SIB Choice

[Flotsam]

Hello all

I read with interest the various threads regarding inflatable boats, I would like to hear your opinions regarding the Futura boats from Zodiac.

It seems that their handling is not in doubt, do the planing tubes make the boat more stable as a platform when stationary?

With regard to the option of inflatable floor against rigid (aluminium) floor, how compromised is the rigidity with the inflatable option? I ask as the engine rating being lower for the inflatable floor suggets that there may be an issue. Being 19 stone and 6'5'' i am keen to avoid a situation where the boat folds around me!

How realistic is it to inlate and deflate these boats each time they are used, there seem to a number of Sib users that transport their boats on trailers?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

[prairie tuber]

If you are looking to fit the boat & motor in the trunk (boot) of a car, the inflatable floor has some merit. If you have a utility trailer or a good sized SUV, pick up truck or cargo van, I'd highly recommend floor boards.

[Flotsam]

Thanks for that, I guess a solid floor is the way to go then.

With the Futura there are a number options with respect to consoles, I think I would prefer to have an open deck however as this would be simpler, cheaper and less bulky to store. Will there be an issue with weight distribution when I use the boat solo with this set-up given my previous reference to my 125kg weight? I imagine a a 40-50hp four stroke is going to weigh not much less than me.

Again, any opinions would be most welcome.

Cheers

[thornbackflound]

Originally Posted by Flotsam

Thanks for that, I guess a solid floor is the way to go then.

With the Futura there are a number options with respect to consoles, I think I would prefer to have an open deck however as this would be simpler, cheaper and less bulky to store. Will there be an issue with weight distribution when I use the boat solo with this set-up given my previous reference to my 125kg weight? I imagine a a 40-50hp four stroke is going to weigh not much less than me.

Again, any opinions would be most welcome.

Cheers

well a 10hp Honda 4 stroke weighs in at 92lbs ,or 43kg if my math is right?,saw it to day while browsing so a 40-50hp four stroke is going to weigh a lot more, the mariner 20hp 2 stroke i had ,well still got to sale, is darn heavy.

[bjornaa]

Hard floor, aluminium (it will last for ever) steering console, with jockey seat... even real small boats are great with console...

think this little boat looks great its a RIB but still

[thornbackflound]

Originally Posted by bjornaa

Hard floor, aluminium (it will last for ever) steering console, with jockey seat... even real small boats are great with console...

think this little boat looks great its a RIB but still

Cor bet that flys,very nice ,no room for two to fish tho,lol

[Flotsam]

I have now ordered my Futura III with aluminium floor. Delivery next week so the excitement builds! It's not often that I am really impressed by a business, however John at Nationwide in Warrington really did offer an exceptionally good service with very honest advice and unbiased opinion. Here's hoping for a long warm summer. Thanks to those who replied offering there advice.

[Patrik]

Would be nice to hear if you're satisfied with your choice?

Happened to find this thread when searching for futura. How's that fastroller compared to the cadet fastroller? Would it be worth twice the money for a used futura fastroller 320 instead of a cadet fastroller 340? I am now planning to go in rougher waters than i initially did.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Flotsam

I have now ordered my Futura III with aluminium floor. Delivery next week so the excitement builds! It's not often that I am really impressed by a business, however John at Nationwide in Warrington really did offer an exceptionally good service with very honest advice and unbiased opinion. Here's hoping for a long warm summer. Thanks to those who replied offering there advice.

The Zodiac Futura is a tried and tested design. The MkIII is quite a big boat. I assume you trailering it? Engine choice with remote steering, etc?

[TIMO]

I may part with my 2011 honwave 4m solid floor sib and 2006 40hp 2 stroke tohatsu motor for the right offer buddy.