Excel inflatables

[Chinchilla]

Hey

Thinking of getting this:

Excel VOLANTE 330 Inflatable Boat.

Does anyone know if they are any good And what sort of speed do
You think a 9.8hp will get it too?

[beamishken]

We bought 1 of the first 290 air deck excels into the country over 10 years ago & it's been mint
Used for several caravan holidays with a 9.9 & went realy well with 2 adults & 2 kids then used as a tender for our cruiser
We never realy took great care of it & it's stood up to the abuse realy well
I'd definitely say every bit as good as the suzumar Honda yam tohatsu branded ones
Still looks go & no dodgy joints
Not sure of top speed but we used to pull a Ringo with the kids in & it was plenty fast enough for them

[Nick Hearne]

Not owned one but had a good look at them and they look good bits of kit and I would not hesitate buying one

[bingosucks]

i prefer them to the holy grail of the bombard

[philpot]

I have one.

I am really pleased with the boat, well put together and some really good design points such as the ' over pressure release valve '.

To be honest they come up on the plane easily although I have an issue with the set up at present and cavitition which the good members of this site have given me some ideas to overcome the problem, not strictly a boat problem but air pressure and possibly motor position. I have not had a chance to try out the suggestions this week and away on holiday next week so a job for when I return.

Here is my set up.



The pressure release valve



The rear tube shape helps to get it on the plane quickly



Adjustable seat position, even placing them both together if you have a large rear, not of course that I personally have you understand



Terry Wright at Excel is a very helpful guy and a good chap to deal with.


If you are not too far from North Lincs, you are welcome to come over and have a run in her.

Phil

[Chinchilla]

What kind of speed do you get with the 15hp?

[philpot]

To be honest I have not had the GPS on board as I have been using the SIB on fresh water so after my holiday I will be fitting my fishfinder/GPS and then I will be able to give you a better idea. It certainly goes though.
If you do not have an outboard as yet, there is no real weight difference between a 10 and a 15hp with most manufacturers and that is why I have the 15hp, more power when needed and no extra weight to lug around.

Sorry, just noticed I have spelled cavitation wrong in the earlier post.

Phil

[Chinchilla]

Hey I don't have a outboard yet so ill look around for a used one as I can't afford a brand new one at the min. I take it it's short shaft on this SIB?

[philpot]

Yes it is a short/ standard shaft. My friend is going to sell his 10hp 4 stroke which is mint if that is any interest to you.

Phil

[Chinchilla]

Do you know what kinda price he'd be looking at?

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by philpot

Yes it is a short/ standard shaft. My friend is going to sell his 10hp 4 stroke which is mint if that is any interest to you.

Phil

No no no no no too heavy!

Stick to buying a nice second hand package with a 2st on the back 15hp is nice as around 36kg a 10hp 2st will be the same weight!

[philpot]

No but you can send him a message as he is on this forum under the name of esoxuk

Phil

[SIBer]

I have an Excel 330 for sale if you want to save £ 300 off the new price.

Details here with lots of photos
http://www.rib.net/forum/f21/excel-s...eck-63988.html

I've had 20 mph with my 9.8 with a light load on calm water and that is scary fast.

My 9.8hp is 26kg contradictary to Nicks post.

[Fenlander]

>>>My 9.8hp is 26kg contradictary to Nicks post

That's because the 9.8 Tohatsu is unique in the 10hp class in that it is a high output version of the 6/8hp versions weighing the same as them.

All the other makers based their 10hp models on the 15hp which meant they were just as heavy as a 15hp.

Tohatsu stretch this even more in that they do a 9.9 as well and that is the same outboard as their 15 and 18hp models so no-one with any sense would buy the 9.9 when they are effectively carrying the same weight as a model with almost double the power.

[claretcass]

I have an excel SL260 and 5hp engine and can recommend the excel. The reason i have the super light SL260 is because i have to be able to manage both the sib and the outboard on my own in and out of a garage on my motorhome and I am 70. If i could handle a heavier SIB i would. I am only ever in it on my own and i use it inland and off shore (weather permitting) for fishing, photography and just getting about.
I have located a second seat nearer to the engine as the first fixed seat is ideally located for rowing. When sat on the second seat the SIB with the 5hp 4 stroke Vector engine planes and fair zips along.
Good look with yours

[barrie]

I also have a 270 AWN with 5ps and it go,s well .
Barrie

[claretcass]

My SL260 - great fun

[wxmrich]

Hi

I've had my excel 330 and tohatsu 18hp up to 28mph on the flat which felt safe but really fast!

[SIBer]

Originally Posted by claretcass

My SL260 - great fun

Nice pic where was it taken?

[claretcass]

Ullswater, found lots of secluded beaches to stop and fish, take photographs or simply cruise up and down.
I stay in my motorhome at "waterside House" campsite next to waters edge where there is a small slipway to launch from with my "manual" trolley and there is also 2 larger slipways for bigger SIBS, RIBS and boats where vehicles reverse to launch from larger trailers.
The site is "seasonal" which is sad because i would like to go all year round but as I am an "old giffer" and have to manage my inflatable and engine on and off my motorhome i need to be at waters edge or very near.