Zodiac’s new CZ7 (Civilian Zodiac 7-Meter) Ultimate Adventure Boat® is an anytime, any weather extreme recreational rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) for maritime weekend warriors. The Civilian Zodiac 7-meter RIB (CZ7) is the consumer version of the famous military Hurricane built by Zodiac. It’s the exact same hull used by Navy SEALs and the U.S. Coast Guard, now available to adventure-seeking civilians.

The 23' 9" CZ7 is a direct cross-over from the H-733 military rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) used by the U.S. Navy and Navy Seals in missions including force protection and commando insertion, and by the U.S. and Canadian coast guards and several NATO countries for heavy weather rescue and drug interdiction. When you own a CZ7, you’re riding just like the big boys.



The boat’s military-style deep-V fiberglass hull slices through rough water so well it allows the CZ7 to achieve remarkable speeds, incredible planing times and extraordinary handling at top speeds. the inflatable collar is designed to perform as part of the hull, rather than as a basic fender. This hybrid design, which incorporates a large volume inflatable collar, a low center of gravity, high freeboard, convex sectional shaped bow and a slight stern down trim, enables the RIB to make high-speed tactical turns and prevent rolling in rough sea conditions. Skilled boaters can drive it hard in large waves without fear of submerging the bow. The inflatable collar also adds to the RIB’s shock mitigation benefits.



The boat is powered by two V6 Evinrude® 150 hp FPXSR outboards – same engines used by SEALs and the U.S. Coast Guard. The advanced electronics package includes 10.4" color radar, chart plotter, EchoSounder & VHF package (including RL80CRC Display, RayStar 120 WAAS GPS Sensor, DSM Digital Sounder & Module), while optional equipment can be: FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-red): Night Nav® 1018 Night Surveillance System by Night Vision Technologies, Inc. Tiger Performance cockpit communication system.



As an ISO 9001 certified company, Zodiac employs an in-house quality assurance programme measured to military standards. This makes it much stricter than traditional marine assurance programs. All materials are tracked from acquisition to implementation and quality control personnel are constantly inspecting components and workmanship to certify that the end product meets our high standards.

The price of the C27 starts at $US225.000. For further information please visit www.zodiac.com.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Jock Bradley / Rippin Productions