Zodiac
Is the Zodiac company still in business? I thought I read somewhere that it went out of business a while back.
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
Zodiac
Can you please post a picture or two?
Very much so.Is the Zodiac company still in business? I thought I read somewhere that it went out of business a while back.
I used to have a 14’ zodiac 35 hp outboard can plane with 4 people and gear. Used it at Newport rhode isl and key largo reefsHello All,
We're getting a little old (both 63) for beach diving here in Monterey, and are looking at buying a Zodiac. We're both experienced divers and have dove out of Zodiac on numerous dive trips, but have never owned one. So we're looking for recommendations and basic tips on ownership.
What size (Length and Beam) would you recommend for two or three divers?
Outboard motor HP?
Type and size of anchor, considering we would all be in the water at the same time.
Also recommendations on ladder a (The ladders at West Marine looked really flimsy), GPS, Radio?
We'll mostly be diving Monterey Bay but will occasionally dive the north coast. And maybe even some free diving if Abalone season ever reopens.
Thanks in Advance for your tips and recos.
Jesse
This is how I dived for many years. No anti-cavitation plate. You handed up your gear and weights then kicked up while a mate grabbed your hands and flopped you onto the boat. I would rather sit next to an expert in bitcoin on a transatlantic flight expounding his knowledge than do this
You hafta use science. That boat can hold a lot of weight, so put a helium tank on it. Then, collect everyone's SMBs, tie them to your gear in the water (securing your octopus so it doesn't snag on something), fill them with helium, and use the lift to help you get your gear out of the water. Hydrogen gives better lift, and could be good for signalling in an emergency, but might not be the best thing overall. You can fill your dry suit with helium too. Not with hydrogen.This is how I dived for many years. No anti-cavitation plate. You handed up your gear and weights then kicked up while a mate grabbed your hands and flopped you onto the boat. I would rather sit next to an expert in bitcoin on a transatlantic flight expounding his knowledge than do this again
You hafta use science. That boat can hold a lot of weight, so put a helium tank on it. Then, collect everyone's SMBs, tie them to your gear in the water (securing your octopus so it doesn't snag on something), fill them with helium, and use the lift to help you get your gear out of the water. Hydrogen gives better lift, and could be good for signalling in an emergency, but might not be the best thing overall. You can fill your dry suit with helium too. Not with hydrogen.
I believe @Stoo has a Zodiac. He uses it up on Georgian Bay/Lake Huron, but can still help.
The ladder I listed is the old design that I have and is at a very good price. The newer model can be seen here:
St. Croix Stainless Steel 3-Step Inflatable Boat Folding Ladder #103H
I hang lanyards with snaps from the boat to hang equipment and use a d-ring on the weightbelt so that can also be removed otherwise this 72 year old could not haul his ass out of the water.