Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

[lester]

So anyways guys I have been sibbing for awhile now and loving it. I even went ahead and got a trailer so I can spend more time boating and less setting up every time out of the back of my minivan(got to be a real PITA). When I started out boating I knew I always wanted a Rib, but simply couldn't afford one, so I made due with my Sib. I ended up finding a deal on craigslist a month ago on a fantastic 2001 Zodiac Yachtline 340rl(yes I understand that this is not top shelf compared to real hypalon Rib, but I am taking small steps up in my boat ownership) and went ahead and bought it. I have been using it with a tiller and love it. I was looking at the layout and thinking I wanted to put a bench seat in the back, get a very small center console and hook up a motor to controls so it will essentially be the deluxe model. I have found a boat junkyard nearby that has a seat and console for dirt cheap (needs some cleaning), but still looking for a motor. I know just about any motor near the 25 range already set up for controls is going to be a longshaft and the boat requires a short, so I will have to do a transom elevator. Here are the questions:

1. Do you think I will have any problems with attaching the controls to the transom(ie-steering..etc)? If I decide to do this project I will have no problem drilling holes. I believe the entire transom is about 15" tall by 30" wide and is fiberglass(or plastic composite).
2. If hooking up the controls should work, what is the best transom elevator to use considering I will be having a remote motor? It seems like the only options in this category are the elevators(essentially raise the transom directly above it) or the jacks (mount to the back of the transom and have an offset and elevation that the motor mounts upon)? I am leaning towards the elevators due to having controls.
3. I know having this setup will definately eat up just about all extra space in the boat, but I really only use it with 3 people max and mainly just 2. Do you foresee any problems with attempting this layout?

I will admit I do not have very much knowledge with boat modification, but I have been around workshops long enough to know how to handle a tool and with the help of other Iboats members feel like I can definitely accomplish this task if possible. Thanks
I attached pictures of the boat. The total length of the boat is 11'2" and the interior space is 7'7" by approx 32"

ps-so my pictures are too big and I cant get to load right now, but will shrink them and repost later tonight. Thanks guys.

 

[kandil]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

Congrats on your new boat. Why are you going throw all this trouble? most teller outboard can be converted to remote steering I would get a 15" outboard and convert it to remote control setup and avoid using a Jake plate
the steering cable attach to the outboards tilt tube on one end and to the CC on the other end you don't attach it to the transom good luck and post some photos

 

[salvagesolution]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

you dont really need a jack plate if you get a long shaft and you will probly enjoy it never sucking air due to the prop never comming out of the water

i know small johnson/evenrude outboards are dreadfully simple to do remote shift/steering controlls

just make shure (because its a small boat) to secure the counsole down really good so it dosent break off

 

[lester]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

So anyways here are the best photos I currently have of the boat. This was used as a yacht tender and the seams are good and it holds air for days. Never patched. From what the owner told me, it lived in a huge lazarette(sp?) and only saw light about 5 times a year when he used it to go ashore from his main ship.
Kandil, I am open to converting a tiller to remote, but it is an expensive process to do correctly. From what I have figured it will be in the $500 range to do just about any motor in my HP range and that quote is with aftermarket parts. Regardless I'll see what comes along.

Question 4:
Will putting a long shaft with a transom elevator cause any type of watering coming in over the transom issues? Does anybody have any experience with any of this?

 

[BigB9000]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

I am open to converting a tiller to remote, but it is an expensive process to do correctly. From what I have figured it will be in the $500 range to do just about any motor in my HP range and that quote is with aftermarket parts.

New parts:

Telflex Steering system: $110
Evenrud controller: $220
Throttle and shift cables: $50
Remote control adapter kit for 93 20hp johyrude $90

You don't need, an electric start, besides a battery will get in the way- thus you don't need a harness from the controller. Get an old controller of ebay, the kind that doesn't have electronics, just gear and throttle, much cheaper.

And pray you get a tiller engine that has a tilt tube, most don't, so you'll need a transom mount tilt tube bracket- hard to find used, and $90 new.
And it'll clutter things up back there.

And I dont think you'll want a long shaft, the cavation plate needs to be about flush with the bottom of the boat. I tried that long shaft on a short shaft boat once. Not very controllable at all!

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

I bought an Avon RIB that requires a longshaft outboard up to 40 hp. I've been looking for months for a reasonably priced longshaft motor and there hasn't been any. I have found plenty of 1980's JohnnyRudes shortshaft 25-35 hp outboards for 3-4 hundred bucks. They usually come with a boat/trailer but its a good deal nonetheless.

 

[jnewtonsem]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

So lester how is performance/handling compared to the SIB? What size SIB did you have.
Whoopbass- Where are you located. I've got a late 80's 30hp Tohatsu I'd part with. I'm in NC.

 

[lester]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

The difference in the Yachtline compared to my Saturn SD365 was very evident on the first voyage. I didn't really know how much to expect, but the top speed increased with the same motor, handling is much better, planing happens much sooner, and I no longer worry about small chop because this thing will plow right on through. In my sib, chop would have the boat smacking around when you were on a plane. I enjoy fishing out of the rib much better in addition and I don't worry about the beaching the boat since I put on a keel guard(yard sale $15.00).

I also forgot to mention that I am planning on painting the tubes grey since white and dirty river water don't go to well and I'm tired of cleaning this boat after every single trip. Does anybody have any experience with Inland Marine Inflatable Boat products? They sell a reasonably priced inflatable boat paint that has a sealant already mixed in that I was planning on using.

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: Transforming a zodiac yachtline rib.

Whoopbass- Where are you located. I've got a late 80's 30hp Tohatsu I'd part with. I'm in NC.[/QUOTE]

PM sent.........