Aerotec Mk.II. Would there be interest?

Fenlander · 27 February 2025, 09:11

Well not an actual Aerotec but if there were the possibility of a newly designed SIB with some/many of the Aerotec construction details and all of the attributes I wonder what the interest might be?

The Bombard Aerotec was last properly in full production during 2014. In the ten years since occasionally members have commented on here as to why none of the Chinese sourced SIB outlets have taken up the design of a similar proper deep V high pressure air floor given its substantial benefits to ride comfort, handling and seakeeping.

During their production from 1998 to 2014 Aerotecs sold well despite a price about double that of a Honwave T38 and there was always strong demand for them second hand.

So I wonder, if a Chinese factory could be persuaded to make a few at a reasonable price would there be a demand? Additionally what would be that reasonable price point bearing in mind a current SIB selection that folks might otherwise buy include the Boatworld Cruiser 380 at £1295, Honwave T38 around £1400 or the Takacat T380 at £2650.

Just idle thoughts that might be worth pursuing.

Nasher · 27 February 2025, 11:31

I spoke to several manufacturers at the Southampton boat show 2 or 3yrs ago about this exact thing.

Henshaws appeared really interested, as did other probably more cost effective options, but like all the others never got back to me at the email address I left with them.

Fenlander · 27 February 2025, 17:21

That's interesting you've had similar thoughts. I'm guessing Henshaws could make a good job but probably at a significant cost for a limited run of a one-off design.

Steve509926 · 27 February 2025, 20:55

I think there would be great interest in a Aerotec MKII.
Probably 30-50% of all the air V deck purchases would have been really interested in an Aerotec remake.

tinker · 28 February 2025, 13:25

I would be, the deep v keel is great but also how light it is and how small it folds down.

chipko · 01 March 2025, 11:44

I’d be very interested also, as fear the glue on our vintage 04 model won’t hold out much longer.

SeanKent · Yesterday, 23:17

Hello Fenlander

Hope you're well.

I haven't logged in for a while, work has been too busy so I haven't managed any boat outings for the last couple of years.

I still have the aerotec and may give it another go but wondered whether there are any new subs on the market that may be worth looking at ?

Fenlander · Today, 01:07

Hi Sean. I can't remember , did you move onto another type of boating putting the Aerotec to one side or did you pause your boating completely? You should really do something with your Aerotec, use or sell, as it will age/depreciate even packed away

Re different SIBs over the last few years the only real extra design choice is the cat types that have become popular.

SeanKent · Today, 01:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hi Sean. I can't remember , did you move onto another type of boating putting the Aerotec to one side or did you pause your boating completely? You should really do something with your Aerotec, use or sell, as it will age/depreciate even packed away

Re different SIBs over the last few years the only real extra design choice is the cat types that have become popular.

I paused the boating completely, work has just been really frantic !

Yeah I should but it seemed like most people wanted to pay the same as if it was 15-20 years old anyway, so I thought I may as well hang on to it.

Maybe I'll give it a try advertising it this spring or try to get back out in it.

The cat types dont appeal too much. Maybe I'd be better to get a towbar fitted and move to a Rib, I changed car recently and its probably not something I'd want to load a boat and outboard into the back of anyway.

Fenlander · Today, 14:16

>>Maybe I'd be better to get a towbar fitted and move to a Rib

I seem to remember you were unhappy with the top speed of the Aerotec using a 25hp so a Rib may be the way to go.

SeanKent · Today, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>Maybe I'd be better to get a towbar fitted and move to a Rib

I seem to remember you were unhappy with the top speed of the Aerotec using a 25hp so a Rib may be the way to go.

Yeah, my previous sib was faster (a zodiac with metal floor, I loved that thing). Maybe I'll try advertising the Bombard this spring, see whether I get any reasonable offers.

chipko · Today, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeanKent

Maybe I'll try advertising the Bombard this spring, see whether I get any reasonable offers.

Sean, PM sent.