According to Yamaha engine performance tests on a variety of vessels, Zodiac RIBs use less horsepower and get twice the miles per gallon than heftier counterparts.
“We’ve seen that the rising price of fuel has affected sales and even the usage habits of boaters across ,” said Gary Durnan, VP of Recreational Products for Zodiac.
The performance comparison tests compare the 28-ft Zodiac Pro20 center console with similar sized models from five manufacturers. On average, the Zodiac used half the fuel of the heavier, traditional boats. The Zodiac also weighs roughly 38% less than the other crafts. The lighter weight allows similar performance by the Zodiac with less horsepower. Smaller engines, less fuel consumption, and smaller tow vehicles all add up to much lower costs of ownership for large recreational Zodiac RIBs.
Zodiac RIBs were originally designed as ship-to-shore service vessels that had to be lightweight for shipboard davits, yet extremely seaworthy for rough seas. They had to be durable enough for daily use on the water, comfortable for all day piloting by mariners, and fuel-efficient for regular operation. These same traits suite recreational boaters, especially in light of rising fuel costs.