inflatable dilemma

uny1965 · 29 July 2009, 12:10

Hi everyone, having a spot of trouble deciding on boat package. I have at the moment a 3.2m honwave with a mariner 15hp 2 stroke on the back, but i am craving a bit more speed for towing toys etc. I am thinking of purchasing a 2nd hand 2007 bombard 380 aerodec with a 18hp tohatsu 2 stroke and was wondering what you all think. could i mix and match the 2 packages. ie:- could i put the 18hp on the back of the honwave or 15hp on the bombard. Bit concerned over the weight as the honwave and 15hp fits just nicely in the back of my zafira with 4 passengers. also we tow a folding camper so trailering is out of the question. many thanks in advance.

oujakov · 29 July 2009, 12:53

3hp will not make make big difference, especialy on the larger boat.

John Kennett · 29 July 2009, 13:56

The Bombard is a bit underpowered with a 15hp unless you're only planning to load it lightly. With one or two people on board you'd be OK, but if you ever want to use it 4-up you'll wish you had a 25. Not sure whether the 18 would give any real benefit over a 15.

Locozodiac · 30 July 2009, 17:21

Can use both 15-18 engines on both sibs combinations, a 18 is superior in performance to any 15, nearly same weight, same size to modern engines, but with 50 CC more to 15. Up to 3 mates with light load sib would be ok, if more mates use, try a 25/30 HP.

Happy Sibbing

codprawn · 30 July 2009, 23:00

The tohatsu 18hp is the same weight as a 15hp.

If you get it and are fed up with a noisy smelly 2 stroke I would do you a straight swop with a lovely suzuki 15hp 4 stroke.............