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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.

Published in MGM Boats
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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.

Published in MGM Boats
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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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Dublin Bay 21s

An exciting new project to breathe life into six defunct 120-year-old Irish yachts that happen to be the oldest intact one-design keelboat class in the world has captured the imagination of sailors at Ireland's biggest sailing centre. The birthplace of the original Dublin Bay 21 class is getting ready to welcome home the six restored craft after 40 years thanks to an ambitious boat building project was completed on the Shannon Estuary that saved them from completely rotting away.

Dublin Bay 21 FAQs

The Dublin Bay 21 is a vintage one-design wooden yacht designed for sailing in Dublin Bay.

Seven were built between 1903 and 1906.

As of 2020, the yachts are 117 years old.

Alfred Mylne designed the seven yachts.

The total voting population in the Republic's inhabited islands is just over 2,600 people, according to the Department of Housing.

Dublin Bay Sailing Club (DBSC) commissioned the boat to encourage inexpensive one-design racing to recognise the success of the Water Wag one-design dinghy of 1887 and the Colleen keelboat class of 1897.

Estelle built by Hollwey, 1903; Garavogue built by Kelly, 1903; Innisfallen built by Hollwey, 1903.; Maureen built by Hollwey, 1903.; Oola built by Kelly, 1905; Naneen built by Clancy, 1905.

Overall length- 32'-6', Beam- 7'-6", Keel lead- 2 tons Sail area - 600sq.ft

The first race took place on 19 June 1903 in Dublin Bay.

They may be the oldest intact class of racing keelboat yacht in the world. Sailing together in a fleet, they are one of the loveliest sights to be seen on any sailing waters in the world, according to many Dublin Bay aficionados.

In 1964, some of the owners thought that the boats were outdated, and needed a new breath of fresh air. After extensive discussions between all the owners, the gaff rig and timber mast was abandoned in favour of a more fashionable Bermudan rig with an aluminium mast. Unfortunately, this rig put previously unseen loads on the hulls, resulting in some permanent damage.

The fleet was taken out of the water in 1986 after Hurricane Charlie ruined active Dublin Bay 21 fleet racing in August of that year. Two 21s sank in the storm, suffering the same fate as their sister ship Estelle four years earlier. The class then became defunct. In 1988, master shipwright Jack Tyrrell of Arklow inspected the fleet and considered the state of the hulls as vulnerable, describing them as 'still restorable even if some would need a virtual rebuild'. The fleet then lay rotting in a farmyard in Arklow until 2019 and the pioneering project of Dun Laoghaire sailors Fionan De Barra and Hal Sisk who decided to bring them back to their former glory.

Hurricane Charlie finally ruined active Dublin Bay 21 fleet racing in August 1986. Two 21s sank in the storm, suffering the same fate as a sister ship four years earlier; Estelle sank twice, once on her moorings and once in a near-tragic downwind capsize. Despite their collective salvage from the sea bed, the class decided the ancient boats should not be allowed suffer anymore. To avoid further deterioration and risk to the rare craft all seven 21s were put into storage in 1989 under the direction of the naval architect Jack Tyrrell at his yard in Arklow.

While two of the fleet, Garavogue and Geraldine sailed to their current home, the other five, in various states of disrepair, were carried the 50-odd miles to Arklow by road.

To revive the legendary Dublin Bay 21 class, the famous Mylne design of 1902-03. Hal Sisk and Fionan de Barra are developing ideas to retain the class's spirit while making the boats more appropriate to today's needs in Dun Laoghaire harbour, with its many other rival sailing attractions. The Dublin Bay 21-foot class's fate represents far more than the loss of a single class; it is bad news for the Bay's yachting heritage at large. Although Dún Laoghaire turned a blind eye to the plight of the oldest intact one-design keelboat fleet in the world for 30 years or more they are now fully restored.

The Dublin Bay 21 Restoration team includes Steve Morris, James Madigan, Hal Sisk, Fionan de Barra, Fintan Ryan and Dan Mill.

Retaining the pure Mylne-designed hull was essential, but the project has new laminated cold-moulded hulls which are being built inverted but will, when finished and upright, be fitted on the original ballast keels, thereby maintaining the boat’s continuity of existence, the presence of the true spirit of the ship.

It will be a gunter-rigged sloop. It was decided a simpler yet clearly vintage rig was needed for the time-constrained sailors of the 21st Century. So, far from bringing the original and almost-mythical gaff cutter rig with jackyard topsail back to life above a traditionally-constructed hull, the project is content to have an attractive gunter-rigged sloop – “American gaff” some would call it.

The first DB 21 to get the treatment was Naneen, originally built in 1905 by Clancy of Dun Laoghaire for T. Cosby Burrowes, a serial boat owner from Cavan.

On Dublin Bay. Dublin Bay Sailing Club granted a racing start for 2020 Tuesday evening racing starting in 2020, but it was deferred due to COVID-19.
Initially, two Dublin Bay 21s will race then three as the boat building project based in Kilrush on the Shannon Estuary completes the six-boat project.
The restored boats will be welcomed back to the Bay in a special DBSC gun salute from committee boat Mac Lir at the start of the season.
In a recollection for Afloat, well known Dun Laoghaire one-design sailor Roger Bannon said: "They were complete bitches of boats to sail, over-canvassed and fundamentally badly balanced. Their construction and design was also seriously flawed which meant that they constantly leaked and required endless expensive maintenance. They suffered from unbelievable lee helm which led to regular swamping's and indeed several sinkings.

©Afloat 2020