[C320-list] Zodiac

[Pat Moriarty]

I will agree on the floor installation being a problem with boards. I 
have an inverter and use a small vacuum to inflate and deflate in 
just seconds. I then bring the pressure up with just a few strokes of 
the pump. Everyone stands around and goes damn why didn't I think of 
that. I then can use the vacuum for messes and water pickup. One tool 
many uses, also use it on the dog with a Flowbee to cut his hair.

Pat
At 11:19 AM 12/20/2006, you wrote:
>Jeff,
>
>I have the 8.5 ft Zodiac currently. I sometimes tow it across San Pedro
>Channel (about 30 miles), and sometimes leave it on the foredeck. It tows
>well. You simply have to position it correctly behind you. I use a Yamaha
>4hp 4 stroke, that weighs about 45 lbs, and plan to get a Garhauer lifting
>davit. It is not difficult to move from the boat to the dinghy and back,
>if you're careful and use a tether.  I've seen folks use a vang attached
>to the end of the boom to aid in the process.
>
>As far as flooring is concerned, I would never have a wood floor. Mine is
>inflatable, with a inflatable keel as well. I've had four adults in it
>without issue in the coves at Catalina Island. I've seen too many folks
>struggle trying to install, and remove those wood floors. Some folks have
>12 volt inflating devices to aid in inflating the craft. Others just use
>good 'ole foot power.
>
>Also, I never tow it with the outboard on it.
>
>Wes
>Spring Fever
>former 320 #790 now 387 #53
>
>
>
>              "Jeff Church"
>              <jjemail at comcast
>              .net>                                                     To
>              Sent by:                 "C320" <C320-List at catalina320.com>
>              c320-list-bounce                                          cc
>              s at catalina320.or
>              g                                                    Subject
>                                       [C320-list] Zodiac
>
>              12/19/2006 05:20
>              PM
>
>
>               Please respond
>                     to
>                 C320-List
>              <c320-list at catal
>                ina320.org>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Greetings,
>
>I'm going to purchase an 8.5 foot Zodiac inflatable and I'm wondering how
>small a motor I can use. I'll mainly use the zodiac when we go cruising
>Lake Michigan and need to transport the 2 of us around an anchorage. I
>don't intend to bother with davits or a crane.
>
>I've got a few shoulder problems and I don't look forward to lifting a
>heavy motor off the dinghy transom and up to the stern perch. Anything
>much heavier than 40 pounds will probably be a bit uncomfortable, but I'm
>concerned that the smaller motors won't have enough power. A new 2 hp
>motor is around 27 lbs, 4 hp motors weigh about 55 pounds.
>
>Do any of you use a 2 horse motor on an 8 foot zodiac? Is it strong enough
>to push through some wind and chop in an anchorage, or do I really need a
>3.5 or 4 horse to do the job? What minimum horsepower would you recommend?
>
>The local Zodiac dealer has a 1996 Johnson 4 hp 2-cycle for sale. He wants
>$495 for it. I think it weighs 38 pounds. That puts it at about the same
>weight as a new 4-cycle 2.5 to 3.5 hp motor. It doesn't have a reverse
>gear, but that seems to be fairly common in motors that are under 5 hp.
>Maybe this motor would be a good choice?
>
>Thanks and Happy Holidays
>
>JeffC
>
>
>
>
>--------------------------------
>The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity
>to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or
>privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or
>other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this
>information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient
>is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the
>sender and delete the material from any computer.

Pat Moriarty
PSI Urethanes Inc
PH: 800-888-5156  Fax: 512-837-8733
Please visit our web site at
www.psiurethanes.com