Bombard commando C4 or C5...help!!

Propwashracing · 25 February 2018, 02:32

Hey everyone, new to this site and new to the world of sib/rib!
I need some of your expertise on making a decision between the C4 and C5.
I have access to an extremely clean 2004 (used ten times) C4 and a brand new C5 for almost the same price, so price is not a deciding factor.
I’ll be using the boat with never more than my wife and two kids, most of the time myself. I have both a 25 etec short shaft and a 40 etec long shaft that I can choose from.
So I’m wondering is there pros or cons for each, a reason why I would go for one over the other? Thoughts, opinions and experiences would be greatly appreciated. I’m a performance boat guy so I’m a little out of my element here, but excited!
Thanks in advance!

Ross

jackreno · 25 February 2018, 02:42

I have a new C4 that I am putting together with jockey seat and motor, just me and my wife and dog will be in boat, hope to be on the water come April or May.

I would go with the new C5 since you have the 40hp long shaft, you will need at least 40hp for 4 people to get on plane, the C4 only takes a short shaft plus the extra room and more hp on the C5 will be great for 4 people.

jackreno · 25 February 2018, 02:48

Also consider the 2004 is it glued seams or welded, the new Bombards are welded seams not glued, welded seams last longer and is stronger, not sure what the 2004 has but the new one will be welded seams..

jwalker · 25 February 2018, 13:27

The 40 long shaft will be too long for the C5 but it's easy enough to bolt on a piece of marine ply to lift the top of the transom.

The C5 will be more comfortable as the wave size increases but you will need some weight forward or it will become flighty with just yourself in the stern. Neither is a comfy ride if heading into a substantial sea.

Propwashracing · 25 February 2018, 14:03

I’m in inland lakes and rivers, there is never anything substantial lol.
The manufacturer states a kong shaft for the c5 and short shaft for the c4.... why do you say the long shaft is too long for the c5?

jeffstevens763@g · 25 February 2018, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

I’m in inland lakes and rivers, there is never anything substantial lol.
The manufacturer states a kong shaft for the c5 and short shaft for the c4.... why do you say the long shaft is too long for the c5?

The C5 is long shaft I would defo go with the C5 bigger tubes, a 40 will push that along nicely

jwalker · 25 February 2018, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

I’m in inland lakes and rivers, there is never anything substantial lol.
The manufacturer states a kong shaft for the c5 and short shaft for the c4.... why do you say the long shaft is too long for the c5?

Because I had a C5 for a few years and I had to lift the transom to take a long shaft motor. It is possible they've been changed but there's no deep V hull to get the engine down below so I'd be surprised if there's a change.

Having said that, using a long shaft motor will likely work fine, it'll just be deeper in the water and probably not a problem except maybe a little for beaching. Actually, thinking aloud, given the inefficiency and the angle of the water leaving the transom of a soft hulled boat, there may be an advantage to using a long shaft motor.

jeffstevens763@g · 25 February 2018, 14:43

Ron Hale Marine Ltd - Bombard Commando C5

Propwashracing · 25 February 2018, 15:28

Is there a reason I see a number of c4 posts and not c5? Is it a cost factor to not step up to the c5 or other reason?

jeffstevens763@g · 25 February 2018, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

Is there a reason I see a number of c4 posts and not c5? Is it a cost factor to not step up to the c5 or other reason?

I would say the C5 is a big boat and it's getting away from the reason people buy Sib'S for portability, storage, ease of use they are more for expedition type of use at that size when I down sized to my Mercury I wanted a C3 but it was when the company was being sold, now I have this boat I am happy much cheaper than bombard and performs really well.

Propwashracing · 25 February 2018, 17:26

That makes sense. I’ll have mine on a trailer and will rarely if ever be dismantled.

jeffstevens763@g · 25 February 2018, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

That makes sense. I’ll have mine on a trailer and will rarely if ever be dismantled.

That's what I do float on and off, engine bolted on, all my kit left in with a cover on job done

Propwashracing · 25 February 2018, 18:07

Ya that’s my plan too. Going to do a custom deaden floor, gps, custom benches, and a few other things. Would like to find a nice waterproof bow bag but haven’t found one yet

jeffstevens763@g · 27 February 2018, 08:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

Ya that’s my plan too. Going to do a custom deaden floor, gps, custom benches, and a few other things. Would like to find a nice waterproof bow bag but haven’t found one yet

could never find a bow bag strong enough so i ended up with this set up cheers

Propwashracing · 27 February 2018, 13:02

That looks like a serious setup, nice job. You don’t find that’s too much weight up front? I’m trying to figure out where I want to put my fur tank and battery...

jeffstevens763@g · 27 February 2018, 14:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Propwashracing

That looks like a serious setup, nice job. You don’t find that’s too much weight up front? I’m trying to figure out where I want to put my fur tank and battery...

you need some weight up front mine is perfectly balanced with a better ride in the rough if you think you & engine in the stern the bow easily lifts making for a chatter and swing at speed at the bow with the weight in its much more solid.
the foredeck might be a resolution for you and if you're handy you could make one out of HDPE sheet very cheap and to your needs. if my build suits you have a look on my build thread.

Rigid Foredeck for Commando C3 and C4

SixtyNorth · 27 February 2018, 16:14

The fore deck stowage is useful in a SIB as it does help balance what are generally boats with a lot of weight at the stern, especially with tiller steered outboards. The only issue with locating the radio etc forward is that it is not practical to use when underway, unless you have a crew member.

jeffstevens763@g · 27 February 2018, 17:13

note the tiller extension & radio mic cord

SixtyNorth · 27 February 2018, 19:18

I did, thanks. Not sure a tiller extension would be practical on a C5 though as they are 4.7m long. A long extension would be a bit cumbersome. Hard to beat a well thought out console and jockey seats when operating in rough waters.