Honwave vs Seapro HD

monkey · 12 October 2012, 15:42

looking at getting my first boat , most likely a 2.7m as can only really afford a 6hp engine. Can anyone help with a recomendation for a make ? got about £800 to spend. Will mostly be riding solo around ,looking for a light /tough little boat thats quick and easy to set up. Had fancied the solid bottom bombard AX300 compact but its only rated as design class D compared to most others which are C. Any help greatly appreciated to stop me making any expensive mistakes. Thanks

lockieboi · 12 October 2012, 16:20

Just my opinion because I have one but a 3.2 meter for within you budget.

http://www.prowaveinflatables.com/

monkey · 12 October 2012, 16:31

Thanks for the reply, they look really decent. Just worried a 6hp fourstroke may be a bit gutless on it if i wanted to plane 2 up on occasions?? rather have a smaller boat for ease and if it went better with a 6hp .Anyone else any recomendations?

manonthemoon · 12 October 2012, 16:37

I've had my Sunsport 3.2m with mercury 6hp since May and they work well together. They were doing deals on boat and engine together through Barrus network. Worth considering.

MOTM

monkey · 12 October 2012, 16:47

thanks ,good insight. Does it ever feel underpowered when fighting tide or if you have 4 people in? Cheers

manonthemoon · 12 October 2012, 17:01

Mostly it's me and my lad in it doing a spot of fishing. So I've not had a full boat load to carry. I've managed 17mph in it on my own with minimal load and it feels fast enough to me but not sure if I would risk it in a chop. Tidal streams are not particularly strong here. I'm a fairweather sibber with a fairweather boat and for that purpose it works well.

MOTM

monkey · 12 October 2012, 17:17

Thanks for the reply very usefull. I plan to boat off anglesey, tides can run up to 8 knots in parts ! i do probably need an 8hp but not really keen in the big increase in weight and price from the 6hp engines .

henryfreston · 12 October 2012, 20:57

two stroke? Better for SIBs in my opinion. Just make sure you don't get one that is too old.

willk · 12 October 2012, 21:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryfreston

two stroke? Better for SIBs in my opinion. Just make sure you don't get one that is too old.

What he said

OP - I have a 2.7m and believe me when I say: it is VERY small

For the use you describe, I'd suggest going up in size to 3.1/3.2m and looking at the biggest 2 stroke you can afford (8 or 10hp)

Locozodiac · 12 October 2012, 23:15

A 6 HP will move better a larger sib than a smaller one, the worst investment is to buy a small sib and after some outings and poor performnace realize you needed a larger size. Don't go under a 320 or will bore you soon, can choose an air deck, wooden, alum floor, which ever flooring suits your needs and budget.

Happy Sibbing

Fenlander · 13 October 2012, 08:33

What about this 3.1m Avon with Yamaha 9.9hp?

Avon 3.1 inflatable with Yamaha 9.9 outboard | eBay

Tough old outfit at a budget price.

monkey · 13 October 2012, 10:49

Thanks for everyones replys ! great to get some info from guys who own boats. I did consider two stroke but firstly i was worried about having to mess about draining the carb as i would only be using it infrequently. I had read four strokes are much better just being left with fuel in and the just start up again no bother?. Also was worried about parts with what seems to be the phasing out of the two stroke . I think i will probably go for a 3.1 or 3.2 after everyones advice . Weight difference and cost is not to much more for slightly bigger boat.

lockieboi · 13 October 2012, 11:01

You will find a lot of love for two smokes on here.

All you need to do is after each use run it in fresh water to flush the water cooling system with fresh clean water and then instead of switching the engine of just disconnect the fuel line from the engine and then it will burn most if the fuel left in the system and then stall when there's no more fuel to burn.

The weight difference in two and four strokes makes it a simple choice if packing away after use.

My 15hp 2 stroke weighs about 35kgs whereas a 15hp four stroke is more like 40 odd kgs.

monkey · 13 October 2012, 11:10

Thanks for the reply . Okay that doesnt sound to bad if thats all i have to do. Also i would use my boat for diving and have heard the two strokes spew out fuel , dont like the thought of diving in fuel slick. Also what is the economy difference ? Thanks

Locozodiac · 13 October 2012, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey

Also i would use my boat for diving and have heard the two strokes spew out fuel , dont like the thought of diving in fuel slick. Also what is the economy difference ? Thanks

Fuel remains through exhaust is minimum and besides will have engine off when diving. 2 strokes compared to same 4 strokes size have near 10 KG weight difference. 4 strokes consumes less fuel, but need more specialized maintenance. Some swears by 2 strokes, some by 4. Both have pros and cons as everything in life.

Happy Sibbing