Zodiac Zoom 310S

rcknecht

rcknecht

Well-Known Member
Mar 23, 2009
3,861
toms river,nj
Boat Info
340 Sundancer 2001
Engines
T 454 MPI
I am looking for input... Pros and Cons on this Dinghy... Or suggestion of better deals...

I found it on Defender for $699.00. I am looking for an inexpensive dinghy to carry my family of four. We rarely need a dinghy where I boat, but I believe if would be useful and we would probably anchor out more often....

Here are the specs...

Length 10' 2"
Beam 5' 1"
Weight 104 Lbs
Capacity: 4 Persons or 1323 Lbs
Maximum Motor 15 hp (Maximum motor weight 121 Lbs)
Manufacturer recommends 10 hp (15" shaft)
Tube Diameter 17" (Separate Air Chambers 3+ keel)
Stowed Dimensions 3'7" x 2' x 1'1"
Fabric Type: PVC, Zodiac 1100 Decitex (glued seam construction)
Factory Warranty: 2 years
Standard features include: Wood floor; air keel; swivel oarlock system; aluminum oars; removeable bench seat; protective rubbing strake; aluminum motor clamp plate; fuel tank retainer; drain/bailer valve; boat carry bag; bow handle; towing bridle D-rings (port and starboard); foot pump; repair kit; owners manual




455528_l.jpg
 
Rod,

Having my 8.6' dinghy with PO 320DA I'd say that the max I would go with 9.6'. However, the 8.6' was a perfect fit on my platform without sticking too much. If you plan on having some kind of davits, then you need to keep in mind that it's best to have a dink that will not be larger than the width of you swim platform. Otherwise, your docking will be much more difficult. With my 8.6' and motor on it I had maybe couple of inches sticking out (at dink's bow) but it was fine as the boat's hull was protecting the rest. So, that's why I think 8.6' is the perfect fit for boats with 11.6' beem (or anything close to that number).

The price for the dink you found does sound very attractive. Also, consider having hard bottom (wood or fiberglass) since you have the dog.
 
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I have a 10'2" Mercury Dinghy for my 320. Wish I would have gotten a smaller one. Don't say that everyday.
 
This dinghy (the 310) is 104lbs... I thought I would put it on the bow. But I am probably asking for more back trouble lifting it out of the water...

The dighy below is a 260s Zoom. It is $599... My families total weight with the dog is much less than the capacity listed...It also has a wood floor over the air keel for the dog...
Here are specs:

Length 8' 6"
Beam 5' 0"
Weight 88 Lbs
Capacity: 3 Persons or 992 Lbs
Maximum Motor 8 hp (Maximum motor weight 93 Lbs)
Manufacturer recommends 6 hp (15" shaft)
Tube Diameter 17" (Separate Air Chambers 3+ keel)
Stowed Dimensions 3'8" x 2'1" x 1'
Fabric Type: PVC, Zodiac 1100 Decitex (glued seam construction)
Factory Warranty: 2 years



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Do you think this would be better on my 340's swim platform? I have a 2HP honda, which stows nicely under the seat next to the helm...
 
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You can compare the specs to my dinghy: http://www.affordableinflatable.com/estore/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=4

Their price is great, but I just wander where the extra 19lbs come from. I hope you realize that your 2hp Honda will bearly move it, but it will get you to shore and back if you're not in a hurry.

I would advise you not to attempt to store on the bow. Besides that you'll have hell of a time to get it to the bow (it's not that it's too heavy, but it's just too bulcky and not easy to lift about 6-7' over the water), you will have to stand while operating the boat as it will block you view big time. I think the best way to do it is have the perfectly matching size for your platform and have davits. Do it right initially and you'll find yourself using it more and more since it'll be convenient.
 
Thanks Alex... The extra weight might be from the wood floor. I will store it on the platform. Nancy just ordered it, I think. We want it for this week end at High Bar. The money we woul pay in slip fees covers the cost of the dinghy. When you see it, I look forward to your ideas on how best to carry it. The 2 HP will have to do for now. It can take up to an 8 HP. I will have to ask Santa, as I am reaching my boat budget limit....
 
My wife ordered the dinghy, it will arrive tomorrow... She liked the color... Now I won't have the smallest dinghy in the world...
 
I have a 6 hp motor and it runs on plane with 1 person no tabs - - I have to open up the engine WOT and lean forward - but it runs fine from there. It is actually fun on plane.
 
Just got done looking for a new engine... Boy they are expensive... I only have about 3 hours on my honda, and it fits sooooo nicely under the seat, and it is air cooled.... So for now, I won't be going on plane in the dinghy, I will only hope I don't have to fight a strong current... The good news is we will be able to get to land with out getting soaked, and no more comments about the size of my dinghy...
 
If it isn't too late, my advice would be to not buy the wood floor model. THe hard air floor Zodiacs are perfect for use with our boats. besides, they weight 1/2 what a wood floor boat does. I have a 310FR zodiac with the air floor and it weighs 52 lbs. That makes it light enough to handle on the swim platform by myself.

And, I also have a 2 hp Honda. Its slow and won't pull water toys, but it gets us and the dogs to the beach or dock as needed. Best of all with just weighs 27 lbs, is easy to handle and I dont' mix gas/oil and I don't have to flush the motor....just wash it off and put it up.
 
thanks Frank. Yes the Air floor is lighter by 9 lbs. (88 vs 79lbs) the air floor version is also $100 more. I thought with my dog's nails the wood would be better. Also, the wood floor version is rated to hold 110 lbs (992 vs 882 lbs) more lbs than the air floor on the zoom... I am not sure, one why the these boat with the same overall dimension have a different rated capacity. I am glad to hear you us a 2 HP motor as well... If anyone give me S%$T for having such a small HP engine, I can tell the smartest guy on the CSR site has the same engine :smt038:smt038:smt038
 
Here's what a 6'6" Achiles looks like from behind. And that is what Miami looks like approaching from the north in the ICW...lol

e5f0780a.jpg
 
floriduramax1 said:
Here's what a 6'6" Achiles looks like from behind. And that is what Miami looks like approaching from the north in the ICW...lol

e5f0780a.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice view, but it is probably obstructed if you sit down. Me, I can't see well, so obstructing my vision is not too bad...
 
I was sitting on top of the flip up bolster. I ran out of time prepping for the trip and didn't get my davits mounted! Now i dont know if i really want to drill the holes!!
 
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