Zodiac Inflatable Boats

Anyone who is interested inflatable boats is probably familiar with the name of Zodiac. This massive company is the originator and the world’s largest manufacturer of inflatable boats, RIBs, and life rafts. There are Zodiac companies located in the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

The business was originally formed as the French Airship Company under an agreement between Maurice Mallet and Count Henri de la Vaulx on March 15, 1908. The company first focused on the production of airships that could be used as an advertising medium. The firm’s reputation was established when it was discovered how easy it was to transport and disassemble these airships.

It was during World War II that the business of manufacturing airships took off as these crafts were being used as a defense asset. During the German Occupation of France, Pierre Debroutelle worked in secret on an inflatable raft using scraps of fabric from balloons.

After the war, the company attempted to get the public’s attention by taking part in balloon competitions. The company continued to produce odd-shaped balloons for advertising purposes but did not make much of a profit. The Rochefort branch of the company diversified into making manure spreaders and office furniture in the early 1950s.

In 1952, Dr. Alain Bombard crossed the Mediterranean Sea from Monaco to Tangiers in a Zodiac Mark III boat. He then crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Las Palmas to Barbados in the same boat. This feat earned Zodiac a military contract and established the company as the foremost producer of inflatable products.

Today, Zodiac offers a wide variety of inflatable boats. The “Cadet” brand encompasses sixteen models of small fold up tenders. These models have different features such as slat floors, sectional wood floors, an air floor, and an air floor/keel system. These boats range in size form 6’7” to 11’2”.

“Yachtline” rib tenders are another model manufactured by the Zodiac Company.
These boats come in four different sizes that range from 7’ 3” to 11’ 2”. There are five different models of the “Yachtline Deluxe” series which range in size form 11’ 2” to 17’ 5”.

The “Classic” models are the one of the largest of the Zodiac inflatable boats ranging from 11’ 6” to 13” 9’. There are six different styles of the “Classic” series. They are available with either an aluminum sectional floor or a high pressure air floor.
The “Futura” product line includes a patented hull. It includes six models that range in size from 12” 2” to 14’ 9”. These also come with either the aluminum sectional floor or the high pressure air floor.

The “Pro” rib tenders also vary in size. There are five models of the “Pro Open Deck” that range from 13’ 9” to 27’ 11”. There are two smaller “Projet” models that are 11’ 6” and 13’ 9”. There are also two “ProOpen” models that are 18’ 1” and 20’ 4”.
The “Medline” line of Zodiac rib tenders has four different models. These range in size from 15’ 9” to 24’.
There is only one “Cherokee” model that is 16’ 3”.

All of these lines of Zodiac inflatable boats are manufactured with the latest technologies and materials. If you decide to purchase a Zodiac boat, you can be assured of a high- quality and durable inflatable boat.

See Also: Inflatable Pontoon Boat Repairs

About The Author:
Cara Kelley is a successful author and regular contributor to best-inflatable-boats.com.