Zodiac MKIII Grand Raid

[AdventureDadMN]

I bought our Zodiac MKIII Grand Raid by accident in 2016. I wasn't really shopping for a motor boat but spotted this on a government surplus auction site. It was only a few miles away at a local fire department, so I went to have a look. The boat looked to be in great shape despite being a 1996. I put in a "below reserve" bid and won. The department agreed to sell the boat for my bid of $3000. My family has thoroughly enjoyed the boat ever since - taking it local rivers and lakes to explore and play.

Before purchase

First outing

Taking a ferry to Madeline Island

Loaded with 2 optimist prams

Taking a break after a day of sailing with my kids

Exploring the Apostle Islands

Serving as a referee boat at a rowing regatta

[AdventureDadMN]

I should provide some specs on the boat. It is constructed of hypalon and has the "communicator" valves. The motor is a 1996 Mercury 40hp 2stroke with a stainless prop. I've added a bimini, a 14 gallon aux tank, transom eyebolts for tube towing, a handheld marine VHF radio, and launching wheels.

[AdventureDadMN]

That really is a lovely boat and in great condition, from the look of the pictures!

[AdventureDadMN]

Yes, she is in very good condition. The motor was my biggest concern but it hasn't given me any trouble - although, I wouldn't mind switching to a quieter, cleaner 4-stroke.

[9-R]

That is awesome! Great find! I bet that sucker really moves with a 40. Did it come with the speed tubes?

You'll have to document/video some of your outings and post them on here.

See you have transom wheels. Are you able to move the boat on your own or do you need help?

[AdventureDadMN]

The boat tops out at about 30mph without passengers. It came with a second prop that has a different pitch, but I haven't tried it. It pulls a tube+2 kids just fine. We tried some waterskiing but didn't have the skill to get up. I've had 8 adults in the boat and it still got on plane

I got the transom wheels on Amazon - cheap noname brand. They work ok but I wouldn't trust them on a rocky shore. The motor is heavy and they'd probably fold up on any big bumps. I mainly use them to pull the boat up on sandy shores, or to take the boat off the trailer in my yard. I'm a big guy and don't have any trouble rolling it around.

I'll try to post some of our adventures with it - we've had several.

Glen

[pitagora]

Where is it manufactured? In Spain? Is it a Z0207 model?