Evening all

Lapua65 · 05 November 2025, 20:37

Hello everyone.
The last time I was on a small boat was probably 1979 on the Thames at Egham. We had a rather nice wooden speedboat with an 80hp Johnson outboard. Apart from that we had a Tabur plastic boat with a little seagull outboard that we used to take on holiday and go mackerel fishing in Trefor and Dawlish. I was around 11 then so a while ago. I have decided that I wouldn't mind getting a SIB as I am not sure I really want to tow a boat and not sure the Mrs would be too keen on a trailer. I suppose at least if I buy a SIB, I haven't spent a fortune.
I would be looking at a spring 2026 purchase. Ideally something I would use with a mate. I live right on the Avon and Severn and would like to do a bit of exploring and water route pub trips. However, I also want and this is more likely where it will get used most. Some sea fishing in Pembrokeshire as I go there a few times a year and intend on moving down there in the next couple of years. Something that will allow 3 largish lads to fish but not so big that I couldn't manage on my own. Not really worried about mad speed but also don't want to be underpowered. I was looking at the Carbon Pro 365 with a 15 or 20 bhp outboard. Very unsure if an air filled deck is a good idea or if aluminium is a better bet or would that make it too heavy to handle alone. I am 57 now and pretty fit but don't want to take on too much.

I've enjoyed looking through the forum and spent a few hours on Youtube.

Steve509926 · 06 November 2025, 00:14

Hi and welcome to the forum, a really good introduction about yourself.

Three largish lads in a 360-365 is doable, maybe a bit snug, but as you will also be solo some of the time I personally wouldn't go any bigger.
Carbon Pro 365, Excel Scout, Excel SD360 something of that nature would IMO be a great choice. I prefer an airdeck as it's lighter and much easier to transport, others obviously prefer an ali deck.
Providing cost isn't an issue, I'd go for a 20hp EFI as it's the same weight as a 15hp.

I love Pembrokeshire, especially the Cleddau. I've quite a few videos on YouTube which will show you the performance of my Excel SD360 in and around the Cleddau:-

https://www.youtube.com/@boatingandwalkingintheuk

Fenlander · 06 November 2025, 00:17

Hello and welcome to the forum. Ahh Tewkesbury... my early days stomping ground that area... Stratford, Evesham, Pershore, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Upton-on Severn.

There is always a dilemma with smaller boats like SIBs. In truth three large blokes will be a bit tight to fish from anything under 4m, something such as the Honwave T40 would be better. However that SIB with its alloy floor will be too much of a lump solo for setting up out of the back of a car each trip.

Yes alloy floor models really do add to the faff of setting up and taking down, often weighing 60kg or so a bit of a weight to lump about too. But most folks prefer them for fishing over an air floor.

Are you thinking a 4-stroke outboard or older 2-stroke? If a 4-stroke the 15 will weigh the same as the 20 in most models so might as well go for the 20. In the older 2-strokes the 15 will be much lighter than a 20.

Lapua65 · 06 November 2025, 08:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hello and welcome to the forum. Ahh Tewkesbury... my early days stomping ground that area... Stratford, Evesham, Pershore, Tewkesbury, Worcester, Upton-on Severn.

There is always a dilemma with smaller boats like SIBs. In truth three large blokes will be a bit tight to fish from anything under 4m, something such as the Honwave T40 would be better. However that SIB with its alloy floor will be too much of a lump solo for setting up out of the back of a car each trip.

Yes alloy floor models really do add to the faff of setting up and taking down, often weighing 60kg or so a bit of a weight to lump about too. But most folks prefer them for fishing over an air floor.

Are you thinking a 4-stroke outboard or older 2-stroke? If a 4-stroke the 15 will weigh the same as the 20 in most models so might as well go for the 20. In the older 2-strokes the 15 will be much lighter than a 20.

Thanks for the detailed response. That is all good news as far as I am concerned. I would definitely be looking at a new or nearly new 4 stroke.

Lapua65 · 06 November 2025, 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi and welcome to the forum, a really good introduction about yourself.

Three largish lads in a 360-365 is doable, maybe a bit snug, but as you will also be solo some of the time I personally wouldn't go any bigger.
Carbon Pro 365, Excel Scout, Excel SD360 something of that nature would IMO be a great choice. I prefer an airdeck as it's lighter and much easier to transport, others obviously prefer an ali deck.
Providing cost isn't an issue, I'd go for a 20hp EFI as it's the same weight as a 15hp.

I love Pembrokeshire, especially the Cleddau. I've quite a few videos on YouTube which will show you the performance of my Excel SD360 in and around the Cleddau:-

https://www.youtube.com/@boatingandwalkingintheuk

Thanks, I think I have seen a few of your Youtube vids. Excel makes sense as I can drop in there quite easily. Pembrokeshire is a superb place. Hopefully be resident around St Davids or Tenby depending on who wins the argument between the Mrs and myself. I will take a look at Excel as it will be good to see some SIBs face to face as it were. I must admit I would rather have a boat that wasnt a darker colour as I expect on a hot day these get a bit warm, also blend in to the surroundings if things get nasty

Steve509926 · 06 November 2025, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lapua65

Thanks, I think I have seen a few of your Youtube vids. Excel makes sense as I can drop in there quite easily. Pembrokeshire is a superb place. Hopefully be resident around St Davids or Tenby depending on who wins the argument between the Mrs and myself. I will take a look at Excel as it will be good to see some SIBs face to face as it were. I must admit I would rather have a boat that wasnt a darker colour as I expect on a hot day these get a bit warm, also blend in to the surroundings if things get nasty

Both are great areas for sibbing.

Darker colours do obviously got a bit warmer on a hot day, however both Boatworld and Excel fit PRV s to their sibs.
If I was buying an Excel I wouldn't get a red SIB again. My SD360 "Redneck" is now a misnomer. It's now more rnli orange than red as it quickly faded in the sun.

Lapua65 · 06 November 2025, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi and welcome to the forum, a really good introduction about yourself.

Three largish lads in a 360-365 is doable, maybe a bit snug, but as you will also be solo some of the time I personally wouldn't go any bigger.
Carbon Pro 365, Excel Scout, Excel SD360 something of that nature would IMO be a great choice. I prefer an airdeck as it's lighter and much easier to transport, others obviously prefer an ali deck.
Providing cost isn't an issue, I'd go for a 20hp EFI as it's the same weight as a 15hp.

I love Pembrokeshire, especially the Cleddau. I've quite a few videos on YouTube which will show you the performance of my Excel SD360 in and around the Cleddau:-

https://www.youtube.com/@boatingandwalkingintheuk

Thanks, I think I have seen a few of your Youtube vids. Excel makes sense as I can drop in there quite easily. Pembrokeshire is a superb place. Hopefully be resident around St Davids or Tenby depending on who wins the argument between the Mrs and myself. I will take a look at Excel as it will be good to see some SIBs face to face as it were. I must admit I would rather have a boat that wasnt a darker colour as I expect on a hot day these get a bit warm, also blend in to the surroundings if things get nasty