Zodiac Zoom SP 450 Alu - French inflatable boat? Here comes the Zodiac Zoom SP 450

With the ZOOM SP 450 Alu, French inflatable boat manufacturer Zodiac is launching the tenth and longest model in the ZOOM series. The external dimensions of the inflatable boat made from Strongan (PVC) with an aluminium inlay floor are 4.50 m long and 1.90 m wide. Although the ZOOM has a licence for up to eight people, we believe that only crews of no more than six people will find enough space for a relaxed cruise.

You can either sit on the double bench, which can be used in two different positions, or on the 0.50 metre carrying tube. There are plenty of holding options on board the 450. In the bow area, for example, you can hold on to the eight grab straps, which are evenly distributed on both sides, and in the stern of the boat you can hold on to the two grab lines that are attached to the carrying tube. For propulsion, Zodiac approves long-shaft outboards with an output of up to 40 hp for the ZOOM's transom. It should also be noted that the SP 450 Alu is the only model in the range equipped with long-shaft engines.

The dealer fitted a Mercury F25 EFI to our test boat. The three-cylinder engine draws its power of 25 hp from a displacement of 526 cc. If you turn the throttle fully open with the tiller throttle and shift handle, the ZOOM accelerates to a top speed of 39.2 km/h by lifting the nose in the transition area from displacement to planing speed. If no one is sitting in the bow during this time, the nose is raised to such an extent that the straight-ahead view is briefly lost.

Otherwise, the combination of the Zodiac ZOOM SP 450 Alu and the Mercury F25 EFI behaves very well in every driving situation. The ZOOM slows down automatically to displacement speed as the circles get tighter and tighter from top speed. If the circle diameters become smaller than two boat lengths, the propeller starts to catch air and is no longer friction-locked in this situation, making it necessary to restart.

The SP 450 runs economically at an engine speed of 3500 rpm, which corresponds to just under 24 km/h. At this speed, the outboard's 25-litre fuel tank is only emptied to a reserve of 15 % after 175 km. With a noise level of 79 dB/A at economical cruising speed, the engine remains well below the BOOTE comfort limit. The Zoom has the best glide at 4500 rpm. The fuel consumption and noise levels are higher, but the inflatable boat runs extremely comfortably at a good 31 km/h.

Small bumps when mooring are absorbed by the all-round, well-dimensioned rubbing strake with integrated splash water edge. A total of four handles can be used for mooring. The boat also has a bow handle and two stainless steel towing eyes.

The standard scope of delivery of the ZOOM SP 450 Alu can be described as "meagre basic equipment". In addition to a paddle, foot bladder, transport bag, repair kit and owner's manual, only a bench seat is included. A tarpaulin or bow bag are not included. However, the latter can be found on the accessories list alongside a seat cover bag. The necessary attachment points are pre-assembled by the boat builders directly at the boatyard. A tarpaulin remains on the wish list.

In terms of material quality and workmanship, the ZOOM SP 450 Alu has no need to shy away from comparison. The glued joints are clean and only have a few
only have adhesive residue in a few places.

Conclusion

If you often ride with more than two people, you should motorise the ZOOM SP 450 ALU more. The quality of the materials and workmanship are right, so the price is justified.