Luxury and unsinkable RIB boats

130 YEARS OF AIR AND WATER

Zodiac Nautic has its origins in the ‘Société française de ballons dirigeables et d’aviation Zodiac’, a specialist in the production of airships. One of its engineers, Pierre Debroutelle, invented the first inflatable boat prototypes in the 1930s for the Aéronavale (French Naval Air Force), which was looking for easy and innovative solutions for military transport.

This move from the air to the sea would make Zodiac world famous. In the 1960s, the company moved into the leisure industry in response to the boating craze among holidaymakers. With its unrivalled experience, Zodiac Nautic, the pioneer of major innovations in the field of inflatable boats, is today at the forefront in terms of products and services, fully in tune with the times.

From airships to rigid inflatable boats, 130 years of incredible milestones have shaped our company’s journey.

1896

Aeronautical Beginnings

Zodiac is founded in France and initially specializes in the manufacturing of airships and aircraft. The company quickly stands out for its technical expertise and its innovative approach to inflatable structures.

1920

First Maritime Military Applications

The company develops inflatable shuttles for the French Navy, notably used to transport shells and ammunition between ships. This marks the beginning of Zodiac’s expertise in operational maritime applications.

1952

Alain Bombard’s Achievement

Doctor and explorer Alain Bombard crosses the Atlantic aboard L’Hérétique, a Zodiac boat measuring only 4.65 meters. Over 65 days, this adventure proves the strength and reliability of inflatable boats, earning the brand international recognition.

1959

Birth of the Bombard Brand

The first boat bearing the BOMBARD name is launched, strengthening Zodiac’s image as a pioneer of the modern inflatable boat and a key player in maritime safety and adventure.

1960

The Rise of Recreational Boating

With the growth of leisure boating, Zodiac makes inflatable boats accessible to the general public. These boats become synonymous with freedom, exploration, and accessibility for an entire generation of boating enthusiasts.

1980

Entry into the American Market

Zodiac Nautic officially enters the North American market with the opening of its first U.S. office in Stevensville, Maryland, on Kent Island. This milestone marks the beginning of Zodiac’s expansion in the recreational boating sector across the United States, establishing a strong dealer network and a lasting presence on American waters.

1992

Launch of the Pro Jet 420

Zodiac, in collaboration with Yamaha, officially launches the jet-powered Pro Jet 420 on the U.S. market in 1992, marking a major advancement in compact rigid inflatable boat performance. This innovative model combines Zodiac’s proven hull with Yamaha’s jet propulsion, delivering unmatched speed, agility, and shallow-water capability.

2006

A Historic Record

Zodiac achieves the highest revenue in its nautical division’s history, reaching nearly €80 million, confirming its status as a global benchmark in inflatable boats and RIBs.

2017

Innovation and Electric Propulsion

Zodiac innovates with the development of an electric tender equipped with a hydrojet, demonstrating the group’s commitment to integrating more modern, quiet, and environmentally friendly solutions.

2018

Creation of Z Nautic Group and AKA Marine

The establishment of Z Nautic Group and AKA Marine structures the company’s operations and opens a new chapter in the brand’s international and industrial development.

2026

Looking to the Future

Zodiac firmly embraces the future by continuing to develop innovative, sustainable, and accessible nautical solutions, staying true to 130 years of pioneering spirit.

"Mastering air and water through a resolutely innovative approach has been Zodiac's vocation since its creation in 1896."

Know-how

130 years of experience and inventor of the inflatable boat, Zodiac Nautic offers products with exceptional durability and reliability thanks to materials and manufacturing processes that are always at the cutting edge of technology.

THE HULL
Its rot-proof polyester internal structure, made up of a grid of longerons and stringers, ensures a one-piece connection between the hull and the deck. This method provides an overall rigidity that is conducive to performance and resistant to all impacts experienced while sailing, under all load conditions.

THE TUBE
Zodiac Nautic has developed a unique industrial process for assembling its tubes: thermo-banding. This process consists of welding the pieces of Strongan fabric together to provide a perfect seal and a durable, almost indestructible quality of assembly, which is superior to the fabric’s own strength. Zodiac Nautic is the only manufacturer to have mastered the welding of all the structural elements of an inflatable boat, guaranteeing exceptional longevity and safety.

REMOVABLE TUBE: A CONCEPT BY ZODIAC
Available on most of our models, the tube is equipped with a bolt rope that slots into a groove in the hull. Sealing is ensured by pressurising the tube. Fully removable, the tube can be dismantled and folded for easy maintenance, repair, transport and storage.

CHANGING THE TUBE?
Nothing could be simpler; the tubes can be replaced independently of the hulls, ideal for renovating or giving your boat a new look at low cost.

QUALITY TEST
Zodiac Nautic carefully selects the materials that are used to build its boats according to a strict set of specifications that guarantee an exceptional standard of quality. Zodiac Nautic is probably the only manufacturer to put its new boats through a rigorous series of sailing tests in extreme conditions. Rest assured, your Zodiac boat will accompany you everywhere and for a long time.

The RIB concept

TRUE 4×4 OF THE SEAS
True ocean adventurers, they are extremely popular with professionals and boaters who appreciate their exceptional marine qualities and practicality at all times.

MORE SEAWORTHY
The unique combination of a very low centre of gravity, a deep V hull and a stabilising/shock-absorbing tube gives the RIBs speed and crossing capabilities in rough seas with unprecedented comfort and safety. To try it is to discover a new level of performance. Anglers and experienced pilots are not mistaken; its devoted users could not do without it.

MORE CAPACITY
The Zodiac boat has an exceptional weight/surface area ratio, providing such buoyancy that it can carry considerable loads: ideal for day trips with large numbers of friends or family and in complete safety! The buoyancy distributed around the periphery, combined with a very low centre of gravity, ensures a level of stability that makes Zodiac boats almost impossible to capsize when loaded! The tubes of a Zodiac boat have several compartments separated by watertight partitions. Thanks to its large air supply, the boat retains its buoyancy and remains conceptually unsinkable when fully loaded, even with a deflated compartment.

MORE PRACTICAL
It’s so easy to put it in the water or pull it onto the beach! The low weight of Zodiac boats allows a passenger vehicle to be launched easily. Without a berth, RIBs are as economical as they are practical. The tubes are permanent fenders and naturally act as shock absorbers. When manoeuvring in the harbour, if it comes into contact with the boat alongside or the quay at low speed, it will bounce off the obstruction without causing any damage.