Dinghy Stability Question

[Mrichardson]

Hello Everyone

I am looking at a 10' Zodiac for use this year. I've talked to a guy who has a 2002 model with inflatable floor. Sounds ok but I will have to look at it before.

The owner did mention that he's almost had the thing flip back up on him when he's in it b/c the engine and his weight backloads the boat. I am a bit worried about this. Is this just because he doesn't know what he is doing or is it something peculiar about this model?

I'm looking to use it for me and my son (80lbs) to make short trips to the beach. Mostly just something to putter around in rather than crank up and take out the big boat.

I am thinking that I can put the gas tank in the front and run a line back from it if the weight is an issue. Or I could come up with some forward ballast.

Any ideas, comments or suggestions?
Thanks
Michael

 

[Henry Boyd]

Michael,

The guy is an idiot. There is a reason why these boats are used by fire departments, divers and rescue teams. They are unsinkable. Over the years we have had four Zodiacs of various sizes under 20' as our beach boat to ferry kids, guests and beach junk from the house downriver to the beach with never a problem.

If you are worried about the bow being too light, get the Zodiac bow bag, and store a folding anchor and rode in it with the pump. We always kept the gas tank close to the transom on ours.

Henry

 

[skolbe]

Never had an issue and I weight 210 lbs in my 310 - wood floor inflatable with a 6hp outboard.

 

[FireIsland1]

I think they are more stable then they feel. I took a 12' with a 15 merc. 8 miles off shore just to see if there was any blue fish being caught. it was a good day, no problem. I also flipped an Achilles over right at the dock, but beer was involved.

 

[Mrichardson]

Ok. Thanks guys. I appreciate the messages. I figured that there was some sort of problem with what he was doing. Personally I don't forsee any speed with our outings. But I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something.