Finally pulled the trigger and purchased my idea of the ultimate East Coast surf exploration vehicle a 13’ Zodiac with an aluminum bottom and inflatable keel. Going to run it with a 25 hp with the dolfin trim tabs and a back up small motor for those uh-ohs. My question is do I want to go with a long or short shaft motor and are there any other modifications I should consider. I have heard in choppy conditions they can buck and was considering wieghting down the nose with a water bladder of some sort. Thanks and happy exploring
IMHO short shaft would be better so you will draw less and be able to go in a shallower water. if you have some weight up in the bow it helps getting on plane and keep the bow from getting “jumpy” in a good chop and heading into the wind. putting the gas tank up there usually works as well as an under-seat bag for a patch kit, anchor, lights, etc… they also make spray covers for the bow. lots of options out there for you.
Just put my fat ass up in the bow when you go on those exploration runs and you’ll be all set. I can weight down the front of the boat for you. I don’t take up much room for a big fella.
Hey Bubba,
I just got done trying out a Yater SurfTech this morning at Huntington. I would bet this thing has more floatation than your new Zodiac. I think the tail floats enough for a 20 hp motor if not larger. If I surf it again I’ll need a motors cause my legs are so sore from trying to turn the damn thing! Maybe the Navy should consider Surf Tech in production for new Carriers!
thanks for the info greatly appreciated will let you know how it all works out.
Howzit onefin, Be careful using gas with ethanol in it, it’s murder on boat engines. It was so bad for boaters on Oahu that they finally are able to get gas without ethanol at a couple of gas docks. Boaters engines were cutting out and stopping which isn’t so good when you are in the ocean.Aloha,Kokua
thanks for everyones help in the process of getting the engine, had the boat and seams inspected good to go. Went with Hypalon over PVC. Now my question is how do I strap the boards down, I remember in TSJ some rack built on the bow of the zodiac but dont know how the rack was mounted. Tips, ideas, lemme know. Other than that, shit its memorial day weekend, flat as a board, the fish are running, gonna be hotter than balls, just begging for Schaefer and the Water Balloon Launcher. Have a great weekend and for the love of jah wear your seatbelt and dont drink and drive.
THE boat will specificly need a long or short shaft depending on its design
I used to run an old 1977 12.5 foot mark 2 compact zodie
but recently upgraded to a 2003 15.5 foot f470 ex navy seal boat all hypalon with ex heavy duty hard floor
when hauling hardboarders i like them to have a padded board bag so they dont whinge
then i lay the tail down towards the transom and strap the front down to the nose area of boat with bungies.
according to the guys at the yard a shortshaft. Hopefully score some late 80’s two clinder something lightweight I can throw in the truck along with the delflated boat and that nifty wheel launch thing otherwise it will stay in the canals near me.
Onefin
What model exactly did you get ?
I started out inflateing evertime i used, putting moter in back of truck etc.
never used my launching wheels as i would just assemble at waters edge then drag it in
let me tell you its hard work doing it every time. eventualy i got a nice lil trailer for around 1k that i still use with my larger f470
im running a tohatsu 40c 2 stroke not sure if your transoom can handle a 40
but that combo on a 13 will give you a bit over 30 mph and around 5+ mpg.
thanks to the speed tubes on the f470 i can actually go faster in my bigger heavier 15.5 then in my 12.5 
Soul
From a previous life, 23 year old photo, eldest daughter helping Daddy clean up…
40hp Short Shaft Tohatsu on 11’ boat, top speed of 88.24mph
It ran a 23" pitch SS prop. The motor was lifted up so high I had to tape off the tops of the water intake to stop it sucking air…
I love fast boats…
