all.

The reality, is the CSM (nee Hypalon) fabrics rarely fail and so rarely is there a claim under that 10-year protection, that it makes no difference. The stuff simply does not break down under normal use and with proper inflation.

I look back at my sales over the last 20 years (over 40,000 boats, many with 10-year warranties) and I can count on one hand the number of times I have had a claim that required action by a manufacturer because the CSM (Hypalon) fabric failed. I am sure you share in that experience.

The CSM (Hypalon) fabric, quite simply, is the "right stuff" for tropical environs and will last a long time without issue.

So, I would not tell someone to buy a CSM (Hypalon) boat because it has a 10-year warranty. I would advise them to buy the right boat for their intended use and rely on the fact that, if properly used and well cared for, it will last a very, very long time [more than 10 years].

Respectfully,

SL

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: What is a 10 year warranty really worth??

Re: What is a 10 year warranty really worth??

The argument(I didn't know there really was one) isn't flawed as it relates to additional value to the consumer. I agree with you about the likelihood of utilizing the warranty. But, warranty is and should be one consideration. Not the most important one in my opinion, but certainly something to factor in. You have me on the 40 K boats...I've sold about 3500 in the last 23 years What company are you with?

 

[slance]

Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

The argument(I didn't know there really was one) isn't flawed as it relates to additional value to the consumer. I agree with you about the likelihood of utilizing the warranty. But, warranty is and should be one consideration. Not the most important one in my opinion, but certainly something to factor in. You have me on the 40 K boats...I've sold about 3500 in the last 23 years What company are you with?

TohGuru,

I should have simply said "the point". Your post seemed to hint that one should buy a Mercury over an Achilles, simply because the warranty is 10yrs vs 5yrs. You made no other point in favor of the Mercury (which is a great boat). That was my "point".

Have not spoken with you in several years. Hope all is well. Best wishes.

Oh, with Defender still.

Stephan

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

I look at Mercury has having a better value in the models mentioned. The Ocean Runners (in those leftover 2010's) are just an outstanding value versus the Achilles counterpart. Good to hear from you Stephan I sold off internetoutboards.com last year to CWS and went to work for Solution One. How's Andy doing?

 

[slance]

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

Andy is good. Lives in Manhattan, married and has 3 girls. I'll be sure to tell him you were asking about him.

Glad you landed at Solutions. Great place, from what I have heard.

If ya ever need anything, I'l be freezin' my butt up here in New England. So ready for spring.

S-

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

Re: Use of the word "argument" was not what I meant. I stand corrected.

It's already hot down here. The AC is on and it's not keeping up with the heat today...So ready for winter

 

[ToZlo]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

THANKS for all the feedback. I made my decision to buy the Zodiac. I made my decision based on a few things. I realize from a material factor Achillies rules in the hot temps and is a bit more durable. I am very particular in taking care of my toys so I figured since I am simply using the craft at my cottage will allow me to maintain and clean it accordingly. As I mentioned I really liked the lines and design of the Zodiac. I saw it last year in the showroom and it stayed stuck in my head...lol. I take delivery next week. Can't wait for the Michigan winter to be over.....THANKS again.

ToZlo

 

[ToZlo]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

I picked up my Zodiac 310 RIB. It looks great. I am happy with my purchase but a little disappointed in the size. Prior to the 310 I had a 340 fast roller. It was much bigger and the beam was wider. Knowing there are trade offs, I am hoping for a much better ride and performance. I also bought a trailer to transport the RIB. it was a huge pain always rolling up and putting away. One other thing was my Yamaha 15 hp 4 stroke was exceeded the weight allowance for the 340. Every time I put the motor on the transom I always worried the motor was gonna fall off. Looking forward to some warmer weather to take her out for a ride.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

I picked up my Zodiac 310 RIB. It looks great. I am happy with my purchase but a little disappointed in the size. Prior to the 310 I had a 340 fast roller.

That's the issue for going from a larger boat to a shorter one, why didn't you go for the same or slight larger size ? It's a bit late for repent...

Happy Boating

 

[ToZlo]

Re: Zodiac vs Achillies

Lol....no repent. I just glad my dealer did the right thing and took back my dinghy that I purchased from him. It was a 2005 refurbished Zodiac with a full warranty. I purchased it for $1,500.00 which was in my budget. I had some problems as I began to use it. It leaked on both sides at different times. The 340 was alo a huge burden at my cottage as I had no lift which meant I had to roll the dinc up and wrestle the 15 hp 4 stroke each time I used it. With the motor being a 4 stroke it exceeded the weight allowances for the 340 fast roller. I saw the 310 last year and really liked it. I looked at the Zodiac 340 RIB but was told I would have to go with a long shaft...not sure I agree with that but I also had to stay within my budget. I paid $3,267.00 which was a boat show price for the 310 RIB. I also bought a trailer for it so I am happy to longer have to worry about rolling it up. The 340 was spacious but the ride was very unstable. The air floor was a disappointment. I think the 310 works well for by budget and my needs. Can't wait to get out there. Thanks again for all the feedback