Zodiac Nautic innovation in inflatable boats and RIBs
Zodiac Nautic inflatable boat innovation has its origins at the SociĂ©tĂ© française de ballons dirigeables et dâaviation Zodiac, a French specialist in airships. Engineer Pierre Debroutelle developed the first inflatable boat prototypes for the French Naval Air Force in the 1930s. What began in the air found its application at sea.
In the 1960s, Zodiac Nautic focused on the recreational watersports market. Since then, the brand has been known for quality, safety, and continuous technical development.
Craftsmanship and experience
With more than 125 years of experience, Zodiac Nautic is regarded as the inventor of the modern inflatable boat. Through continuous innovation in materials and production processes, boats are developed with a focus on durability and reliability.
Hull construction
The hull of a Zodiac consists of a rot-resistant polyester structure with a grid of longitudinal members and stringers. This construction provides a strong connection between hull and deck and contributes to rigidity and stable handling characteristics, even under higher loads.
Tube and thermo-bonding
Zodiac uses an industrial thermo-bonding process in which parts of the Strongan material are welded rather than glued. This results in a watertight joint and a durable construction.
Removable tube
On many models, the tube is fitted with a keder that is placed into a groove in the hull. After inflation, a seal forms between tube and hull. The float is removable, which simplifies maintenance and replacement without modification to the hull.
Quality tests
Zodiac Nautic selects materials according to defined specifications and subjects new boats to extensive testing under a wide range of conditions.
Construction and handling characteristics
Zodiac boats combine a deep V-hull with a low center of gravity and a shock-absorbing tube. This construction contributes to stability, control, and comfort, even in rougher water.
The weight-to-surface ratio makes it possible to carry substantial loads. The buoyancy around the boat and the low center of gravity support stability during use.
Thanks to the relatively low weight, launching is easy. The robust tubes also serve as protection when manoeuvring in harbours.
