Inflatable boat tubes, sponsons
Zodiac's creative genius has led it to patent a great many of its products, accessories and exclusive models. For this reason, their brand has been chosen as our demonstration unit for this section.
As the world's leading manufacturer of inflatable boats, Zodiac originated many of the major concepts that have led to modern development of the inflatable like the inflatable keel, the Futura hull, the H2P inflated floor and the Ribster. Paralleling this, it has patented many of its original technical features: ie. the removable tube and adjustable oarlocks. These assembly methods for accessories (hand rail, stoppers) and advanced industrial technology are best illustrated by the way the transom is welded to the inflatable structure.
Because it belongs to a dynamic international industrial conglomerate. Zodiac has the technological ability to constantly develop new techniques using the latest high tech materials. For you, this is a guarantee that the boat you have chosen is better designed, better equipped, more efficient; a real asset!
Winning features, identifying signs
Inflatable keel, partially recessed valves. full length floorboard are the signs of a real Zodiac, the world leader, whose major characteristics have often been copied.
Inflatable Keel
Patented by Zodiac, this additional air chamber situated between the floor and the bottom creates a hull shape giving secure, comfortable handling characteristics.
Towing Rings
Oversized, stainless steel, towing rings capable of withstanding pulling forces of up to 1/2 ton, they are correctly positioned for efficient towing using a "V" system.
Semi-recessed Valves
Patented by Zodiac. Provides for quick inflation/deflation, allows easy adjustment of the pressure and is doubly airtight. Gives a continuous pressure reading when equipped with a valve pressure gaug
Internal Bulkhead
Totally sealing one compartment from the other, its conical floating shape equalizes the pressure in the tubeset.
Rubbing Strakes
Protecting the boat from bumps and knocks and the passengers from spray, Zodiac is the only manufacturer to have perfected the fitting of rubbing strakes by a welding procedure. The majority of Zodiac boats benefit from this system.
Floor With Rail System
Designed for fast easy assembly and strengthened by stringers, this aluminum framed floor features an integrated rail system, exclusive to Zodiac, which allows the fitting of accessories and the tying down of equipment.
Carrying Handles
Ergonomically designed to allow a good comfortable grip, these handles are positioned in carefully studied places to make carrying easier.
Marine Ply Transom
Carrying the weight of the motor and the large forces and vibrations it generates, the transom is designed to cope with extreme stresses.
Reinforced Cone Ends
Efficiently protect one heavily attacked zone of the boat.
Self-bailer
Using a non-return diaphragm system, simply remove the plug when under way and any water in the boat is quickly drained.
Thermo-bonding, Marine ply transom, Strongan™ Duotex*, Floor with rail system, Internal bulkhead, Towing, rings, Reinforced cone ends, Self-bailer, Semi-recessed valve, Carrying handles, Rubbing strakes, Inflatable keel
Thermobonding
Exclusive to ZODIAC, a robotized hot assembly technique originating from the aeronautical industry. Much stronger and more precise than old fashioned hand-glued methods, the resulting seams are virtually indestructible.
Marine ply transom
Carrying the weight of the motor and the large forces and vibrations it generates, the transom is designed to cope with extreme stresses.
Strongan™ Duotex
High performance fabric, exclusive to ZODIAC, Strongan™ is a 3rd generation plastomer which bonds impervious inner and outer layers to a dense polyester support cloth. It resists cuts and abrasions and is easily repairable in the unlikely event of a puncture.
Floor with rail system
Designed for fast easy assembly and strengthened by stringers, this aluminium framed floor features an integrated rail system, exclusive to Zodiac, which allows the fitting of accessories and the tying down of equipment.
Internal bulkhead
Totally sealing one compartment from the other, its conical floating shape equalizes the pressure between them.
Towing rings
Oversized, stainless steel, towing rings capable of handling pulling forces of up to 1/2 tonne, they are correctly positioned for efficient towing using a "V" system.
Reinforced cone ends
Efficiently protect one heavily attacked zone of the boat.
Self-bailer
Using a non-return diaphragm system, simply remove the plug when under way and any water in the boat is quickly evacuated.
Semi-recessed valve
Patented by ZODIAC, this system provides for quick inflation/deflation, allows easy adjustment of the pressure, is doubly airtight and well protected against sand and other debris. All this while being comfortable for passengers. When equipped with a valve cap pressure gauge you have a continuous pressure reading.
Carrying handles
Ergonomically designed to allow a good comfortable grip, these handles are positioned in carefully studied places to make carrying easier.
Rubbing strakes
Protecting the boat from bumps and knocks and the passengers from spray.
Inflatable keel
This additional air chamber situated between the floor and the bottom creates a hull shape giving secure, comfortable handling characteristics.
