Valiant D380 or V400

[Jari Hjerppe]

Zodiac is sold and now it's finally time to go for a small RIB. I've been thinking to buy Valiant D380 or V400.

Could someone tell me how much more boat I get if choose V400 instead of D380. (20 cm more lenght at least!)

Jari

[Charles]

Why specifically Valiant ?

[Jari Hjerppe]

..mainly because of the price that suits to my low budget.

No other reasons.

Used boat is one option but then I have to fly to UK to buy the boat and transport it to Finland. We don't have too many used RIBs here.

[gaelforce]

valiant are made in portugal in the eurozone. i say this because over the last few years sterling has appreciated markedly against eurozone currencies and the euro itself. given that the boats are made in a large modern factory in a country with relatively low wage rates and a strong maritime tradition it would be surprising if they werent competitive. damn good craft too.

[Charles]

I agree, I was just interested as to the determination to get a Valiant.

[baixamar]

As far as i understand the Valiant catalog, V400 is "more boat" than the 380. The 380 seems to be made for yatch or auxiliar boat. V400 will share the specifications of all vanguard range.

bye
pedro

[Jari Hjerppe]

I agree that V400 is "more boat" than light and tender-type D380. It's just hard to say how much more.

Both D380 and V400 are designed for short shaft ob. V450 and V490 are for the long shaft. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that V450 and -90 have deeper V than V400.

V450 or 490 would be ideal but unfortunately they are out of budget at the moment. Maybe I choose now the D380 to replace the Zod and then after few years I'll take a step to larger boats.

I posted some questins to IBS and if I get answers it't easier to make decisions.

Jari

[baixamar]

Jari,

I will quote dimitris (adapted to your case ):
"At the end of the day I prefer my 3,80M RIB than no RIB at all !!"

Why did you ask IBS and not Valiant directly?
http://www.valiant-boats.com


gaelforce,
thanks to remember me that 1 EUR = 0,6213 GBP !!!

bye
pedro

[Jari Hjerppe]

Something like that I had in my mind, better 3,8m than no boat at all.

Got answers from IBS. For examle D380 has 18 deg V angle.
I'm pretty sure that D380 will give softer and better ride than the Zod in sharp and short waves and owerall it should serve me at least as well as the Zod did.

thanks for all replies

Jari

[baixamar]

Jari,

If you understand french language take a look at
http://www.pneumag.com/essai.php?d=4

it is a summary of a test of Valiant Vanguard 340. The "+" are:
- manufacture quality
- good sea navigation (for its size, of course)
- good look

Another issue D380 x V400 is the recomended engine:
- D380: 15HP
- V400: 25HP
Less power... lower price

Please put a pic in the gallery of your new rib after the purchase


bye
pedro

[Jari Hjerppe]

thank you for the link

You got the point. I still have the Merc 15 that I used with Zod. If I go for 380 I have the OB and I'll stay easily within the budget.


..I'll post pics..


Jari

[tko]

Jari, I'm also from Finland and visit this site from time to time. Just curious: how do you plan to get your boat to Finland? What is the total cost in euros (or old "markka) for e.g. model 400 with taxes and other expences included?

At the moment I have a Brig 380 with Tohatsu 18 hp which I use for trips with the kids (goes quite fast). I'm also looking for a bigger boat soon and I'd like to get some kind of RIB - but the cost, seats (especially for kids!) and not-so-spacious-interior.... maybe I have to forget this dream for a while...

It would be nice to see your pictures.

[Jari Hjerppe]

If you contact me via e-mail, I can tell you some details for the questions you asked. It's easier to explain using finnish..

This is great site, visit more often!

Jari
jhje@suomi24.fi