A French manufacture
Zeppelin manufactures French RIBs in its factory in Le Lude, near Le Mans. The hull in foamed polyester is manufactured in Saumur (49) and ensures the unsinkability of the boats. The hypalon floats are manufactured at the shipyard. Today, 60% of its activity is dedicated to the professional market and 40% to pleasure boating. A target that Zeppelin wishes to develop.
Develop the family RIB
Well-known in the sport fishing sector, the RIB manufacturer has taken a new direction in the last two years by offering more versatile and family-oriented boats.
"We've introduced comfort elements, both for family and leisure." explains François Penlaë, director of the site.
Customize your layout
Thus, the 5 euro pleasure boat models, whose core range is carried by the 6.10 m to 7.50 m euro models, offer several choices of bolster, console and different colors of upholstery. A great deal of work has also been done on the floats, with a different color stripe. There is a choice of hanging seats, a folding seat, a black or white console and a rear cockpit with a bench seat. The boats can also be equipped with ski masts or roll bars for towed water sports. It is also possible to install drop-stitch sunbeds, the same material as paddle boards.
With this new approach, Zeppelin wants to seduce boaters with a look that varies according to their desires and a greater comfort. The whole associated with an excellent sea passage, thanks to a deep V hull, which remains stable even in the waves and turns flat.
Excellent marine behavior
To check the marine quality of the hulls of the semi-rigid Zeppelin, we had the opportunity to go for a test in the rocky channel, during the Grand Pavois, in September 2021. Of course, the rough sea did not offer optimal conditions for speed measurements, but it nevertheless allowed us to discover a healthy and safe boat. One of the outstanding features, the hull turns flat, offering a feeling of safety to the passengers. Despite the 1m high waves, the hull offers a rather exceptional passage in rough seas. The hull rises clearly above the water and glides before jumping into the waves, but without falling back violently. We are certainly shaken at high speed, but we easily support the movements, well clutched to the handrails.
As far as piloting is concerned, our boat is easy to drive and responds quickly to the steering wheel's injunctions. The driving position on the bolster is rather pleasant, well seated on its two legs. The windshield protects rather well from the spray.
For our test, we were aboard a Zeppelin XV750 Pro euros 7.50 m long and 3.05 m wide euros the range of the largest models from Zeppelin offering a large deck plan for a flexible layout. Our model was ideally equipped for fishing with two depth sounders and a vast deck plan with a central console, ideal to move around the boat. Its rear bench seat with storage locker, its bolster with folding seat or its rollbar are more suitable for use with family or friends. Ideal for both worlds.
As for the engine, the XV750 Pro was equipped with a Suzuki outboard of 350 hp, its maximum power, with the Dual Prop counter-rotating propeller. It cruises at about 29.5 knots (38L per hour at 3euros500 rpm). If the bad sea conditions did not allow us to exceed 34 knots (4euros000 rpm), the dealer indicates a maximum speed of 50 knots on flat sea.
