Valiant D380 (ANY GOOD?)

[actions]

Hello,

I'm after some advice if posisble. I currently own a 2003 30hp Mercury SS 2s outboard and am looking at getting a Valiant D380 (2008 model). However this model is only rated for a 25hp. In terms of transom weight it can take 55kgs and the mercury weighs 51kgs, so its ok in that respect, but would be grateful if anyone could let me know on the 5hp difference.

Also if you have any reviews on the D380 i would appreciate that too.

Many thanks

Matt.

sorry just seen i've put this on wrong post. will try and change.

Hi,

I'm looking at buying a Valiant D380 2008 model at £1995. Are these any good for use as a recreational rib. The main reason for looking at this is price. It will be used off the Kent coast. Have tried searching for reviews with no luck.

Many thanks

Matt.

[Tim M]

Bit small. This is more tender size than something you can use in anger. For that sort of price I would be look (and sounding like a scratched record) for a 4m Searider. Plenty about and you can get a nice one for £2k if you look around. Far more seaworthy and capable.

[Polwart]

There are two schools of thought:

(1) 5HP is 20%, which is not insignificant, and although unlikely to cause massive transom issues might make the handling horrible. Your insurance company may not be happy and may refuse to pay out because you've exceeded the spec of the boat. Any warranty on the hull (pronbably none now?) will be void. If you have an accidnet the MAIB will laugh and point the finger (even if it wasn't your fault and had nothing to do with the engine/transom).

(2) You'll be fine. Weight is more likely to damage the transom than 5HP, and you are fine for weight. If you shop around you'll find an insurer who will be happy to accept it for little or no extra cost.

If you search the forum for words like "overpowered" and "transom rating" you should find various discussions of similar issues in the past.

If you do decide to go for it, make sure you get the OK in writing from your insurer and take it easy to start with. Gut feel is it would be OK. My 3.9m boat is rated to 30HP, although you probably wouldn't want to go beyond that, but in some conditions the handling could be lively! Personally I'd rather have a 20HP with PTT (sadly I don't) than upgrade to a 30 without.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Bit small. This is more tender size than something you can use in anger. For that sort of price I would be look (and sounding like a scratched record) for a 4m Searider. Plenty about and you can get a nice one for £2k if you look around. Far more seaworthy and capable.

Tim's point is valid - but you'll get a much older SR4 for that money than the D380 you are looking at. However the size difference between 3.8 and 4m is probably not significant. As a first boat for a beginner I'm not convinced that a SR4 is necessarily everyone's ideal boat (a contravertial suggestion round here). If you are not planning to go out in unpleasant conditions do you need the slightly better hull?

The one comment I would make is does the D380 have bench or jockey seats? A jockey will definitely be better for travelling and distance in bouncy stuff - but Mrs P is convinced that our bench configuration is better for containing a 2 yr old.

[actions]

Thanks for the replies so far. We would have a jockey console fitted (two person).

The Valiant is being sold as new by a dealer who has some stock left so would be registered as sold in 2010.

I will have a look around at some seariders too then but am a little concerned they may be a bit too old?

Thanks, matt.

[Nos4r2]

Define 'a bit too old'?

[actions]

"Bit too old"

My concern is that i will buy one that will fall apart or be rotten, where as the new one will be under warranty.

Dont get me wrong, i wouldnt care if its 20 years old if its sound, but dont want to get bitten if you know what i mean.

[Polwart]

what are you planning to do with it? there's big difference between beach hopping in really nice weather for a BBQ and wave hopping in a F5 for Fun!

the valiant could be a good deal, but bear in mind that extras like a trailer, the seats (if not included) and rigging/wiring an engine can rack up the costs quickly. Also worth considering that whilst registerred in 2010 (so overpowering will cause you a warranty concern) the tubes are already 2 yrs old - albeit presumably it has been stored inside - still their not hypalon so are possibly a real bit closer to the end of their useful life.

[actions]

I already have a jockey console, rigging and a fairly decent trailer and engine. Just missing a boat at the moment.

If i'm honest i prefer the wave jumping and having fun, well unitl the wife comes out and its more sedate.

Therefore i reckon you will say the searider is the best option, however i have a SS engine, so would think i need to get a LS engine too?

I take your point on the tubes, didnt think of that.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by actions

I already have a jockey console, rigging and a fairly decent trailer and engine. Just missing a boat at the moment.

If i'm honest i prefer the wave jumping and having fun, well unitl the wife comes out and its more sedate.

Therefore i reckon you will say the searider is the best option, however i have a SS engine, so would think i need to get a LS engine too?

I take your point on the tubes, didnt think of that.

Yes, you'd need a long shaft. I really wouldn't cut down the transom on an SR4.

I reckon a Searider is the best option given what you want to do with it.


Nice one here, though a bit overpriced.

http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/DBO143