Zonda Cat (TFL) - Carbon Fibre

[derdirk]

Hi,

I am currently looking at the Zonda Cat from TFL (I think it is also sold under different names elsewhere) and am looking for some advice and experience with the boat from those who own one.

How's the build quality and does the hull needs reinforcement or something? I read that in some cases you can actually see through the hull because it is so thin - true?

What would be the max speed the hull can handle?

Any advice or experience would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

DJ

[kfxguy]

I owned one for a while. I ended up selling it to finish another project but I can still answer some of your questions.

Yes, it's thin and can see through it in places....I have had other hulls that you can see through too so I wouldn't worry about that.

It needs reinforcement in my opinion if your going to go fast with it. If you dont, I see you have ing problems with it splitting open after a couple high speed flips.

These hulls have been well into the 100's....I have a 32" version that runs 95mph with ease so no problem with speed. Mine is reinforced well and I've flipped mine at 90+ mph with no damage.

I feel compelled to tell you for about the same money there is a much stronger and better hull you can get....

http://keithbradleyboats.com/product-category/hulls/

look at the 45" mystic style hull.....

[derdirk]

Yes, I saw a couple of videos where it is running very high speeds and I was always wondering if the stock hull can handle.

For me, I am not looking to run 90+ mph - I would be happy with stable 70-80mph as I am more the sport boat driver and not after breaking any records.

I saw the mystic style hulls from MHZ (Germany) or HPR (Swiss) which are very nice- for a decent hull and set up you would easily spend 1800 USD plus - this is the reason I am looking at the TFL Zonda.

Question really is if it is worth the money or do I end up spending a lot more dollars on making it work?!

I own a Genesis with twin set up which runs about 60mph and I am super happy with it, the hull isn't reinforced but I guess this is pretty much the max speed for that hull without any reinforcements.

[kfxguy]

Yes, I saw a couple of videos where it is running very high speeds and I was always wondering if the stock hull can handle.

For me, I am not looking to run 90+ mph - I would be happy with stable 70-80mph as I am more the sport boat driver and not after breaking any records.

I saw the mystic style hulls from MHZ (Germany) or HPR (Swiss) which are very nice- for a decent hull and set up you would easily spend 1800 USD plus - this is the reason I am looking at the TFL Zonda.

Question really is if it is worth the money or do I end up spending a lot more dollars on making it work?!

I own a Genesis with twin set up which runs about 60mph and I am super happy with it, the hull isn't reinforced but I guess this is pretty much the max speed for that hull without any reinforcements.

even at the speeds your wanting, I would still recommend reinforcing it. then later on if you decide to go faster, it will already be able to handle it. this hull is very thin from the factory...and i had the later, stronger version. by the time you have the hull shipped from tfl, you could have bought a kbb hull.

[derdirk]

Got it, thanks for the advice - sounds like it is best to do before breaking it.