Really you need to say loads more about what you want to do with a SIB, how many folks carried, how it will be transported and stored etc before any advice can be given about any specific type.
- budget £500-1000 without engine
new to the water - river and coastal sea
- deciding to go for foldable sib as opposed to a kayak as sib will give more stability
- needs to be 4m and preferably narrow
- carry 2-4 people
- good to row on rivers and also use an engine at sea
- comfort and stability more important then speed
- would like foldable seats
- strong but light weight to pull out/return to car boot
Like the idea of Foldable rib as makes it more resilient to punctures but I think, unlikely to find one
Ok so budget fine for some models new and a used example of £1000+ new types. I wonder why 4m is in your mind... for the 4 folks? Even a conventional (i.e. wide) SIB is pretty full with 4 folks so a narrow type will be a bit cosy. No conventional SIB is good to row... they don't carry way, have poor directional stability and are blown about by the wind. In a head wind they can be virtually brought to a halt between oar strokes. The narrow types will be a bit better but still share this charastic compared to a "proper" rowing boat. The folding Frib you mention in a 4m size (not sure if they make exactly a 4m) is a huge unyielding lump when folded and will not easily fit in many cars say compared to a similar size SIB when packed. Folks do use the narrow Kaboat type on the sea but they will feel quite narrow re stability and in my opinion not safe for 4 folks on the sea.
Many thanks, you’re right i will restrict to 3 persons.
We won’t be out unless the weather is good on river or coastal sea. Hopefully the thing will move on a river without needing a motor - it just disturbs the otherwise peaceful settings
So any recommendations? narrow and light - what about a Takacat?
