Zodiac is the name in tried and true tenders

by Jeni Bone on 23 May 2011 With a pedigree in military service, the Zodiac brand is synonymous with technical prowess, performance and a good dose of glamour for good measure.

The history of the brand, as the pioneer in inflatables, can be charted from 1934, when Pierre Debroutelle designed the prototype of an inflatable two-man kayak. Three years later, commissioned by the French navy, he invented a new type of seacraft capable of carrying bombs and torpedos. His concept: two air chambers, assembled in a 'U' formation, joined by a wooden platform. And thus, the inflatable was born.

The 60s saw a rise in the leisure boating and water sports market, giving a huge boost to this practical, portable and versatile tender. For the past 75 years, Zodiac has evolved, but always with an unwavering commitment to extremely high manufacturing standards, an obsession for safety and global vision.

Zodiac has lead the way in inflatable design and technology, with the innovation of major inflatable design features such as the inflatable keel and the H2P air floor.

In Australia, with high profile customers including the Defence Forces and Surf Lifesaving, Zodiac has proven that its continual innovation and quality assurance is the preference of users seeking nothing but the best. Today the Zodiac range features inflatables and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to ensure whatever the need, you can go anywhere in a Zodiac.

All around the world, the yellow and navy blue logo can be seen alongside some of the world's most luxurious yachts, serving as reliable, rugged, responsive superyacht tenders, with the added elegance of design that sees them perfectly at home on the Med and Riviera.

The Zodiac Inflatable and RIB range boasts a unique combination of features making them ideal as a runabout or a tender for moor to shore.

Light in weight and easy to handle, the Zodiac Inflatables allow for easy inflation, and quick launch, enabling the user to enjoy their time on the water even more. With the strength of the PVC based fabric and the advanced design of the inflated keel, the user will enjoy smoother planing as well as greater manoeuvrability, ensuring a great time on the water. Once the user has had the time of their life on the water, they can easily deflate the tubes of the boat, compacting down to enable the user to easily transport the boat in the back of their car, or store away in the closet or garage.

True 'go anywhere' boats, the Zodiac RIB range provides exceptional marine qualities combining added strength and speed accustomed with rigid hulls, with the light weight and stability qualities of the stabilising buoyancy tube. The perfect multi-purpose boats, they prove unequalled as tenders with their inflatable tube that will cushion and protect your main boat. Their light weight construction makes for easy davit hanging.

Whether it be planing around, enjoying recreational water sports, or dabbling in a spot of fishing, Zodiac delivers unforgettable moments afloat.

For more information, visit the Zodiac Marine website: www.zodiacmarine.com.au