Zodiac is a tradename for a make of inflatable boat, but often has become a genericized tradename used to mean any rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RIB).

Uses
Inflatables are commonly between 2 and 7 metres (6 to 21 feet) long and are propelled by outboard motors of 5 to 80 horsepower (4 to 60 kW). Due to their speed, portability and weight, inflatable boats are used as:-

rescue craft
dive boats for scuba diving
tenders for larger boats and ships in port and at sea
luxury yacht tenders
recreational water skiing
for racing
commercial or recreational fishing
for military purposes, such as transporting soldiers from a vessel to shore
Inflatables up to 6 meters in length can be towed on trailers on the road.

These boats are often used by special-operations units of the armed forces of several nations, for such purposes as landing on beaches or submarines. They have also been used by special operations soldiers without government sponsorship, such as guerrillas, pirates, and terrorists.

Repairing
Should a section puncture it can be repaired while still underway. More extensive inflatable boat repairs - due to pinholes, punctures, peeling, leaks or worn fabric - can be done in dry dock using two-stage synthetic rubber coatings (SRC).
Subject to a great deal of wear and tear from the elements - both water and sun - inflatable boats are often replaced when they could be restored or even repaired. Products that aggressively adhere to the damaged Hypalon or PVC shell can fix virtually any surface damage through a unique chemical bonding between the undercoat and topcoat that permanently vulcanizes the two rubber coatings together to make the inflatable as good as new. However since the Hypalon material increases the cost of the inflatable up to 15% not all manufactures provide the option.