Largest, Fastest Airdeck SIB?

[grad]

Thank you all for your input.


The consumer-grade LodeStar TriMAX 3D-V 430 CE class B is compelling, but my emails sent to info@lodestarinflatables.com bounce back.


If anyone has or finds working contact info or a US dealer, please share -- I'll stay subbed.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by grad

Precisely because I have a need for a SIB such as storage, transportation, & access needed to shallow waters.

Good luck in your quest.

[Fenlander]

Those Lodestar models look interesting but it appears unclear if they are still going. I see folks asked about them on here up to 12yrs ago but little info or experience from Ribnetters.

[Steve509926]

I agree the LodeStar looks really interesting.
I've found a review about a 380 bought in June 2021 from Bootman in the Netherlands.
It looks like they still list LodeStar on their website, perhaps contact them for more info:-

https://www.bootman.nl/lodestar-trimax-3d-v-430

[DangerAtDemonsCove]

Originally Posted by grad

I'm looking for the largest, fastest, most capable airdeck SIB.

Raptor 330 – Airdeck, width inside 86cm, 20hp, €1.279

Saturn TRSD415, 30hp, $1748+tax shipped

LodeStar TriMAX 3D-V 430, 50hp, CE class B but not available in US?

And apparently Gemini 470 and 530 are available with inflatable floors? But I can't find info.

That’s as vague as saying “what’s the best SIB”.

Your question is really rather meaningless because you haven’t told us your mission. It’s the same as if you are looking to procure an aircraft or any other vehicle. You need to tell us your mission.

Some SIBs can carry 100 people, some SIBs can do over 25 knots. Some SIBs can struggle to do more than 8 knots especially if loaded. Some SIBs can be set up in .2 people hours. Some take 2 people hours. Some SIBs only need a crew of one yet some need two or even more! Some SIBs cost $50 and some cost $50, 000! You indicate that cost is not a big factor but I bet it does when it comes to you signing paper.

Tell us your mission and I’ll tell you the SIB/s that can meet your requirements, if any.

What is your payload requirement? What is your requirement for slipway reliance? What is your requirement for speed? What is your requirement for set up time in people hours? What is your crew requirement? What is your cost requirement?

You also need to tell us why you want a SIB, is it for cost savings or is it the reason why they are mostly favoured and that is for being able to operate without a slipway?

Being able operate from a slipway vastly changes the crew and set up time requirements for candidate SIBs. That being said, if you can always operate from a slipway it’s possible that a non-SIB boat is a better choice for you.

Tell us your mission and failing that at least give us your specifications required.

[Fenlander]

The OP hasn't visited the forum for 30 months so you will be lucky to hear of his mission.

[Croolis]

Holy Necro, SIBman!

[DangerAtDemonsCove]

For what it's worth, if you're looking for a SIB that's over 4 meters long, can take a 800kg payload, can plane at over 24 knots (if not fully loaded), handles like a RIB, and can be operated by a crew of 1 then I think it has to be the FRIB 430. I consider this a SIB category boat because unlike any RIB it can be transported in the boot of a car and it can operate without a slipway.

It's a essentially a RIB that can be folded away, you have the speed and handling capabilities etc of a RIB in addition to all the unique advantages that SIBs have!

It weighs 68kg and a 30hp outboard (maximum powered outboard option) would weigh the same or slightly less. These weight figures just about squeeze it in to the 1 crew required category.

If you assume a 30hp outboard weight of 48kg and a 250kg payload you essentially have a power to weight ratio of 12.2 kg per HP for the whole boat, pretty impressive spec for a boat that can be operated without a slipway and with only 1 person and that will turn and pierce waves like a RIB. I doubt that anyone can find anything much better for something that can be crewed by 1 and that can operate without a slipway and that can be reasonably set up within a matter of minutes.

For full disclosure there are a few downsides.

They are expensive, although that being said they are no where near as expensive as the Zodiac Milpro range of SIBs. I recently saw a good condition second hand example with a powerful engine option for 7k euros.

They are hard to acquire new. The manufacturer is currently in the process of pulling it's manufacturing operations out of Russia and relocating elsewhere. This is likely due to the recent change in international politics regarding Russia. Undoubtedly this has disrupted their supply chain.

Last but not least I have read an interesting, but on the whole negative, report about their durability: https://f-ribsandsibs.com/forum/view...php?f=6&t=4264.

As far as I know there is only one manufacturer of FRIBs, I'm sure that I will be promptly corrected if I'm wrong.

[Fenlander]

>>>unlike any RIB it can be transported in the boot of a car...

Maybe in theory but more likely needing the seats folded in a large estate car and a massive hard to carry lump from the car to set up. I've looked at the 275 and it makes a larger lump folded than my 380 air floor and the fibreglass element means it isn't such a flexible lump to squeeze in a loadspace. Many folks who bought the 360/430 Fribs when they were first popular soon bought a trailer.

Regarding their performance (overall not just speed) many folks admit their very flat hull profile can take your teeth out in a chop, they do not pierce waves like a RIB. Certainly not as comfortable as a Honwave 3.8 air floor as an example.

They do go well for any specific outboard size though and if you fit their very niche design they are of course unique.