Zodiac Futura MKll Custom Build

I wanted a zodiac Futura MK2 that was comfortable to ride in and one man can build in spring and put away in fall. Not to mention Very Very Fast.
Like Storage seat box, stainless adjustable position steering and locking slide rail phone/cupholders.

[@ronvanwinden9931]

Very well executed. You put a lot of thought into this and it shows. It's beautifully laid out.

[@motorized2105]

MARVELOUS! I've wanted an inflatable for the longest and seeing the steering rig is possible seals the deal!

[@kingsgirl1182]

Definitely the best custom boat I’ve ever seen!

[@Neptune730]

I like those mods. I'm in the process of getting a Zodiac Hurricane H472S Rib. You gave me some good ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@JacePenderwick67]

Great video. Really well thought out set up for your boat. Thanks for posting.

[@sportsman48]

Awesome build. It makes me feel more confident in looking at SIBs

[@rubenvor]

That boat seems like LOT of fun!

[@chrisjones2569]

I really like how you made the stirring mount that and all-around good build

[@vincentim54]

Very practical and realistic. Almost the perfect boat.

[@dexdex6408]

You Sir are a genius, I was waiting for a review like this.This sums up just about all questions I've had, and answers them.Thank you so much.

[@johnathankaison8380]

You all probably dont give a shit but does anyone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the account password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@keegankhalid8556]

@Johnathan Kaison Instablaster :)

[@johnathankaison8380]

@Keegan Khalid Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@johnathankaison8380]

@Keegan Khalid it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account !

[@keegankhalid8556]

@Johnathan Kaison you are welcome :)

[@salty-pete]

Wow that was good. Can't wait 'till you get into the space program.

[@laingej]

Awesome little boat! i love it!! i would like to convert my tiller drive to steering wheel some day

[@vinhha3857]

Oh my gosh... Sir you are really Genius...the boat is fantastic ... I wish I can have one...😛😛

[@gemale]

Amazing Engineering!! Great ideas and super build.

[@LHMOM.8610]

Excellent specs. Looks like a lot of fun.

[@russellthompson6204]

What a great set up! Would love it if you could make some build videos on the seat box and steering wheel set up.

[@kamillop.7842]

You are well organized. Nice boat. Regards from Poland.

[@WR505_Spearo]

Nice work on building that setup

[@houssemattia3403]

Hi Peter very osome respect man. It's Houssem from Tunisia. Hope to get one like yours.

[@bizzboss_00]

Awesome!Would be greath if you could do in deep explanation about every custom work you did( trailer,zodiak modif,steering console etc),min 1 hour video.

[@JG7Racer]

Gosh. You should patent that console. Looks next level. Guys want that!! ⭐🌝👍

[@OFPA2001]

Well done! Awesome boat. I currently run a Bombard 360 S with a 20hp Tohatsu, but have been looking at Bombard C4 or Futura. Great to see all the mods and your method of storage. Very clever modifications you made to the trailer. Zodiacs/Bombard make great boats..Thanks for posting this video.

[@RodrinBird]

What a great set of mods! Thanks for the video.

[@pagick9]

Glad you like them!

[@Steve-mk5df]

Nice build, I don’t plan on building mine the same way, but you gave me some great ideas thanks.

[@pagick9]

that's the whole idea. take what works.

[@dymo99]

Awesome modifications - I wish I could make things like this so much better than the stuff you can buy. Maybe if you didn’t mind and you wanted some ideas for content you show us all how you made your console. Many Thanks 😀

[@seanhutchins1]

came away with some great ideas, great video!

[@frankbaublit]

That is one awesome boat setup 😮

[@DM_0283]

Nice video. Good work done!

[@arfeentube]

Amazing, you inspired me to build one like yours!

[@MoRzX3]

Love the build man !

[@tylererb9538]

You are the definition of innovative

[@KitsFishing]

That is the best mod iv seen. I wish i could do it to my inflateable.

[@rxonmymind8362]

Living the dream!

[@carsten6823]

Very nice construction.

[@truthseekers8528]

i like the way you think!!!!! this is better than any jetski!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rogerpedrosa1854]

Dang that's cool rig👊💪

[@motoadvice]

Great job. Well done

[@dholtman5977]

This is VERY Cool! I love it!

[@DarthSailorMoo]

Thanks for the inspiration. You did an amazing job.

[@pagick9]

@@DarthSailorMoo thanks. It’s much more useable for an old guy than sitting on the floor

[@JG7Racer]

VERY NICE BUILD!!⚡😁👍

[@mariantrayanov7425]

Thank you, this is great!

[@maggiemacgill3009]

Good job ! awesome !

[@sailingyemaya9781]

Nice work

[@sammyjpeppers5663]

Awsome set up i have 12ft zodiac and would like to get this kind a set up as well

[@charliemore2726]

Congratulations

[@GlennLaguna]

Pete, you are good at making KZbin videos.

[@DURTYMAXLML]

Love it Man!

[@truthseekers8528]

awesome brother!!!!!!!

[@nathanwright9089]

Love what you’ve done with the seats, could you share some more information on how that was put together? Links to parts much appreciated!

[@pagick9]

Too much to describe. Overtones sell seats,reverse mount,steering. Box under seats is marine ply1/2” with two coats of oil base rustoleum ask for other items

[@tomulator]

Fantastic!

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

It was fun when I did mine. Key is don't rush it. A feature I didn't mention is the rope/pvc ladder that clips on the steering frame to get in after swimming.

[@geraldpaul1870]

I love the mod I would love to do this to my inflatable boat

[@markchristian787]

Great video and very informative. Im looking for something similar but seeing a huge price variation for these. Im a beginner with this stuff and wondering-is that too much hp for a motor and how would I determine whats too much power or to little?

[@pagick9]

Not at all. But the future hill is more stable than traditional hulls. Also weight is a huge factor. With 4 on board I’d hate much less hp. But I like very fast.

[@georgegiannakoulopoulos2335]

Perfect

[@ryanferris7841]

That’s fantastic your a very cleaver man!! What size is your boat and what’s the top speed?

[@mimoxaara9695]

Nice setup for your boat! Can you make a review video of your console pilot sir?

[@zalo_tuandriverga]

You are a Genius

[@danielbarrios8947]

Very smart build! I was wondering how costly were your add ons? I am looking to get a 15ft Saturn or like and build the rear just like you did but i need something like a small V-shaped lounge seating area in the front for my kids. Can you share any thoughts?

[@pagick9]

For kids how about a bean bags? they also have inflatable seat options. Benches or just a big cross tube. I didn't add up the cost. most bought parts was from Overtons.

[@ykb946]

Nice little Rig1 where did you get the seats and box from?

[@dimitriostsalavoutas1840]

perfrect..!!!

[@JulianDallmeier]

Awesome build! Where did you buy the steering/throllte combo and the seats?

[@pagick9]

What I could buy was at Overtons. Steering framework was built by me.

[@ZeeCaptainRon]

What is on the back side of the holes where you bolted the seat assembly down? Is there a nut there, backing plate, brazed on something? How are you keeping that from abrading the PVC? Thanks for publishing your build, nice job.

[@pagick9]

Email me. I’ll send pic of what I made

[@Rudizel]

That model of Zodiac is rated for a 50hp max motor, any issues with the 60?

[@pagick9]

None at all. The speed tubes really stabilize the boat. It’s max is 37 mph which scares my wife to much. I first put a 40 hp 4 stroke and 30 was max. You would think it would be a bit faster but fabric holds back the higher speed a smooth, perfect contour fiberglass boat gets.

[@rbrtmllr]

Clever.

[@chrisp8962]

Hi. Can you give some more details on your trailer. Being able to fold it up and roll to the side of the house in perfect. What trailer did you start with before making your modifications. Thanks.

[@pagick9]

It was bought used. It was a jet ski trailer converted to a motorcycle trailer. I modified it moving the axle far back to lessen young weight. The Hinge is a 3”x3” “swing away” The storing casters are attached with sleeved hutch stock. The new tongue stock is 3”x3” x1/8”

[@dannyshepard9293]

Hi Pete.. Love what you built there! I'm moving to Brazil and already have a Hydro Force boat, about the same size and with similar Aluminum floor. I'm interested in doing a similar build to add remote control steering and controls. I can't buy a motor until i get to Brazil, but leaning towards a Hidea 15hp Outboard, which i understand is patterned after Yamaha motors.. I've got questions about what to buy as far as Controls, Helm and cables etc.. Did you use Universal Control boxes & cables or were they specific to your motor? Id appreciate if you can share some info, brands, cable lengths etc.. I got your email from another post. I'll send an email there. Thanks!!

[@pagick9]

Universal. 11’ cables. But that might not be what you need.

[@MD-ob5nd]

Really nice set up... please post an update👍

[@coffeedollsvp]

When trailering do you cover boat up to avoid any debris from puncturing boat

[@pagick9]

No

[@CUBICHI1985]

This is freakishly amazing!! I have an 11' Azzuro Mare (made by Saturn boats), paired with a recently acquired 2013 Suzuki DF20A (very very heavy at 98lbs). Like you, I went with the bigger HP, since even though the boat is only rated for a 15hp, for that Suzuki line, all 3 motors (9.9, 15, and 20hp) are the same motor (displacement of powerhead and weight being the same), just different electronics inside. The boat has an inflatable floor, but I find that it flexes too much when underway (almost makes me feel like the outboard will tear off the transom). It also cavitates too much even though they're both paired well (short shaft with short shaft transom). Do you think this flex may go away if I were to build a plywood floor to put underneath the inflatable floor? Or should I just get a boat with an aluminum floor? What can I do about the cavitation? I've tested with the bracket in all the different trim levels (holes). Thanks in advance!!

[@pagick9]

I’m not an expert on all sib boats. The hard floor will increase the stiffness. I say that because hard floor sibs have higher motor rating. But I’d remove the inflatable floor. As for prop cavitation not all short shorts are the same length. Need to raise/lower motor is to be expected. That said do you know it’s cavitation and not ventilation? Try to film your outboard running at speed. You can see a lot that way. I’ve had sibs where I had to add 2.5” of wood to the top of my transom.

[@CUBICHI1985]

@@pagick9 Honestly I don't know which of the two it is. But it was suggested that perhaps my psi on tubes and floor was too low. I will try adjusting next time, as well as filming what it runs like next time I'm out on the water. Thanks!

[@pagick9]

@@CUBICHI1985 if you don’t have a gauge you probably are under pressure. Use your knee as a test. Fill your tubes. Kneel hard with your knee in the main tube. If you see any wrinkling around your knee the pressure is low. You should see a slight depression, with all your weight on the knee. Around your knee though pushed in a little but the area around your knee should be smooth not wrinkly. I use an electric pump. I doubt my foot pump can achieve correct 3.4psi. I just reread your msg again. I see it’s floor psi your concerned about. I don’t have experience with air floor. Above is for main tubes

[@CUBICHI1985]

@@pagick9 thanks for the info.. I joined Rib.net and have gotten some really good info and advice. I will try it again, using several gauges, and also measure pressure before and after boat is in the water, as pressure does tend to drop after boat sits in colder water temp. Thanks again!!

[@MD-ob5nd]

I believe you can swap out the air floor for a factory aluminum... $270 ish u.s.

[@philos212]

Nice setup and very nicely done. I’d like to know more about the folding trailer that you keep at the side of your house. Where did you buy it from? I am looking to get one for my inflatable.

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

its a modified used jet ski trailer. Hinge is a hinge called swing away. Harbor Freight sells a cheap folding trailer as well.

[@philos212]

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER I need to look into this. Thanks for that info.

[@Judgeikias]

Wow! That's very nice! If you may, could you please explain how the storage seat box is fastened to the aluminum floor? I can see you use some headcap bolts, but where do they go? Have you attached some sort of fastener (a threaded nut perhaps?) on the floor's underside and how? Is is glued on? WIth what sort of glue? I am asking because I would like to make something similar. Thanks!

[@pagick9]

Send me your email. I’ll send you a picture showing how I did it. I’ll delete your email after I get it copied so people don’t see it.

[@danwilson5055]

@@pagick9 Yep curious too.

[@arnieespinosa5860]

​@@pagick9 I'm interested as well. Grear job! I have a Saturn 15.5 with aluminum floor. I have been afraid of drilling holes in the aluminium floor and to punchure the iner layer with the bolt.

[@pagick9]

@@arnieespinosa5860 Im thinking about doing a quick video on this.stay subscribed.

[@Spiff178]

Wow!!!

[@binalayan]

Hi, I really like your boat setup. I'd like to know how long are your steering cable and controls? I'm in the process of building my sib Inmar with 50hp ETEC remote steering. Thanks

[@pagick9]

It’s put away for the season so measuring is a problem but I think it’s 11’. The truck is yo have enough slack that moving seat positions can be done. I used drip irrigation 5/8” pipe to get length. It has a accurate stiffness to replicate the cable. I have a loop over the tank to allow seat movement and motor turning. My first sib 30 years ago had the cable go past the console on the floor and then double back. That boat was setup to have steering way forward of center as well as in the rear when carrying other people.

[@eireenelily2302]

looks great! by the way is this a SIB or a RIB

[@pagick9]

its a sib. Zodiac Futura MKll

[@ttonAb2]

this is fantastic, would you be able to provide some more information on the steering and how you modified the motor for that?

[@pagick9]

bmackinnon2 motors come with tiller or remote steering. Converting from one to the other is possible $$. The steering was designed from a steering setup I had in 1985. But I redesigned with improvements. Zodiac does sell a setup but mine works better IMO but you can buy the zodiac version. Mine you have to make.

[@ttonAb2]

@@pagick9 good to know, thanks!, I will be attempting to make mine as similar to yours as possible, the design looks great, what are the differences between your system and one zodiac sells?

[@pagick9]

bmackinnon2 look online for zodiacs. It’s a red console that sits on a rail bench

[@alexopweg]

Amazing.

[@pagick9]

thank you for noticing.

[@axscdvfb]

Love the way you tilt the trailer to its side. I also want to move my small jet ski trailer into my backyard through a narrow gate. What are the sizes of the square tubing you used for the side wheels? Did you weld it onto the trailer yourself, or did you get someone to weld it for you?

[@pagick9]

I used hitch stock for pin/recover. 2.5” channel for cross bar attached to casters. Tip- the hitch stock try hard to fuse together over winter. I ground the insert piece smaller and drilled a drain hole on the channel inside sleeve. Grease up before putting it away for winter

[@axscdvfb]

@@pagick9 Thanks for the reply. I can get the hitch stock from harbor freight! For the channel, what wall thickness did you use? Is 0.083” thick enough? Where did you buy yours?

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

@@axscdvfb I don't know size. I bought at IMS in sun valley ca They have precut pieces on shelf.

[@axscdvfb]

@@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER do you just let the trailer rest on the wheel fenders? Did you have to reinforce the fenders?

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

@@axscdvfb no reinforcement just a board to keep the fender off the ground. Notice my axle is far back with jet ski yours may be forward more. The balance point might require a third caster at the far back

[@josephchristopherlewis6020]

This is AWESOME. How long is the boat ?

[@pagick9]

13.5’ long 6.6’ wide Zodiac future MKll

[@mickeymouse9654]

WOW! 😃👌👍💪

[@lossantoscity3249]

This is just way super cool. Whats the range with the giant 12 gallon tank? my dad uses a 20 horsepower one and i think its already strong cant imagine a 60 horse.

[@pagick9]

I run full speed for about 60 miles.

[@lossantoscity3249]

@@pagick9 My God. You are crazy! Thats way too cool! Wish to see more of your adventures with that.

[@maciek00065]

Great video ! I've always dreamed about a Futura! Is it still available ?

[@pagick9]

Yes I think many companies have a version

[@johnnyvalencia5734]

Where did you get the storage bin that you put seats on?

[@pagick9]

Made them out of marine ply 1/2”. Painted with oil based rust oleum brush on. 2 cotes

[@dennischung9956]

Looks very simple to assemble it. Do you have information to buy these kits, motor, and trailer?

[@pagick9]

It’s all scratch built. I get asked questions about details. Perhaps I’m going to do a follow up with details

[@alantiling4936]

Hello sir that is fantastic. What is the best inflatable sea boat n from wher i can buy it in Sydney pls thanks

[@pagick9]

Sibs ride hard in the rough. But storing is compact. Ribs cut the chop better. Ask your question on Ribnet app. Or online rib.net Look at Gemini racing. These boats run smooth in chop. But not really for many activities. Ps. Running these fast in chop can kill you. I’ve heard a few stories.

[@searchingforsea]

How is the engine secured? My Tohatsu has only the option of being bolted into the transom with power tilt. Any tips to make this a removable setup?

[@pagick9]

I use to have a 35 hp on a sib. I used thumb nuts. Just keep an eye on them

[@searchingforsea]

@@pagick9 Many thanks!

[@joseperdomo9278]

Spectacular design, but it only has one problem, the floor is glued and will not withstand all that weight for long.

[@pagick9]

really? How about dive tanks, beer and 4 guys pounding in the ocean?

[@Stamati76]

Hi, what negatives do you have on the Zodiac Futura mk2? Have you looked at the f-rib's or compared any other SIB's?

[@pagick9]

I’ve had trouble with my speed tubes the whole time. Replacement are hard to get. Seems no inventory. My year boat had thin fabric used for the speed tubes. My replacement tubes are the bottom fabric. Very thick. Should be better but I just got them. Other than that the boat is good. Wide and large tubes to carry the 60 hp. No I knew about the zodiac and was looking for used. A dealer was selling a indoor floor model for 1/2 price a and I bought it. I like the surf cat by Ceaser but I have never seen one in person. Also the hull is flat between the speed tubes so hard hits would be expected. Future has a center keel that lessen that hard hits but surf cat states it’s faster.

[@Stamati76]

@@pagick9 Never seen the surf cats either but the specs look phenomenal! I'm looking for something that i can store at my holiday home, without any trailer as i dont have a garage but it's only 20 metres to the beach. What weight do you reckon is doable on your own to wheel this and would it be possible to fold it in a boot with folded back seats? Hope to see your boat in action with the new tubes! take care

[@pagick9]

@@Stamati76 my first sib (1985)was a similar size but had a 1985 30 hp. Which weighed only 119lbs. My future estimate weight is- Boat fabric roll 100lb Aluminum floor 65# Outboard 240lbs It’s the outboard that have gotten out of hand. P.s. my first boat fit inside a very beetle. Boat and plywood floor in back seat, outboard in front. Future is a bit heavier and bulky due to larger main tubes as well as speed tubes.

[@riflessologiasemeioticaint155]

Are the seats and controls original? I can't find them here in Italy! your zodiac is beautiful!!

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

The seats and controls were fabricated by myself. but the actual folding seat and the steering wheel/cables is available online in your country. I bought mine at Overton's.

[@daleruschmeyer2993]

What is this zodiac rated for motor wise?

[@pagick9]

50 hp 260lbs. The evenrude exec 40-50-60 are all the same motor with software that retards the 60 to 50&40

[@TheSilver9r]

Whats the turning ratio for the steering console?

[@pagick9]

I didn’t know you had a choice. It’s just a inexpensive steering setup. It feels like every other boat I’ve had.

[@IsmaelPR32]

Could you share how to setup the seat base/box bolts? Did you place nuts under the floor? If so how?

[@pagick9]

Yes nuts under floor. Made flush nuts useing stainless “T” nuts an washers welded together. Epoxied under floor with Thur threads in floor so it still has smooth floor under

[@IsmaelPR32]

@@pagick9 thanks. I have mine where there screw heads come through from under the floor. They are shallow rounded screws but was looking for an easier way to be able to remove my box.

[@jeromedupuis9018]

Love your custom build! I got the same Zodiac, can you tell me the brand and the model of your seats?

[@pagick9]

Just look on Overtons site. The fabric pattern is slightly different now. But close. I’ve broken two when in the heat. 110 deg. Lean too far back. Both were replaced. 5 year warranty!

[@jeromedupuis9018]

@@pagick9 thanx the answer! Will order these and hope they send them to germany! Do you know the height of your box under the seats?

[@pagick9]

@@jeromedupuis9018 I made it just high enough to allow the needed room for seats not to chafe the side tubes. I’d estimate 7”. It still packed away.

[@michaelg471]

Attempting to bolt a seat storage box to the aluminum floor of my own SIB. How are your thumb screw nuts attached on the underside? Does not appear as though you are using rivet nuts.

[@pagick9]

I get asked this a lot. I was concerned about rivet nuts spinning after the pounding all day. Knowing what a pain that would be. If you post your email I’ll send you pics. I used stainless T nuts, stainless washer, welder, sandpaper, epoxy, 1/8” thick rubber sheet, contact cement. In that order. It is a bit of a pain but worked very well.

[@Drei2Day]

@@pagick9would you be willing to post a quick video on that process?

[@pagick9]

@@Drei2Day I’ve never figured out how to post a picture in the comments section. Send email address if you want them. I was afraid the threaded insert nuts would spin after rattling around a few years. It would be very hard to unscrew the thumb screws once you built it. I made inserts this way. Stainless t-nuts welded to stainless washer. Epoxy to hold in place. In case it came loose I used 1/8” rubber sheet cut 1” larger than the stainless washer and contact cement it together. The rubber keeps the washer from spinning it it came loose and protected the hull fabric If it’s not clear send email

[@kathryncrowleybryan5844]

Wow

[@abelabad6237]

Hello! How did you printed the registration numbers ? Regards

[@pagick9]

I used a stencil and “plastic “ spray paint. It did that reaction thing where it stayed tacky for a month. But now it dry. I’ve heard of better paint but I can’t remember the type.

[@pedrozurita6846]

Do you currently, or do you have plans to make or sell....either as a kit or finished product or even plans...of the sitting setup you show?

[@pagick9]

no plans.

[@NghiaPham-xi5so]

Do you have a video on how you built that steering counsel?

[@pagick9]

No. but if you watch my ebike with sidecar video some processes may help you. It's roughly designed after a console I bought in the 80's. I once saw a pic of it when the whole boat was being sold but can't find a pic now. If you really want to build it send me an note and I can provide some info.

[@briangeiger5242]

It would be really appreciated if you could put links in the description where we could find all the pieces you used for your modifications.

[@pagick9]

I made the parts myself. Overtons sells the chairs and steering wheel and cables. The trailers folding hinge is a “Swing Away”

[@briangeiger5242]

@@pagick9 I really appreciate the reply. Thank you.

[@yuszainimohdyusop6920]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@pagick9]

🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@jorouss33]

I'd like to know how you protected the boat from the screws of your console. Nice boat!

[@pagick9]

No screws touch fabric.

[@jorouss33]

@@pagick9 Oh ok I understand there's a large enough gap between the aluminum floor and the keel. Thanks!

[@pagick9]

Cut thumb screws to length