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Displaying items by tag: Zodiac

Following on from their Sun Odyssey promotion, which began six weeks ago, MGM Boats is offering a Spring Promotion on their selection of Zodiac and Bombard RIBs. The promotion is valid until 30th April 2024.

MGM have offerings from €30k up to €120k, so there is a model to suit everyone, whether it’s for pottering around in a 5m Bombard or spending full days on the water in a 6.8m Zodiac

The promotion applies to MGM’s current stock only, but of course, they can supply any of the other models from the Zodiac and Bombard range on request.

Zodiac & Bombard are the oldest and most established RIB builders on the market, with the first-ever inflatable boat, a ‘Zodiac’, being launched in 1922. The company began supplying RIBs to the French Military in the 1930s and the name has become synonymous with any rigid hulled inflatable boat across the globe.

Original inflatable boat, made by ZodiacOriginal inflatable boat, made by Zodiac

Mr Alain Bombard founded Bombard Inflatables after crossing the Atlantic unsupported in a 4.5m Zodiac in 1952. Bombard Inflatables is now a subsidiary of Zodiac and together they are the largest producer of RIBs in the world.

Alain Bombard, founder of Bombard InflatablesAlain Bombard, founder of Bombard Inflatables

Zodiac and Bombard owners benefit hugely from the strength of the brand. Compared to lesser known and low-quality outfits, there is strong re-sale and minimal depreciation. There is also the main dealer warranty support from MGM and the long-lasting quality of the boats themselves. MGM regularly see 20-year-old Zodiacs which are still going strong with no issues and only minor wear & tear.

Some of the models featured in the promotion are as follows: Zodiac Yachtline 490, Bombard Sunrider 500, Bombard Sunrider 550, Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream, and Zodiac Medline 6.8.

The Zodiac Yachtline 490 is a premium tender-style RIB with dedicated seating for 6 and plush leather upholstery. It comes with a high spec and an upmarket feel to it.

Zodiac Yachtline 490Zodiac Yachtline 490

The Bombard Sunrider 500 and 550 are a great family run-around with comfortable seating for 6 and multipurpose usability. They are easily trailerable and will do everything you ask of them during a day of boating. The 550 benefits from increased deck space.

Bombard Sunrider 550Bombard Sunrider 550

The Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream is a capable package with a sports orientated layout and excellent sea-keeping characteristics. There is a lot of open deck space to facilitate activity such as water sports, fishing or swimming. This boat is still very easy to operate yet has the size and fit-out for longer journeys and more adventurous trips.

The Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream’s deck space lends itself to watersports & activityThe Zodiac Open 6.5 Gulfstream’s deck space lends itself to watersports & activity

The Zodiac Medline 6.8 is the cream of the nautical crop. MGM’s best-selling RIB with over 30 units sold, this model does everything, and it does it in style. It has dedicated seating for 10 with space enough to carry 14 passengers. You will find sunbathing space, a proper table, a U-shaped cockpit, a ski mast, a fully kitted dashboard, a transom walkthrough, extended swimming platforms, a stainless steel bimini, wakeboard storage, and much more. The performance is exceptional with top speeds up to 55 knots and a solid hull keeping things comfortable in coastal sea conditions. This model allows owners to enjoy the best of boating whether with adrenaline junky friends or with kids and family.

Zodiac Medline 6.8 from MGM Boats offers everything you could need in a day boatZodiac Medline 6.8 from MGM Boats offers everything you could need in a day boat

MGM’s stock boats are available for viewing by appointment at their head office in Dun Laoghaire, and new owners can rest assured that they will be expertly guided throughout the entire sale process. MGM offers tuition and familiarisation as part of the purchase, so whether you are experienced or trying boating for the first time, you will be comfortable and confident when you take your new boat away.

The Spring Promotion is a significant cash discount on the retail price, and MGM is inviting customers to get in touch now to discuss viewing and taking the next step. Call in to the office, call 01-2802020 or email [email protected] today. It’s time to get on the water.

Published in MGM Boats
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Zodiac, a well-known international brand in RIBs with over 125 years of experience, has renewed its partnership with the Vendée Globe, one of the most renowned ocean races in the world.

As an official partner of the 2024 Vendée Globe, Zodiac will provide a safety fleet of 42 RIBs to escort the 40 solo skippers competing in this unique race. 

Zodiac RIBs are known for their exceptional speed and crossing capacity in rough seas, making them reliable and resistant.

Their low centre of gravity, deep V hull and seaworthy floats ensure the best possible safety measures for the skippers. The deep V hulled RIBs will be available to the race organisers to welcome the winner of the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe and all other competitors to the finish line. 

As part of a partnership agreement, Zodiac will produce 42 limited edition custom-built RIBs in the colours of the Vendée Globe. These RIBs will be available for sale to the public.As part of a partnership agreement, Zodiac will produce 42 limited edition custom-built RIBs in the colours of the Vendée Globe. These RIBs will be available for sale to the public.

The Irish agent for. Zodiac RIBS is Dun Laoghaire Harbour's MGM Boats

Published in Vendee Globe
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Earlier this month, MGM Boats took out the brand-new Zodiac Medline 6.8 for a spin on Dublin Bay to put the RIB through its paces.

Designed for long days on the water, the Medline 6.8 promises to delight with its exclusive comfort and onboard security.

That means room for 10 to 14 passengers, with two relaxing spaces and a rear U-lounge which can be converted to another relaxing area, with five lockers for safe stowage.

And the icing on the cake? Its signature hull, which provides high stability even on the roughest of seas.

See the MGM Boats website for more on the Zodiac Medline 6.8 and its availability.

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The new Zodiac all-electric rib will be in Ireland for the start of next year and in time for the 2022 Irish boating season. That's the news from the Cannes Boat Show where Irish Zodiac agents MGM Boats of Dun Laoghaire Harbour announced they would unveil the Zodiac eOPEN powered by Torqeedo outboard engines.

The eOpen is the first complete range of 100% electric boats after Zodiac's foray into the electric market with the eJET in 2017. 

The new models are being heralded as a real technological achievement and mark a new era for both Torqeedo and Zodiac.

The boats have 50 minutes of autonomy at a speed of about 12 knots for the 3.1 and 3.4 models. The ride, says MGM's Gerry Salmon, is lively and very pleasant at an average speed.

"This is an exciting day for us in MGM Boats, and a new age of boating experiences in Ireland lies ahead", Salmon told Afloat.

All electric- The new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.All-electric- The new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.

Electric mobility is gaining ground all around us, and as the market leader in RIBs, we couldn't afford to miss out! Torqeedo was the ideal partner to develop these new products," explained Fanny Revert-Ciavattini, product marketing manager of Zodiac.

eOpen - Zodiac and MGM have taken up the challenge of offering 100% electric boats at an affordable price for the Irish market. Agile and compact, these boats are easy to drive, easy to store, easy to tow. They have 4 to 6 seats, depending on the size.eOpen - Zodiac and MGM boats have taken up the challenge of offering 100% electric boats at an affordable price for the Irish market. Agile and compact, these boats are easy to drive, easy to store, easy to tow. They have four to six seats, depending on the size.

The eOPEN range in a nutshell:

  • Ideal for exploring sensitive or difficult-to-access areas
  • Easy to use and highly manoeuvrable
  • Autonomy of about one hour at maximum power
  • No noise or fumes to disturb the peaceful enjoyment
  • Very little maintenance or upkeep
  • Long-term savings
  • Unique, ecologically responsible experience
  • 2 sizes available: 3.1 / 3.4 with appropriately sized, complete Torqeedo drive systems including motor, batteries and charger.

Several options are available on these models (depending on the size): EVA floor, bimini, rear ladder, storage net, lift kit, Fusion audio system.Several options are available on these models (depending on the size): EVA floor, bimini, rear ladder, storage net, lift kit, Fusion audio system.

Published in MGM Boats
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Next month's Cannes Yachting Festival, from September 7th to 12th 2021 in Southern France sees the profiling of Zodiac’s XXL boat: the Medline 9.

This boat, which has been on the market for a year, will be available for sea trials during the show.

The XXL has all the essential features for spending long periods afloat: equipped with a cabin and removable bed (optional), it's possible to spend a few days on board.

A toilet, a shower, and a kitchen are also added to the standard equipment. The Medline 9 has a double bow and rear sundeck can accommodate up to 14 people, and its bolster can accommodate up to 3 people (two adults and a child).

To store all the equipment and essential items for a nice trip, Zodiac has designed seven optimised storage compartments.

The Medline 9 can reach a maximal speed of 55 knots with dual engines of 2x350CV.

The Irish Zodiac agents are MGM Boats, headquartered in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

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Christmas is coming and MGM Boats at Dun Laoghaire Harbour is taking the opportunity to present the latest Zodiac RIB, the 'Medline 6.8 m' in detail.

As regular Afloat readers will know, the first pictures of the new marque appeared on Afloat in November 2020, and MGM's Gerry Salmon says, the launch is one of the most eagerly awaited RIB events of 2021.

The first units will be delivered in early Spring 2021.

This new boat, replacing the Medline 660, will be the little brother of the Medline 7.5 and the Medline 9. It will be the mid-range boat, Zodiac plan to deliver more than a hundred units worldwide next year.

The Medline 6.8 has been completely designed and adapted for the needs of a family in 2021.

"The needs of consumers have evolved, so Zodiac is taking these requirements into account. Clients are looking for better comfort and higher security and more ease of use", Salmon says.

Designers of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8 say it is easy to use and easy to driveDesigners of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8 say it is easy to use and easy to drive. It also comes with a large number of advantages: a large bow sundeck of more than 2 metres (with extension), a large console capable of accommodating large screens, a secure aft saloon with polyester wings, high backrests for a "cocoon" effect, and an ergonomic and comfortable helm station.

"With this new product, we are addressing all water leisure enthusiasts: men and women, children, sailors or not, experienced or not. It's a mistake to think that nowadays, a boat is necessarily bought by boating experts!" he adds.

Different configurations of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8mDifferent configurations of the new Zodiac Medline 6.8m 

The Medline 6.8 specs

  • - 6.88 meters in length
  • - 2.54 meters wide
  • - 200 litres tank capacity
  • - 14 people maximum
  • - 10 seats (6 seats + floats)
  • - 5 chests
  • - 250 HP in maximum power
  • - 950 Kg 
Published in MGM Boats
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2020 has been a big year for Zodiac RIBs and its Irish agent MGM Boats. The year started with a big challenge; launching the Medline 9 in the middle of the COVID crisis. 

Zodiac says its multiplied by five the sales of the new marque compared to its predecessor, the Medline 850, despite the lockdown and late deliveries.

Medline 6.8 in 2021

2021 is shaping up to be the busiest year for the French company in terms of new products in the last four years.

One of the eagerly awaited events by MGM Boats, based at Dun Laoghaire Harbour, is the launch of the Medline 6.8. The first units of which will be delivered in early Spring. This new boat, replacing the Medline 660, will be the little brother of the Medline 7.5 and the Medline 9. It will be the mid-range boat, Zodiac plan to deliver more than a hundred units worldwide next year.

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Dun Laoghaire Harbour's MGM Boats have taken delivery of the new Zodiac Pro 5.5 RIB this month that will be displayed at the Harbour Boatyard.

As regular Afloat readers know the top Irish boat dealer added the Zodiac Inflatable and Rigid Inflatable Boat marque to the range of boats offered last December.

The new 5.5 has a Deep V fibreglass hull and a self-bailing deck. Full spec here. 

The new arrival into the yard follows a successful Autumn for MGM. The dealership recently staged an 'Autumn Showcase' with a wide selection of new and used boats on display in the water and outdoors on the hard, featuring brands such as Jeanneau sail and motor boats, Prestige yachts, Zodiac inflatables and Lagoon catamarans.

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MGM Boats’ Autumn Showcase is now open to all at the MGM boatyard in Dun Laoghaire’s Coal Harbour.

The dealership has a wide selection of new and used boats on display in the water and outdoors on the hard, featuring brands such as Jeanneau sail and motor boats, Prestige yachts, Zodiac inflatables and Lagoon catamarans.

A selection of used boats is also available for viewing, and MGM’s team of professional sales personnel and yacht brokers will be available to discuss selling or buying a boat.

With the current public health emergency, the safety of all visitors is paramount — social distancing measure will apply, and face masks must be worn when viewing all boat interiors.

In addition, appointments should be made in advance by contacting [email protected] or calling the office at 01 280 2020 or 087 226 3598.

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The world’s first 4.5m electric tender is now the flagship of Zodiac’s electric RIB range.

Originally launched in 2017 by Z Nautic under the Avon brand, the eJET 450 will now carry the prestigious Zodiac marque as part of a company-wide rebranding strategy.

The eJET 450 is being pitched at the yachting market and “pro-innovation” customers, touting its rechargeable battery and jet drive power system that requires no fuel, oil or maintenance.

Zodiac eJET 450 diagram

With a top speed of 30 knots and 4Kw charge capacity for up to eight hours on the water, the eJET 450 is “a real revolution in the maritime world”.

Irish dealers MGM Boats — who took on the Zodiac RIB range last December — are already fielding enquires. Get in touch for more details.

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About Dublin Port 

Dublin Port is Ireland’s largest and busiest port with approximately 17,000 vessel movements per year. As well as being the country’s largest port, Dublin Port has the highest rate of growth and, in the seven years to 2019, total cargo volumes grew by 36.1%.

The vision of Dublin Port Company is to have the required capacity to service the needs of its customers and the wider economy safely, efficiently and sustainably. Dublin Port will integrate with the City by enhancing the natural and built environments. The Port is being developed in line with Masterplan 2040.

Dublin Port Company is currently investing about €277 million on its Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR), which is due to be complete by 2021. The redevelopment will improve the port's capacity for large ships by deepening and lengthening 3km of its 7km of berths. The ABR is part of a €1bn capital programme up to 2028, which will also include initial work on the Dublin Port’s MP2 Project - a major capital development project proposal for works within the existing port lands in the northeastern part of the port.

Dublin Port has also recently secured planning approval for the development of the next phase of its inland port near Dublin Airport. The latest stage of the inland port will include a site with the capacity to store more than 2,000 shipping containers and infrastructures such as an ESB substation, an office building and gantry crane.

Dublin Port Company recently submitted a planning application for a €320 million project that aims to provide significant additional capacity at the facility within the port in order to cope with increases in trade up to 2040. The scheme will see a new roll-on/roll-off jetty built to handle ferries of up to 240 metres in length, as well as the redevelopment of an oil berth into a deep-water container berth.

Dublin Port FAQ

Dublin was little more than a monastic settlement until the Norse invasion in the 8th and 9th centuries when they selected the Liffey Estuary as their point of entry to the country as it provided relatively easy access to the central plains of Ireland. Trading with England and Europe followed which required port facilities, so the development of Dublin Port is inextricably linked to the development of Dublin City, so it is fair to say the origins of the Port go back over one thousand years. As a result, the modern organisation Dublin Port has a long and remarkable history, dating back over 300 years from 1707.

The original Port of Dublin was situated upriver, a few miles from its current location near the modern Civic Offices at Wood Quay and close to Christchurch Cathedral. The Port remained close to that area until the new Custom House opened in the 1790s. In medieval times Dublin shipped cattle hides to Britain and the continent, and the returning ships carried wine, pottery and other goods.

510 acres. The modern Dublin Port is located either side of the River Liffey, out to its mouth. On the north side of the river, the central part (205 hectares or 510 acres) of the Port lies at the end of East Wall and North Wall, from Alexandra Quay.

Dublin Port Company is a State-owned commercial company responsible for operating and developing Dublin Port.

Dublin Port Company is a self-financing, and profitable private limited company wholly-owned by the State, whose business is to manage Dublin Port, Ireland's premier Port. Established as a corporate entity in 1997, Dublin Port Company is responsible for the management, control, operation and development of the Port.

Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny of the Bounty fame) was a visitor to Dublin in 1800, and his visit to the capital had a lasting effect on the Port. Bligh's study of the currents in Dublin Bay provided the basis for the construction of the North Wall. This undertaking led to the growth of Bull Island to its present size.

Yes. Dublin Port is the largest freight and passenger port in Ireland. It handles almost 50% of all trade in the Republic of Ireland.

All cargo handling activities being carried out by private sector companies operating in intensely competitive markets within the Port. Dublin Port Company provides world-class facilities, services, accommodation and lands in the harbour for ships, goods and passengers.

Eamonn O'Reilly is the Dublin Port Chief Executive.

Capt. Michael McKenna is the Dublin Port Harbour Master

In 2019, 1,949,229 people came through the Port.

In 2019, there were 158 cruise liner visits.

In 2019, 9.4 million gross tonnes of exports were handled by Dublin Port.

In 2019, there were 7,898 ship arrivals.

In 2019, there was a gross tonnage of 38.1 million.

In 2019, there were 559,506 tourist vehicles.

There were 98,897 lorries in 2019

Boats can navigate the River Liffey into Dublin by using the navigational guidelines. Find the guidelines on this page here.

VHF channel 12. Commercial vessels using Dublin Port or Dun Laoghaire Port typically have a qualified pilot or certified master with proven local knowledge on board. They "listen out" on VHF channel 12 when in Dublin Port's jurisdiction.

A Dublin Bay webcam showing the south of the Bay at Dun Laoghaire and a distant view of Dublin Port Shipping is here
Dublin Port is creating a distributed museum on its lands in Dublin City.
 A Liffey Tolka Project cycle and pedestrian way is the key to link the elements of this distributed museum together.  The distributed museum starts at the Diving Bell and, over the course of 6.3km, will give Dubliners a real sense of the City, the Port and the Bay.  For visitors, it will be a unique eye-opening stroll and vista through and alongside one of Europe’s busiest ports:  Diving Bell along Sir John Rogerson’s Quay over the Samuel Beckett Bridge, past the Scherzer Bridge and down the North Wall Quay campshire to Berth 18 - 1.2 km.   Liffey Tolka Project - Tree-lined pedestrian and cycle route between the River Liffey and the Tolka Estuary - 1.4 km with a 300-metre spur along Alexandra Road to The Pumphouse (to be completed by Q1 2021) and another 200 metres to The Flour Mill.   Tolka Estuary Greenway - Construction of Phase 1 (1.9 km) starts in December 2020 and will be completed by Spring 2022.  Phase 2 (1.3 km) will be delivered within the following five years.  The Pumphouse is a heritage zone being created as part of the Alexandra Basin Redevelopment Project.  The first phase of 1.6 acres will be completed in early 2021 and will include historical port equipment and buildings and a large open space for exhibitions and performances.  It will be expanded in a subsequent phase to incorporate the Victorian Graving Dock No. 1 which will be excavated and revealed. 
 The largest component of the distributed museum will be The Flour Mill.  This involves the redevelopment of the former Odlums Flour Mill on Alexandra Road based on a masterplan completed by Grafton Architects to provide a mix of port operational uses, a National Maritime Archive, two 300 seat performance venues, working and studio spaces for artists and exhibition spaces.   The Flour Mill will be developed in stages over the remaining twenty years of Masterplan 2040 alongside major port infrastructure projects.

Source: Dublin Port Company ©Afloat 2020.