Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) wouldn’t be what they are today without the rise of an industrial icon that has innovated and evolved through the decades: Zodiac. A true pioneer, the brand name has become so synonymous with the product that it’s now used as a generic term. People don’t refer to them as inflatable boats or RIBs; they say Zodiac. Let’s take a journey through the history of this iconic brand from its beginnings to its present-day offerings in 2024.
1) The origins of Zodiac
Zodiac’s roots date back to 1896 with the founding of Société Mallet, Mélandri et de Pitray, just two years before the Renault brand was born by the famous brothers Louis, Marcel, and Fernand. Initially, the company focused on designing early airships and dirigible balloons. In 1908, it changed its name to Société française de ballons dirigeables et d’aviation Zodiac (French Company for Dirigible Balloons and Aviation).
It wasn’t until the 1930s that the company shifted its focus from aviation to maritime industries. Engineer Pierre Debroutelle created the first prototypes of inflatable boats for the French Navy, marking the birth of the Zodiac brand. Over the next three decades, Zodiac developed its expertise working closely with the military, building increasingly reliable vessels. The brand gained worldwide attention when Alain Bombard crossed the Atlantic in 1952 aboard a Zodiac inflatable boat, cementing the company’s reputation among the public.
In the 1960s, Zodiac expanded into the recreational boating market. Since then, the company has continually evolved, becoming a global leader in the maritime industry.
2) Zodiac: a global reference
Since the 1960s, Zodiac has come a long way. The company has developed an extensive distribution network, and its reputation has spread far beyond France. Today, Zodiac operates in 90 countries with over 1,600 dealer partners. According to the company, more than one million units have been sold worldwide, creating a large community of satisfied boat owners across the globe.
Zodiac owes part of its popularity to its strong partnerships with major events like the Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum, and Tour de France à la Voile. By supporting such prestigious events, Zodiac has built a valuable platform to showcase its craftsmanship to the public.
On November 10, 2024, Zodiac once again supported the IMOCA (18-meter monohull) fleet at the start of the Vendée Globe 2024 in Les Sables-d’Olonne. Among the vessels featured were:
- 5 x OPEN 6.5 VENDÉE GLOBE 2024 LIMITED EDITION
- 34 x PRO 7 VENDÉE GLOBE 2024 LIMITED EDITION
- 2 x PRO 850 VENDÉE GLOBE 2024 LIMITED EDITION
These limited-edition models, designed for performance and safety, were available for pre-order on Zodiac’s website and will be delivered to their new owners once their event duties are complete (mid-November 2024 to March 2025). Purchasing one of these boats is a strong statement of loyalty to the Zodiac brand.
3) Zodiac’s range in 2024
Zodiac offers an extensive range of boats that will appeal to all boating enthusiasts looking for quality and performance. Here are the main product lines:
- The Open Range: With 8 models ranging from 3.1m to 6.5m, the Open series offers excellent value for money and unparalleled versatility. Perfect for leisurely cruises, family outings, fishing, or water sports, the Open range embodies the classic Zodiac: simple, reliable, and built to last.
- The Medline Range: Designed for comfort and socializing, the Medline range is perfect for those seeking memorable family moments. With models from 5.8m to 9m and unique color options, there’s sure to be a boat that suits your needs in this collection.
- The PRO Range: True to its name, the PRO range is designed to support all your marine activities. Whether you’re a diver, fisherman, or underwater hunter, these boats are reliable, functional, and fully customizable to suit your specific needs.
- The Yachtline Range: If you own a yacht and need a complementary vessel for easy mobility, the Yachtline range is made for you. Compact, stylish, and practical, it integrates perfectly as a tender, providing the ideal mobility solution for your yacht.
- The Tenders Range: Lightweight and compact, Zodiac’s tenders are ideal for reaching the beach or shore from your main vessel. While they are the smallest models in the Zodiac lineup, they still carry all the brand’s renowned expertise. A must-have for any boater.
- The eOpen Range: The eOpen range is 100% electric, developed in collaboration with Torqeedo for sustainable, environmentally friendly navigation. The eOpen 3.4, measuring 3.4 meters long by 1.7 meters wide, is the perfect tender for a greener future of boating.
- The X10CC Range: The latest addition to the Zodiac fleet, the X10CC combines the best of both worlds with an innovative design blending a rigid hull boat and inflatable boat. With a length of 9.99 meters, the X10CC is Zodiac’s largest boat ever developed, marking a major milestone for the brand.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the history of Zodiac not only represents an impressive industrial evolution but also showcases the lasting impact of a bold, innovative vision. From its humble beginnings in aviation to its global reputation in the boating industry, Zodiac has continuously adapted to the changing needs of its time, while remaining true to its values of quality and performance.
Zodiac’s commitment to sustainable innovation, exemplified by its electric models developed in partnership with Torqeedo, demonstrates its ongoing dedication to shaping the future of boating while preserving the environment.
In 2024, Zodiac continues to stand out with a diverse range of boats, catering to the needs of every boater, from professionals to enthusiasts. Through its past and present successes, Zodiac remains a symbol of excellence and French craftsmanship in the maritime world.
