Zodiac Pro Open RIB Review: 1 Year of Use
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ธ.ค. 2018
- Not many Americans "get" Zodiac boats, especially hard use RIBs like the Pro Open Series. They are harder to get, they look different, they aren't any cheaper, and are rarely spotted in the US. But in Europe the Zodiacs, in all forms, are highly appreciated and used broadly by govt agencies, civilians, tour operators, shipping lines, oil workers, and military services. These operators DO get the Zodiac RIBs and their many advantages. There is an extreme shortage of quality in-depth information on this boats online. Maybe we can address that with this feature length Nutnfancy Zodiac review.
You'll see the reasons for perhaps being a Zodiac boat owner here with over 1 year in testing by TNP. This the Zodiac Pro Open 550 (5.5 meter) model equipped with a powerful and reliable Yamaha F115 motor. In fact this boat is so powerful with its hole shot it will through people out of the boat if care is not used. Primary testing occurred in the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Understanding the "ZPO's" unique qualities takes place with a POU discussion. Few boats of this size, lightweight, and towability can tackle rough open ocean conditions safely. The Zodiac Pro's/Pro Opens do.
They are basically military boats sold to civilians. In fact, in this grey/black livery we are often mistaken for Sheriff Patrol boats or Military operators of some sort. The militaries use them for their durability, high weight carrying capabilities, lightweight, and most of all...versatility. Think of the ZPOs, in all their sizes and forms (designs change all the time), as the Swiss Army Knives of the ocean. They do just about everything well but aren't superior at most tasks. But if you're looking for just ONE boat that is compact, durable, cool, and very portable, the Zodiac Rigid Inflatable Boat might be it.
Other items covered here: power/economy, replacement of Hypalon tubeset, shark attacks on RIBs, motor choice and considerations, value/cost, creature comforts, quality levels, hull construction, top speed and range, bimini/T top selection, and much more. Downsides and a few quirks are also addressed and shown. Mrs Nutnfancy and several other TNP crew pitched in to bring you this one of kind boat review on the mostly fabulous Zodiac Zodiac Pro Open.
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Probably one of the deepest dives into a RHIB out there (boat pun). Fits your needs perfectly. For those going to criticize the purchase, you missed the part where NUTN had a list of needs that a traditional boat didn't hit.
As someone who has owned a few different models of zodiacs and has been anywhere from Acapulco to Galveston on them, I can honestly tell you that there are better boats out there that fit the bill and needs that nutin mentioned. One of those boats being Stabicraft. Sold my last zodiac, 650 pro open with twin outboards and I now own a stabicraft 2100
th-cam.com/video/5fkr7XMfdO4/w-d-xo.html
and can honestly say that I will never go back to owning a RIB ever again. The days of rough riding, hard bouncing, inflating, deflating, vibrating tubes, leaking valves, worrying about punctures (especially shark bites, true story) and steep market value depreciation are long gone.
If you want a true 4x4 tank of the sea that will last a lifetime, low maintenance, no punctures, military style performance, better handling with better fuel efficiency than a RIB, and that keeps its value, get a Stabicraft.
th-cam.com/video/FIUAAGZle9I/w-d-xo.html
The Stabicraft 2250 CC is a beast!
BTW, nutin made many mistakes on his review of this 550 pro open.
Raw Fish how much hp did you have on the 650?
@@axelbarexstein5800
Twin 75 four strokes
@@jejoko The Stabicraft 2100 is almost twice the price and the weight of the Pro Open 5.5 and much more difficult to store.
i have no passion or love for boats or ocean water , but i can watch this whole review and be quite intrested and nutnfancy is a very professional man! god bless you and your family
Great review Nutn. Good job. I hope Mrs Nutn appreciates how thorough, enthusiastic and also prepared you are. We can all learn something from watching this. Great review!!
I would love an updated boat survival video! Alots going on in TNP so if it doesn't come I completely understand. Thanks for all of your hard work nutnfancy
The most complete real time user review, personal impressions are very appreciated. Thanks Nutn, keep it up, and post more soon 😊
I love it how can I buy one and what’s the cost
Thank you for this review. The Zodiac pro and open are totally a new design now. This is the best review for a RIB by far on youtube . I watched alot of videos review!!!
Great video! I'm not a boat guy, I started watching it just to support the project, but I really enjoyed it.
Wow - great review! Learned a ton, not just about this particular boat, but about rhibs in general! Thanks for sharing!
Triple owl here, nice to see another boat vid, one of your few but loyal that watch all the POU vid's, and the political vids. Love hearing from and Col. Thanks Nutn!
Wonderful video! That is the only one that explains the RIB in details on TH-cam. I got view it multiple times. Appreciate!
Awesome craft Nutn’ 👌👍😉 great overview 👍
Thanks for another great video and a feature length review of your Zodiac Pro Open. I don't even plan to own another boat let alone a Zodiac, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed this video on this Christmas day. Your enthusiasm and POU discussion just drew me in. I live in the Seattle WA area and previously owned an 18' Bayliner Cuddy with an 90hp outboard and had great fun with it. My primary reason for owning it was to fish salmon (King, Silver, and land-locked Kokanee) and to cruise. My problem was that my wife does not enjoy boating and I didn't have any friends that were into it either. Also, I learned what a tremendous amount of work goes into every outing with the boat. Both in the preparation before getting on the water, launching, and pulling out and then unloading and cleaning the boat afterwards. You have to have a personal 'motor' like yours Nutn to do it. Merry Christmas and all the best to the Nutnfancy clan!
Great review and video. Thank you nutfancy
Head out to those islands. Adventure videos rock.
That must be the best review on YT--on any subject matter.
Best inflatable boat review ever.. RIBs truly are unsinkable.. Alfred Montaner, dude in Miami, FL deflated one in open ocean while he was on it, just to prove the point. It wasn’t a Zodiac, but Nutnfancy is right, they’re unsinkable
Those are sick!!! I have the pro 500 and love it. I launch it out of half moon bay and love to go to SF bay. Love the vid
Im selling mine if your interested
What an excellent review..Thanks👍🍻
Really informative video! Great Job!
Rib boats are awesome! I recently bought a Novurania 21 footer rib boat. Super sweet! We should start a rib boat club. Hehehe. Thanks for sharing video. 👍👍
I like those CG NSCs in the background!!
Excellent. Love the channel.
Thank you for this informative video! Nice footage 👍 thank you for showing how it performs in ocean, since actual company can't even show us 1 clip on how it does in the choppy ocean
well that was a very long and complete review! Interesting POV, here in France they are as common on the water as F150s on your roads.
Here in Québec, we still call a RIB of any brand, a Zodiac!! ;)
Very Cool boat Sir. Just wish you a Merry Christmas an your family!!!!!!!
Great review,full of the info,2 thumbs up,thxs
Great video!
Not a lot of RIB videos out there for pacific ocean. Thanks for doing this video.
Great review, Nutn! I want one, my 12’ Port-A-Bote isn’t cutting it. Props to Mrs. Nutn, what a great attitude she has! We need an update on your Corvette...want to see some track time 😏.
Great review Nutn'. If your ever out in the Dallas area hit me up and we'll go out on my Rec Pro 650.
And if you do decide to make the Bahamas run we could team up and run together for safety. Bimini is beautiful!!
Keep up the good work, really like your videos.
You do have a few errors in this review. Then again this is your first Zodiac.....
Nutn if you need a place to stay in sf let me know. I work at a pretty nice hotel. I'm sure Mrs nutn would appreciate it. I'd be more than happy to put you up for all the awesome vids and knowledge you've provided to me.
Wow, I learned so much from this review. I'm not a boater, but this is interesting.
Stunning boat. I think Americans put appearance over function. The advantages of a RIB are clear as you stated. That's why coastguards, military etc use them.
What a nice boat I’m looking at the zodiac and the Ribcraft. I’m really liking the zodiac and have already owned one with a 20h/p
no hay nada como un zodiac! muy bueno el Review ojala mas gente en US se de cuenta de lo increíblemente buenos y versátiles que son estos botes, ademas de ser lo mas seguro sobre el agua.
Yo eh tenido 4 zodiacs y te puedo decir que si vas a traer la zodiac en un trailer mejor compra una Stabicraft. Son lo mismo pero en aluminio. Después de ser dueño de zodiacs por 15 años ahora tengo un Stabicraft 2100 y créeme que jamás regresó a tener un inflable, ni los extraño en lo más mínimo.
@@jejoko no comparto para nada, es un concepto totalmente distinto a un zodiac y no me gusta ni un poco. Y es lo mismo que cualquier lancha sólo que de aluminio.
Nunca jamás tendrá la seguridad de un Zodiac.
Just wanted to drop a line to you Nutnfancy Marry Christmas to you and your wonderful family
You didn’t see my 650 pro open with T top then. Now it’s in Santa Barbers. Ribs are pretty popular in Florida. The big advantage is the rating for sea keeping 650 is a class B, sure yours is as well. Yep took a year to get my pedestal seat back. Trailer for my 650, ex loader with long bunkers, piece of cake. Not even custom. Moss Landing, great place! Good review!
it neat to see a place near me on one of these video. I recognize them lauching from Alameda across from coast guard island with the two coast guard cutters. the coast guard patrols the bay with big zodiacs with enclosed cabin and a bow mounted general purpose machine gun
Yup we use these boats for enforcement patrols. We love them
A boat is a hole in the water, into which one pours money. Heard that a long time ago, still holds true to this day.
I love the boat vids nutn
Hello,
even though the video is a bit older.
Thank you for that great video! And also I hope that you still have that boot.
At the moment I also have a Futura MK2C with the air floor 25HP and would like to expand to the zodiac open 4.8 with a 80 HP.👍
Many greetings from Germany
Peter
Finally the boats out!
This video brings back such fond memories of me busting my face with my NVGs while riding the gunnel. Fun boat for sure! Would not recommend for long distance travel lol
I had a 32ft Scarab Sport. Great boat. But very narrow. as long as you were moving through the waves, it handled big water. if you stopped to fish it was brutal in 5ft seas
Man you take that thing to the Bahamas I so want in!
Niad is great competitive option in inflatables here in new zealand they are popular as they are very safe and carry massive weight for the size
Awesome boat.I'll have to knock over more than a couple a liquor stores to get that one. : )
PVC Zodiac tubes don't work in hot weather. It delaminates prematurely and the seams come undone. Orca hypalon is the best hypalon currently in the world. I'd definitely explain the differences of 828 standard hypalon and 866 military grade hypalon.
Zodiac it's a good brand but I strongly suggest to look at Italian rib boats like Nuova Jolly
My 650 has ORCA. Never ever use PVC
Great video !! I love RIBs but also love Stabicraft aluminum boats which have sealed chambers that work like tube on RIBs, rough water handling capabilities, and also light weight. I wonder if you have checked their boats out and what your thoughts are. Just curious.
So stoked for this!
Love reviewing these open pro 550. I come from having 24 to 26’ traditional center consoles and seriously considering one of these. Has anyone out there made the jump to this rib and are you happy with your decision. I plan to use it for family cruising between the cape and vineyard, and occasional striper fishing. Any feedback greatly appreciated. Stay safe all. JJ
full info man. Ty
Cool vid :)
Thanks for the nice review!
I’m looking to buy one of these. Any idea how long it is on the trailer with the tongue folded away?
Will it fit in a 20x20 garage?
Also, anyone have experience running the 550 with a 60hp motor?
awesome!! I want more boat adventure videos! how's the space on this boat for camping gear? family of 4 with dog...
I've always loved the zodiacs, I live in utah and if I had the money I would totally buy a rib
To solve the pounding add a front ballast bladder with remote power fill and drain capability. It is always better to add the weight you need rather than be stuck with it. This will go a long way to solving your extreme launches when hitting the throttle. Trim tabs help also but the biggie is a hydraulic jack plate. Any well built inflatable is 10 times the boat a Boston Whaler is, their foam core hauls are continually absorbing water.
Hey Nutn, great review.. I live in SoCal and ended up buying a Bombard C4 after watching your Futura review. I love the boat and use it to fish/SCUBA dive/ whale watch/ and cruise with the family. Even take it to Catalina Island on occasion. Ocean Tamer bean bag chairs make it so much more comfortable to ride in. I agree with all the pros and cons of the inflatables you mentioned. I would have loved to have gotten a Pro Open, but way out of my price range and no place to store it. Hit me up if you’re ever in SoCal and maybe we can go on a boat / SCUBA adventure..
Is that X mount for your phone pretty stable? Ive been thinking of getting one but didn't want to waste 50 bucks if my phone was just gonna fall out
Love the video, just wish audio on these boat reviews was better
How is for keeping the air in tubes just right, like in that hot Cali Sun in the afternoon? Do you have to always adjust the air based on outside temps and all? Thanks
39:29 Yes the windshield is too short. And no, The European version of the Pro Open 550 is the same ;-). The Open 5.5 is the replacement in Europe and the Everywhere else. Only the Pro Open 650 has for two versions, a European one, sold everywhere, and US/Canada also has a strange version made in the US wich only has a similar looking console that do not open by tilting to access storage. And as for the Windshield, on the new Open and Pro Range, they are taller. Making cruising at 40 knots very strange, you don't feel it's going fast unless you look at you passenger jumping all around.
Im selling my zodiac 650 with full windshield if your interested
I hope you’ll review scuba gear in the future.
Up here, the smaller Zodiacs are pretty popular as sailboat tenders, especially for larger sailboats up on Lake Superior. Never seen one used for any other purpose up here. RIBs in general of any brand I only ever see as either law enforcement or tenders for larger craft.
Im selling my Zodiac 650 if your interested
Any suggestions for Zodiac storage places in the Monterey Bay area? Do you have an indoor storage unit?
I'm here for the bikini clad nutn goodness lol awesome review
Thanks
Going fresh, make sure to change your sacrificials to magnesium or aluminum.
Hi you seem to know allot about zodiac boats i was personally looking for the medline 500 but do you think that is a good boat ?
How much does your boat weigh I'm in the same position that you were tossing up The dauntless in the outrage and a 580 rib
Great review for a newbie to RIBs. FYI, I cringed when I saw your aerosol sunscreen...good way to break a hip on a boat.
Yup. Learned that the hard way.
Zodiac has a plant in South Carolina. A lot of great boats are built there, including our previous Zodiac 340 Yachtline. Not sure about the Pro 5.5, but the Pro 7 and 9 are built there.
Summerville, South Carolina to be exact! Zodiac Yachtline/Avon Seasport, and Pro 420/500/550/650 are made there, as well as the 650 Open.
Im selling my zodiac 650 if interested
Confusion at the start, yes Pro Open 550 is replaced by the Open 5.5, but you showed the Pro 5.5 (same hull). Pro Range you choose your console, seats, equipements... Open commes with integrated console, seat bench and leanning post. And a huge storage. You have Open 5.5 - Pro Open 650 ( Open 6.5 to come) and Open 7.
What about taking it up the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington? Nice calm fresh water. Or the Inside Passage thru British Columbia and Alaska?
I see the dive sticker on your boat. You dive off of it as well? I dive in Lake Michigan with a dry suit and the associated gear. I like the ZPO 5.5 but I'm worried it won't have a good place diver to sit and put on his BC and steel 100 cylinder. It would be nice to have a boat that could accommodate 3 cold-water-geared-up divers. Do you think this boat could do it?
Love our Boston Whalers, wouldn't mind having a Zodiac.
Im selling my zodiac 650 if your interested
This boat (and configuration) meet my requirements 110%. While I’m sure it’s top-shelf quality & “worth it,” too bad it’s cost prohibitive for most folks.
I'm selling mine if your interested.
@@jejoko I'd be going out of budget at any price. Just window shopping, at this point. I appreciate it, though.
Try heading to Newport harbor next time or even Ocean side by camp pendleton. Hit the Base (your retired Military so your good) have fun 👍 and the water is much calmer.
U can even rent cottages in the besch at camp pendleton.
What's the range on these? Will these go about 100 miles?
I went fishing on a 10 zodiac as a kid and the king fish slashed one of the pontoons .We ended making it in the newspaper being towed in on the back of a large Hatteras is dive platform.
Yup. Had a shark take out the tube on my pro 15.
I now own a stabicraft and will never go back to owning an inflatable ever again.
@@jejoko wow! Can you please tell us more on experience with a shark? I fish on inflatable dinghy in ocean
Totally awesome. Great choice!
If you come to Florida, let me know. I live on the space coast we could hit up some cool local stuff before you head out to the Bahamas.
I own a 14’ Achilles and love it. I take it 30 miles off cost to Catalina island
what is the life span pf the zodiac on salt water and sun wear time.
I really want to buy a Brig Eagle 8. Anyone know anything about those new?
I love you nutn
Nice Boat! I live in the PNW, and I’ve always wanted to do the run from Eugene, OR to Portland, OR. on the Willamette River. Then run the Columbia on out to the coast. Check it out, road trip, Oregon or Bust summer of 2019!
Would a 15hp motor suffice for this?
I was not able to push my Montauk 150 into my garage by myself, but I got a $230 electric dolly wheel, and now I can.
I think it's cool but I would just outfit my waverunner and make it work!
I just ordered a 600 Highfield patrol.
So why doesn’t Orygun qualify for water operations?
Charlie Mike.
Limited access. Most of shore is vertical. Many rivers into ocean inlet problems. Some so bad the coasties will close it.
Not a water guy myself but watch all your vids!!!! Me and my 6 year old went shooting daisy B.B. blasters last Sunday, that is to your children of the gun series.
Merry Christmas to you your wife!!!!!
Nice boat. I have a new Intex Excursion 4 with 33 lb thrust trolling motor, mount, battery and charger. Total cost 35k....cents.
What is the height of the boat when on the trailer? I know you can fold the centre console down. Hoping it will fit in a double garage for storage. What is the total length with the trailer as well? Thanks
Im selling my Zodiac 650 with folding t-top that will fit in a garage if your interested. Twin 70's and full electronic suite with radar.
@jejoko did you sold it? Why are you selling it?
Here in Europe 'Zodiac' is used by some still as a generic term for RIB of whatever brand.
i have to ask have you ever seen a great white?
My one experience in a rib was not “moderate turbulence.” It was quite a beating. I love a lot of things about a rib, but they are wickedly uncomfortable.
I put a fold down footrest under the console hatch