Bombard Aerotec 380 red vs grey.

[Chris A]

Hi there

Been looking at sibs again after realising a rib is just not going to be practical right now due to storage etc...

After my seapro nightmare I have done fair bit of research and think the Aerotec 380 will be the best compromise for my needs. Ideally with a 15hp 2 stroke for convenience but might pair it with a 20...

Anyways, there seem to be two aerotecs out there. The red and the rarer grey version. I am leaning towards the grey one as it's a bit easier on the eye all though the red one does look very sporty. I had a quick conversation with Bombard but they could not really tell me why they have grey aerotecs. The guy did say it's all the same.

Can anyone on here confirm that it's the same sib, quality materials etc... I am thinking that the grey will fade less overtime and won't get the tubes as hot as the red? Any info appreciated.

Thanks.

[Landlockedpirate]

Completely identical.

It doesnt get as hot in the sun and I think because of that, it may even improve the glue life.

[chipko]

Completely identical, more exclusive, slightly cheaper, less heat build up in the sun, but slower than the red ones. 🚤😀
Not a bad price at Barnet Marine at the moment;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/150323547468

[beerbelly]

I know where there is a grey one coming up for sale

[Boatnomad]

Always liked the Grey one

[essjay2730]

Bought the grey "limited edition" from Barnet Marine a few weeks back and have spent the past few weeks in Cornwall using it. Have to say I think it's bloody brilliant. Have a 20hp four stroke off the back and can get 25mph on calm water.

I personally prefer the grey to the red but it's down to personal choice. No difference in speed or ability from what I understand.

My only problem now having just done my RYA Powerboat 2 is whether to upgrade or not...
.

[Chris A]

Thanks for the replies chaps. Since their the same I will go for the grey I think. Now just need to source an outboard. I know I should go for a 15hp 2 stroke but think I could handle a 20 weight wise. Will only be lifting it from the car to the transom. I intend to get some sort of launching wheels for it. When the situation calls for a more tricky launch there will be two to carry/lift.

How much bigger is a 20 over the 15 size wise on average for fitting in the car. I have an avensis tourer so plenty of space, although I will need to still pack camping gear etc.

What launching wheels do you guys use?

Cheers.

[essjay2730]

Chris A

If you buy new you can only buy 4 Stroke. You can get very good 2 stroke off of eBay but will need to consider mixing the oil with the fuel. OK for some but a pain for me.

My 9.9 Mercury outboard option that the dealer recommended was 38kg so quite liftable but my 20hp is 51kg. This is tough and I bought a collapsable trolley to take it. If I bought a 25hp it would be circa 70kg.

My advice would be to carry what you can given who you will have around and let that dictate.

Make sense?

[Max...]

Red looks much better IMHO (and as noted is officially faster), this from someone who was convinced they wanted a grey.

Go for a 15 hp 2 stroke Mariner/Mercury, best small SIB engine out there (again IMHO! ) - lightest at 36kg and the tiller gear shift is awesome as is the tilt mechanism and build quality. If not go for a 25 2 stroke if weight is not an issue. A 20 sits in the middle but is heavy and not as fast as the 25 so why bother?

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by Max...

Red looks much better IMHO (and as noted is officially faster), this from someone who was convinced they wanted a grey.

You are still wrong,but after selling my grey 380, I can now confirm that the fastest Zodiac group boat is actually white

[Landlockedpirate]

If you are thinking 2 stroke, the 20,25 and 30hp are all the same weight. The last Yamaha without oil injection is the lightest at 45kg ish.

[Max...]

Originally Posted by Landlockedpirate

You are still wrong,but after selling my grey 380, I can now confirm that the fastest Zodiac group boat is actually white

Someone got a great deal with that. They are stupidly priced new and depreciation is huge but secondhand at typically £600 to £800 great value.

[chipko]

Ridiculously expensive but these Zodiac wheels are made for and mount directly onto pre drilled holes and studs on the Aerotec transom. Not liked by all though as they don't hinge but unbolt/bolt in the up/down position. Big advantage is there are no sharp brackets left on transom when deflating and folding up boat.

http://www.ronhalemarine.co.uk/super...unching_Wheels

Engine wise, if you're going down the new route, the Suzuki DF20a might be worth considering. At 44kg it's the lightest 4 stroke out there and has the added benefit of fuel injection.
Totally unbiased opinion of course 😎

[rik_elliott]

18hp tohatsu 2 stroke is the engine of choice for this boat... Same weight as the 9.9 and 15hp with a few extra hp :-)

[SteveB]

I like the sound of the bombard aerotec, do they come bigger than the 380 ? what size would be best for 6 adults ?

[Max...]

6 adults is too big for any regular SIB TBH, you need a 6m+ RIB!

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by SteveB

I like the sound of the bombard aerotec, do they come bigger than the 380 ? what size would be best for 6 adults ?

They do a 420 version that takes a long shaft outboard, but TBH I think it was a step to far for the floor/transom design. While it was good, it just doesnt have the absolute rigidity of the 380. It also has the same beam as the 380, so it doesnt have massive internal volume and feels smaller than its length suggests.

A few sibs are big enough to carry 6 adults, but they are getting pretty heavy at the size you need. Honwave T40 will seat 6 ( and the Tidel Wave copy) on the tubes easily and the bigger Zodiacs will as well (Over 4m). Solid floor boat will need 30hp to plane with that weight but the Zodiac FR's will make do with a 25hp

If the sib doesnt have wheel steering it has a lot more room than a rib of similar size.

[Nick Hearne]

I have a Yamaha 15hp 2st on mine and it is a great combination lovely outboard

some one got a bargain with this one

15hp Yamaha 2 Stroke Long Shaft Outboard. Mariner Mercury. | eBay

[SteveB]

any thoughts on the Zodiac classic Mk 1 (is this classified as a SIB ). does anyone know where the best place is to buy one - any show rooms that might have bombard and zodiac side by side for comparison.

[Nick Hearne]

Originally Posted by SteveB

I like the sound of the bombard aerotec, do they come bigger than the 380 ? what size would be best for 6 adults ?

Peter has a 4.20 for sale good price too

2006 Bombard 420 Aerotec Mariner 15hp 2 Stroke Outboard Engine | BoatsandOutboards4Sale