First time buyer (still saving my pennys)

[Sibfish]

Hey everyone i have looked at my options and this seems like a good deal, What do you think?

Boat wise i like the look of the Zodiac Cadet 310 aero and engine im thinking of a 6hp im not in a rush or going half way to france so the light(ish) engine will really help me move it around on my own. I have seen this package for the aero 310 with an engine for just over 2k.

https://yamahamercuryoutboardprice.ecwi ... ry=7171743

Any good?

[harrison]

Hi Sibfish,

The Zodiac Cadets and Yamaha motors are both premium products and BMC a reputable dealer. So good choice really.

We had a Zodiac Zoom 350 with alloy floor a few years ago and it was a great boat. The new Cadets are exactly the same design but better quality with welded rather than glued seams.

The 310 with a 6hp motor will be fine, but just to be aware the flat air floor/sausage keel models can be a bit ’flexi’ out on the water when pushing on in less than ideal conditions. If you can handle the extra weight and slightly more faff assembling, then the alloy floor version will give a stiffer hull. Also the longer the hull, the better/more comfortable the ride will be on typical UK choppy waters.

Whilst not wishing to recommend something different or bigger (we’re bleedin ace at that here) saw these Honwave deals today at Pacer marine. The 3.2, 3.5 and 3.8 boats with 6hp motors may be of interest and a good bit cheaper.

My pick of the Zodiacs from BMC would be the Cadet 350 alloy with one of the 10hp options. Longer and stiffer for better sea keeping and a bit of oomph to get you out of trouble when needed. Also a lot more expensive.

https://pacermarine.co.uk/?s=Honwave

[Sibfish]

Hey harrison thanks for the link! they have some nice deals even the standard prices are good! i have been searching and looking at every site i could find but didnt come across this one. im saving up so it will be a while yet. When you say a bit flexi how much? seems like it might be worth while getting the alu floor but my thoughts were alu floor weighs a ton and will slow down the 6hp so much it would be terrible plus it will sink and an air floor will give me something to cling onto while i wait for the life guard . Or am i just being stupid?

[harrison]

Unfortunately the Pacermarine deals seem to have gone now, back to their usual prices.

Despite being heavier the alumin Cadet will not be significantly slower than the aero, or any more sinkable. Also, with the same motor, a 350 will not be any slower than a 310. In fact it may even be slightly quicker due to its longer waterline.

In terms of stiffness, or lack of it, with a 6hp on the back it will probably make no difference. Power it up to the max, at planing speeds on choppy water, then the flexing will be more of a performance sapping problem.

Whilst it’s always nice powering boats up to the max, a 6hp should be fine. With two up plus fishing gear it won’t get up onto the plane but nonetheless should have enough grunt to cope with wind and tides in reasonable conditions. You’d need at least 10hp to get planing and the lightest weigh in at 38kg, a substantial 10kg more than a 6hp.

I would, however, recommend considering the 350, whether going aero or not. For two plus fishing gear it will offer far more room as it’s also wider than the 310, won’t be any slower, and offer significantly better seakeeping.

Good luck in your search, the Cadets are good quality boats and being Zodiacs have decent residual values.