Callegari advice needed

LucasHartong · 31 March 2016, 20:17

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience with older Callegari inflatable boats, made of hypalon (eighties)? And more precise: what about the (Super) Alcione series? It seems to me these boats are of rather good quality, but am curious to know your stories! Is it hard to get new/used parts? Thanks for any input.

LucasHartong · 11 April 2016, 06:14

Couldn't resist it (it's a desperate hobby, I know). Bought a Callegari Superalcione America. Was just lying there and whispering to be used again. Tubes holding air quite well, though they will probably need a latex inside treatment. I guess the Callegari is from around 1980, not sure. The beauty of this boat lies in the wooden structure that is built underneath the wooden bottom plates. Brass parts here and there, so some polishing to do. If anyone of you has some more info about Callegari in general or these boats... much appreciated!

spartacus · 11 April 2016, 08:07

Never seen an inflatable with 'an inflatable bow dodger support'. That's quite something. Zodiac from the same era used a piece of plastic that slotted in on either side of the sponsons.

LucasHartong · 11 April 2016, 08:58

It's something indeed! And the bow dodger support becomes hard enough to hold it all up. I'm discovering more and more about the boat. Even came with the original air pump. A manual one, that is.

LucasHartong · 11 April 2016, 11:06

I mean: all this woodwork and brass is coming close to (Italian!) art, isn't it? The number is inscribed in the wood. Don't know what it means. Yet.

Bodge · 12 April 2016, 14:26

That is one sexy boat! Congratulations on a good find. It seems to be in great shape!

LucasHartong · 13 April 2016, 15:10

Thanks!

LucasHartong · 01 July 2016, 18:22

Well, it's been some time since last posting. The Callegari has received some reinforcing hypalon strips on top (in the same orange colour) and holds her air excellently now. As soon as the weather clears (hmmm, will summer ever come?) I hope to take her out for a ride. Assembly will take some time, but really worth the time!! In the meantime I'm still looking for any information I can get on this beautiful SIB. So, if any of you have a general brochure about older Callegari's or even a manual... I'd be much obliged. And: I'll keep posting

nicedeco · 05 June 2018, 13:34

Dear Lucas,
I was looking for info about my Rib. AND subscribed to this forum. Currently the boat is not in use cause I sold the outboard motor. We're sailors and used the Rib to be close to kids when they practiced sailing.
Looking at your foto's I saw same shapes and elements. Anyway, tell me what you'd like to know or discuss. I talk Dutch as well, recognizing some Dutch in your last name....
So long,
Misschien tot gauw,
Groet!
Gert-Jan, Goes, NL +31(0)620489983

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucasHartong

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience with older Callegari inflatable boats, made of hypalon (eighties)? And more precise: what about the (Super) Alcione series? It seems to me these boats are of rather good quality, but am curious to know your stories! Is it hard to get new/used parts? Thanks for any input.

LucasHartong · 05 June 2018, 17:57

Hello Gert-Jan, I sold the boat quite some time ago. It was too big.