New SIB - Honwave AE 3.8 vs Bombard Aerotec 380?

timrdoyle · 26 April 2012, 12:36

HI Guys,

Looking for some advice please!

Had a Zodiac 310 inflatable with a 15hp 2stroke Parson which worked pretty well for a couple of years (though the Parson was not the most reliable to start - guess you get what you pay for!). Sadly the Zodiac now has quite a large hole in it so the time has come to buy a replacement.

Looking for similar sort of set up but a bit larger - narrowed it down to the Honwave 3.8 AE or the Bombard Aerotec 380, both of which take up to 25hp apparently.

Big question is, is the Bombard worth the extra GBP 1k+ extra? Know it looks super cool etc, but any advice on performance, stowing/inflating etc much appreciated prior to purchase.

Thanks a lot!

Cheers

Tim

Nick Hearne · 26 April 2012, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by timrdoyle

HI Guys,

Looking for some advice please!

Had a Zodiac 310 inflatable with a 15hp 2stroke Parson which worked pretty well for a couple of years (though the Parson was not the most reliable to start - guess you get what you pay for!). Sadly the Zodiac now has quite a large hole in it so the time has come to buy a replacement.

Looking for similar sort of set up but a bit larger - narrowed it down to the Honwave 3.8 AE or the Bombard Aerotec 380, both of which take up to 25hp apparently.

Big question is, is the Bombard worth the extra GBP 1k+ extra? Know it looks super cool etc, but any advice on performance, stowing/inflating etc much appreciated prior to purchase.

Thanks a lot!

Cheers

Tim

Bombard Aerotec 380 with a 15hp 2st gets my vote but then I do have one packs up small 42kg boat & 36kg outboard lots of fun & fit transom wheels no problem as it dose not have the trim tabs coming of the transom the Honda has! I would look for a good second hand one.

PeterM · 26 April 2012, 13:28

I (like Nick) have a Bombard ,but ,and I am sure you have looked at this .. the Bombard is 5kg lighter (which doesn’t sound much but does make a difference) ,I think has a deeper V at the bow , and packs down (in theory at least) to slightly smaller then the Honwave – in reality they never go down as small as you want.

MY view is the Honwave a more helpful shaped bow ( square ) , and is a more family friendly boat – a bit wider and less ‘ sporty’ performance – due to the extra kgs and wider beam….

Horses for courses …..There was a bombard for sale here http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/bombard...oke-47445.html with very nice wheels etc - that was willing to be split - I enquired but it’s a long way from me on the coast to get it – or I would have got it ! Even with the petrol / time to go get it form London way I think you'd have a very nice boat.

PS - Welcome & you will now be sucked into RIBNET - especailly if (when) you end getting yout new boat

falcon0310 · 26 April 2012, 16:05

what about quicksilver 380 ? i have one if you want

falcon0310 · 26 April 2012, 16:07

there pic no patches

falcon0310 · 26 April 2012, 16:08

got nice 25 autolube yam or 20 evinrude if needed

falcon0310 · 26 April 2012, 16:09

only seling as have 2 girls and boy and g/f and they want come with me !

clydeoutboards · 26 April 2012, 18:01

Honwave all the time, more stable due to having bigger tubes, great build quaility, its Honda, 1k is a lot extra for the bombard that you could spend on a better engine, or some nice extras i.e. launching wheels.

oh 100% biased as we sell a lot of them and send uk wide.

dave

John Kennett · 26 April 2012, 18:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by clydeoutboards

Honwave all the time, more stable due to having bigger tubes, great build quaility, its Honda

The Honwave doesn't actually have bigger tubes, and it's not actually made by Honda. And the build quality on the Bombard is at least as good as the Honwave. Just saying!

I don't know that the Aerotec is worth an extra grand though. But then I wouldn't buy one new anyway...

timrdoyle · 27 April 2012, 08:35

Hi guys, thanks for all the feedback. V useful. Thanks esp. to PeterM for pointing me towards the Bombard on sale - have been in contact with AndyC and trying to sort something out as it's a great package.

Cheers

Tim

TomKat · 27 April 2012, 17:48

How would the above compare to a Zodiac Futura? Thinking of something to stash in the back of my camper. Options:-

Cheapo old Zodiac with cheap engine (prob heavy and not great but cheapeast option?)
Honwave/Aerotec
Quicksilver Heavy duty style
or Futura

any thought?

ppenman · 28 April 2012, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomKat

How would the above compare to a Zodiac Futura? Thinking of something to stash in the back of my camper. Options:-

Cheapo old Zodiac with cheap engine (prob heavy and not great but cheapeast option?)
Honwave/Aerotec
Quicksilver Heavy duty style
or Futura

any thought?

I've got a future mk2c fastroller having previously has an aerotec 380.

The zodiac is more comfortable and spacious. It's also heavier, bulkier when packed and slower. however, In my opinion the zodiac quality is better (both boats were bought new).

The bombard is much lighter (about half the weight), packs into a smaller package and planes on less power. My tohatsu 9.8 2 stroke would plane on the bombard with 2 persons but the zodiac won't.

If you regularly have more than two adults on board you'll probably prefer the extra space of the zodiac.

Personally I wish I'd bought another aerotec rather than the zodiac which was much more expensive.

TomKat · 29 April 2012, 16:22

Sounds like a 380 might be the best option for me, will have to keep my eyes open for a bargain! Cheers TK