Zodiac Medline II
Review by Paul Mahy
With a starting price of £8,425 The Medline is a more economic option,
but still has a very good list of specs.
So the hull and trappings aren't built to the hardy standard of the Eclipse,
but these Medlines are still very strong, seaworthy and just as much fun. Sporting
inflatable tubes, this truly is a RIB and I thought she looked quite striking.
The 0.575m tubes are double layered Duotex, grey in colour and set off
with blue
stripes, which nicely complement the interior design of striped cushions on the
seating and sun lounge areas. At 6m she is slightly longer than her pricier
cousin and beamier at 2.50m. Speed is
also slightly up on this model, her maximum being 46 mph, but then this
is a lighter craft.
The 150hp Ficht that was on the test model drove the boat well and she was light,
responsive and comfortable.
The helm seat is more of a bum bolster, which can be adjusted and the back is
supported by a lateral bolster that can be positioned to enhance the sun deck
aft. Storage is found in all the local haunts with a space large enough for wakeboards
and skis under the padded area aft.
Even though she doesn't have as much gear as the Eclipse as standard, the list
is still very impressive.
Unfortunately, the show was for the public and the greedy so & so's wouldn't
leave the Zodiac® stand alone for a second, so my time on and around this
new craft was more introductory, but it won't be long before the opportunity
comes around when I can really go for a blast in both the Medline and Eclipse
RIBs. Even from my initial inspection, both these
craft are worth a good look.
