First sib

[Darren.c]

Well im dipping my toe on the world of sibs! I’ve had my kayak for 5 years and loved every minute but it’s time for a sib. Mostly used for pleasure and the odd bit of fishing, I’ve been looking at the Sea pro 380 HD because it seem very robust, also been looking at the Honwave t40, I’ve avoided the excel offerings due to the problems I’ve heard they suffer with.

[Fenlander]

Hello and welcome back.

A big part of what you choose will be how you transport.. trailer fully assembled or rolled up in the car?

What have you heard that puts you off Excel.

[Darren.c]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hello and welcome back.

A big part of what you choose will be how you transport.. trailer fully assembled or rolled up in the car?

What have you heard that puts you off Excel.

I will be using my van for transport. As far as excel, I’ve heard that they don’t get on the plane very well and some have said there dangerous at speed. I was looking at them originally but then I saw various posts on here and other forums discussing how people have had bad experiences

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Darren.c

I’ve avoided the excel offerings due to the problems I’ve heard they suffer with.

Hi Darren,

I too came to sibs from kayaking & dinghy sailing.

I have an Excel SD360. Had it for 5 years and it's been brilliant. Its a big stable platform for fishing from, can fit loads of camping gear in it. Some say it's a heavy sib, but it's no heavier than the two that you are considering.

Take a look at some of my videos to see if it's size and performance would suit you.

https://youtube.com/@boatingintheuk?si=AuA1i0pUSqKfKbhF

Yes Excel did have some problems which they have now overcome. My next sib will probably be another Excel, a 360 Explorer Pro, just waiting for them to be delivered into the UK so I can see one in the flesh.

[User name]

I've no experience of the Sea Pro, but it does have an aluminium transom and I really like that. It's lighter than wood/frp transom and has much better tube mountings.

I've used the T40 a lot and it's great, though it is quite heavy for a packable boat. I suppose it'll depend on how you intend to use it. Their T38 is a lot lighter due to it's air V floor instead of aluminium, if that might be an option. It makes packing and lifting it much easier, though I'm not a fan of fishing in the V floor.

[Darren.c]

How do the air floors hold up on the honwave? I was put off the air floor only because of my weight (19st) and a couple of my mates are of similar size. I won’t really be fishing, more pleasure towing a ringo

[User name]

Originally Posted by Darren.c

How do the air floors hold up on the honwave? I was put off the air floor only because of my weight (19st) and a couple of my mates are of similar size. I won’t really be fishing, more pleasure towing a ringo

The floors are quite rigid and they'll take your weight no probs. I'm not so sure about towing though.

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Darren.c

How do the air floors hold up on the honwave? I was put off the air floor only because of my weight (19st) and a couple of my mates are of similar size. I won’t really be fishing, more pleasure towing a ringo

Hmmmm!

[Darren.c]

So is the honwave t38 the one to go for if your just wanting a pleasure/speed sib? I’m guessing it will be a lot faster on the water than the sea pro

[Fenlander]

>>>a lot faster on the water

SIBs don't really do a lot faster, their flexible hulls are not the best for a performance design.

A lighter SIB like an air floor model may well tend to be a bit quicker but the main factor will be the weight of you and your mates. The only time a SIB will really skim is an air floor well set up with the right outboard/prop and just one lighter person or one plus child aboard.

Have you thought about outboard size?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Darren.c

So is the honwave t38 the one to go for if your just wanting a pleasure/speed sib? I’m guessing it will be a lot faster on the water than the sea pro

SIBs are a tool for a job. They are an explorers/fishing/diving/family fun boat. Think mini-SUV, (Dacia Duster). If you’re wanting to blast around with 3 chunky blokes, it’s probably not the boat for you. You’re either going to need something bigger, (Range Rover Sport) & more powerful, or adjust your expectations.

[ralphgaul]

Hello

Why not take a look at the used market.

I own a Bombard Aerotec420 and a Zodiac Futura Mark 3 Fastroller.
I had zom gluework to do but now I think there is nothing equal in actual production.
Both are that light you can carry them on the carroof and the trunk is for for the outboard

Kinds from germany

[Orwell boy]

At present i have no SIB knowledge ,however did i read in powerboat and rib that Yamaha are entering with new or upgraded models ??

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Orwell boy

At present i have no SIB knowledge ,however did i read in powerboat and rib that Yamaha are entering with new or upgraded models ??

I was really interested until I saw the specs and the pictures. Only rated at 15hp but I really don't understand why they have gone with the T38 IE2 tabs protruding at the stern.

[Fenlander]

Yes I thought that a daft retrograde move to fit the tabs. I'm sure sporting the Yamaha name they will be well enough made but hardly moving the SIB world forward.

[Niknak Travels]

Seapro is a good boat but quite pricy, heavy & transporting it in a van like the T40 as they have ally floors aren't practical to keep blowing them up everytime and fitting the floor. They're much better suited to be kept on a trailer.
If you want something that you're gonna blow up every time and get in the water fairly quickly, you'll be better off with a airdeck like the Honwave T38 which takes up to a 20hp engine which is a good idea to have especially if you're going out on the ocean alot.
There's 2 downsides to an airdeck,
1) Bass spines will puncture the floor hence why most people who go sea fishing opt for an ally floor
2) They do flex more when conditions turn and at higher speeds

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Niknak Travels

Seapro is a good boat but quite pricy, heavy & transporting it in a van like the T40 as they have ally floors aren't practical to keep blowing them up everytime and fitting the floor. They're much better suited to be kept on a trailer.
If you want something that you're gonna blow up every time and get in the water fairly quickly, you'll be better off with a airdeck like the Honwave T38 which takes up to a 20hp engine which is a good idea to have especially if you're going out on the ocean alot.
There's 2 downsides to an airdeck,
1) Bass spines will puncture the floor hence why most people who go sea fishing opt for an ally floor
2) They do flex more when conditions turn and at higher speeds

Hi and welcome to the forum Niknak.

It's a very informative post considering you are new to sibs:-

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/2nd-ha...ues-91897.html

You must have done a lot of research.

[Niknak Travels]

Thanks Steve & yes I'm well researched despite being a newbie. I've watched many hours of youtube vids & read many articles/threads/posts etc. Need to before I take the plunge of spending a few grand getting into the sibbing world.

[User name]

Originally Posted by Niknak Travels

Seapro is a good boat but quite pricy, heavy & transporting it in a van like the T40 as they have ally floors aren't practical to keep blowing them up everytime and fitting the floor. They're much better suited to be kept on a trailer.
If you want something that you're gonna blow up every time and get in the water fairly quickly, you'll be better off with a airdeck like the Honwave T38 which takes up to a 20hp engine which is a good idea to have especially if you're going out on the ocean alot.
There's 2 downsides to an airdeck,
1) Bass spines will puncture the floor hence why most people who go sea fishing opt for an ally floor
2) They do flex more when conditions turn and at higher speeds

Pretty much bang on, though there are many more fish other than bass that can be a problem too, plus a whole range of sharp implements used by the angler themselves.