380 bombard aerotech

lockieboi · 27 April 2011, 14:08

I am thinking of upgrading my SIB

I have seen a 380 bombard aerotech on ebay but the seller has mentioned that the valves leak air slightly and he will include new valves.

Are these easy to change?

Also currently I have a 320 airdeck and it is far to bumpy on the sea.

Would a bombard be significantly better?(Less bumpy)

Thanks

willk · 27 April 2011, 15:01

...and thus the evolution to RIB owner begins.

Mattywooo · 27 April 2011, 15:16

The 0.6m difference in lenght and gain in beam will improve the ride im sure but i think that a hard floor (ali / wood) would be less bumpy and have better stability compared to a air deck. But then this does add weight to the setup and is a whole different issue.

Im not sure on the valves so cant help here.

I would recommend, if you can, to invest in the biggest SIB possible with ali floor. I have a 3.3m ali floor and cant wait to get a 4.8m bad boy.

Happy SIBING...

Mattywooo · 27 April 2011, 15:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

...and thus the evolution to RIB owner begins.

So True...

Nick Hearne · 27 April 2011, 15:35

I recon you should be able to clean out the old ones & if not they just screw in & out!
I have one & it is one hell of a lot of fun for something that is easy & light to carry & fits in the back of the car no problem, but may be better than most Sibs but it ant a Rib!

John Kennett · 27 April 2011, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockieboi

Also currently I have a 320 airdeck and it is far to bumpy on the sea.

Would a bombard be significantly better?(Less bumpy)

Yes. The Aerotec 380 will perform much better than your current boat. The hull is an entirely different design and is a massive improvement over a flat air floor with an inflatable keel.

I would say that an Aerotec hull actually performs as well as a conventional wood or ali floor with an inflatable keel. Plus it's lighter and has more internal freeboard.

PeterM · 27 April 2011, 17:40

I think you will bounce just as much

....... but going faster with a bigger smile on your face ....

Great boats with a very good reputation....now I want one too !

Nos4r2 · 27 April 2011, 18:01

I think you should have a look here before it sells:-

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=41045

lockieboi · 27 April 2011, 18:06

Thanks for that but slightly out my price range!!

The one i saw on ebay is currently £200 with 2 days to go so i was hoping for a bargain!

PeterM · 29 April 2011, 18:16

Well I had to ...sorry ......

Now I need an engine..!

It may be a summer toy and for sale in a few months..

rik_elliott · 29 April 2011, 19:30

Indeed I was going to bid too peter. Error sharing a bargain!

Bongy · 30 April 2011, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Well I had to ...sorry ......

Now I need an engine..!

It may be a summer toy and for sale in a few months..

you outbid me by £10 lol

Commando C2 · 30 April 2011, 21:21

yes the valves on these are easy to replace.

You need to unscrew the valve anti clockwise, using the valve cap helps.
then just screw in the new one.

There may be some sand behind the valve but for about £6 a new valve would be better as once on the water you dont want it leaking!!