Zodiac Inflatable Boats
70 Years Of Innovation
Back in 1934, when Pierre Debroutelle, Zodiac’s brilliant engineer, designed the prototype of an inflatable 2-seater kayak, the company could never have imagined that it was opening the door to a market that would expand enormously with the dawning of the leisure society. In 1937, interested by its research, the Naval Air Force entrusted the company with the task of developing a craft capable of transporting torpedoes and bombs. Pierre Debroutelle came up with a new, U-shaped prototype, comprising two side air chambers joined by a wooden dashboard. This was the true forerunner of the modern inflatable boat, leading to many future pleasure craft. Since then, Zodiac has continually developed its boats, firstly for the military market, then – in the 1960s, to satisfy the public’s demand for pleasure craft and motorboats. Through patents and awards, these innovations enabled the company to meet the pleasure-boating fraternity’s demands for ever-increasing quality and safety and won their confidence. This explains how – for 70 years – Zodiac has retained its place as world leader in inflatable boats.
Research & Development
With more than a million boats sold throughout the world, Zodiac is the world’s largest manufacturer of inflatable boats. Constantly undertaking ambitious programs of research and development, Zodiac endows its boats with a strategy of systematic innovation backed by constant technological breakthroughs. Zodiac originated most of the major concepts that have led the development of the inflatable (inflatable keel, Futura hull, H2P airfloor) and has launched the new concept of the Acti-V hull which equips the Cadet Fastroller range. All Zodiac products comply with international standards and the toughest quality requirements.
Zodiac Mastering The Elements
Zodiac Marine’s technological expertise in many areas is thanks to the aeronautical heritage of the Zodiac Group, especially in the transformation of flexible materials and composites, specifically in civil aircraft emergency escape slides, helicopter buoyancy floats and life jackets. Zodiac is market leader among the general public and professionals in the marine and swim ming pool sectors, two major areas of business where industrial capacity and range of products and services are complementary. Zodiac’s technological expertise can be found in the design of its products as well as their production and the use of materials. The highly-diversified range is a good illustration of its ability to apply this expertise: inflatable boats, rafts, pressure waste disposal systems, swimming pools, automatic cleaners, water treatment systems, swimming pool heating and dehumidifying solutions, etc.
Superior Design And Technology Awarded
2005: Innovation Award for the Cadet range presented by the NMMA* at the Miami Exhibition (inflatables, small boats and tenders category).
2003: Innovation Award for the “Acti-V” hull concept on the Cadet FR awarded by the NMMA*.
2003: Excellence in Customer Satisfaction award, providing annual recognition to marine companies that measure customer satisfaction.
2002: Innovation Award for the Medline III awarded by the NMMA*.
* National Marine Manufacturers Association
