Zodiac Yachts Review

Zodiac Yachts began in 1908 as the 'French Airship Company'. The inflatable production of yachts began during WWII when founder, Pierre Debroutelle secretly developed an inflatable boat using scrap balloon fabric. In 1952, Dr. Alain Bombard crossed the Mediterranean from Monaco to Tangiers and the Atlantic from Las Palmas to Barbados in a Zodiac Mark III boat. Today, Zodiac produces inflatable yachts that look very similar to traditional yachts. The company claims that its yachts are as efficient, practical and economical as others. Zodiac Yachts are simple to use and built a niche business for customers who enjoy the water but have a budget. The owners of the Zodiac Yachts also cite no time for maintaining a traditional water craft as a reason for purchasing the Zodiac.

Pricing

New Zodiac Yacht prices can only be obtained by calling a dealership. Zodiac Yachts can be found priced for around $5,000 for a 2008 11 foot Cadet 200 model and used Zodiacs are priced much less but few can be found for less than $2,000.

Pros

• Zodiac Yachts claim they have a larger buoyancy tube which allows it to have a low center of gravity and a lessens the chances of capsizing.
• Zodiac Yachts are virtually low maintenance.
• Zodiac Yachts weigh much less than the traditional yacht and are easier to transport.

Cons

• Zodiac Yachts are inflatable and offer few to no amenities.
• Zodiac Yachts are more expensive than other types of inflatable yachts but they are also more durable and a higher quality than the average inflatable.

Featured Models

Zodiac Yachts produces models such as the Yachtline Deluxe, Projets, Seasport, Eclipse, Pro Open, Pro and the C27. The Yachtline 530 is seen by owners as the most versatile of the inflatable yachts. It measures in at just over 15 feet long and is over 7 feet wide. The Yachtline 530 has 115 horsepower. There is a starboard console and stainless steel accent pieces to finish the yacht off in style. They also have a 24 foot called a Medline III that weighs 2,425 pounds and has a 2x 150 hp max as a power source.

Conclusion

Zodiac Yachts contends it is a top manufacturer of inflatable yachts. The company also has working relationships with a number of other yacht manufacturer's. It is unclear how much of the production is done in house at Zodiac and how much is outsourced. Some of Zodiac inflatable designs look a lot like fiberglass hull boats but without the durability. Zodiac boats are not easily capsized due to the design. These yachts are low on amenities that are found in more prestigious yachts but they have a niche market that enjoys the pleasure the yachts can offer.