To do proper duty as a yacht tender, a mid-sized rigid inflatable (RIB) must be comfortable in all weather conditions and easy to board. But if you’re like most yacht owners - and boat owners in general - it has to look great and perform well.
While carrying the most recognizable name in inflatable boats, the 12-foot, six-inch Zodiac Yachtline 380 DL test boat does all that, in high style.
Weather on test day is great for testing the mettle of any RIB; the lake was lumpy and windy. The Zodiac, with an 18-degree deadrise hull, takes it all in stride. Its fibreglass hull ensures soft landings and the inflatable Hypalon collar delivers the ultimate in stability and safety.
The 380’s built-in fuel tank, installed well forward, helps to balance the boat for improved handling and performance.
Powered by a Yamaha 50 four-stroke, the 380 DL tops out at 38.7 miles per hour at 6,000 rpm. It accelerates to 20 mph in four-point-seven seconds and 30 mph in seven-point-four seconds. The Yamaha is quiet, fuel-injected and will deliver excellent fuel economy.
The 380’s hull has many practical features, including storage in a forward cushioned locker and in a jump-seat style locker ahead of the console. There’s more storage space behind the helm seat. The moulded fibreglass unit aft of the seat also has a streamlined design and adds to the boat’s appearance.
Teak boarding pads, located forward on the stainless-steel bow raid and atop the deck on two “pods” just aft of the helm seat, are a practical touch. They also contribute to a warm, classy appearance.
Despite its size, the 380 has plenty of seating, with the double-side helm seat, a small seat to port of the helm console above the fuel tank, plus cushioned seats on top of lockers in front of the console and right in the bow.
Some of the seats may serve children best, if it’s a long passage. But they will all arrive safely and stylishly.
Test Boat Engine
Yamaha F50 4-stroke, 996 cc/ 60.8 cid, 50-hp inline four-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline outboard with EFI, driving a 13-inch pitch three-blade aluminum propeller
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20/ 4.7; 0-25/ 7.4
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
6,000 / 38.7
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3,500 /19.4 ; 4,000/ 23; 4,500/26; 5,000/29.4
SPECS
Model year: 2016
Make: Zodiac
Model: Yachtline 380 DL
Category: Inflatable
Length: 12ft 6in / 3.81 m
Beam: 5ft 10in / 1.78 m
Hull Type: Fiberglass
Engine Type: Outboard
Fuel Capacity: 9.2
According: Boattest.com
No comments:
Post a Comment