Quote:
Originally Posted by slate1234
James can I ask what these boats are like in the ruff stuff I have been looking for a used one but would like to know a bit more,
Paul
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Hi Paul,
I can only do a comparison between a Honwave 3.2 I had last year and the 360.
Most definitely a SIB will give you a less jarring ride due to the energy being absorbed by the HP floor. I also found the Honwave sits higher in the water at the cost of cavitation from the prop at higher speeds.
The Frib sits quite low in the water but I still managed to keep fairly dry on my trip back from the Hamble to lee on solent yesterday. Coming out of the Hamble I was into wind with a moderate swell before it eased. I found trying to get onto the plane was too slammy initially, there was only me in the boat, I'd dropped my friend off before heading back to the lee on Solent slip way. I think the added weight of two people in the boat really does help when the conditions deteriorate. I also found sitting on the tubes took some shock out of the journey back.
The FRibs only have a shallow hull so they do tend to crash over the waves, however I've noticed it's a lot easier to keep a steady heading on the Frib . The Honwave was quite difficult to keep on a steady heading due to the wind getting under the keel, especially coming off the crests of waves and the boat being blown off course.
Rowing the Honwave was pointless unless on a calm day as the wind and current just took the boat. The Frib is far easier to row in a swell plus wind, should the need arise.
Personally, I feel safer in the Frib, the boats build quality is far better, the hull is reassuring and I'd have know problem buying another one tomorrow. The only other boat I'd consider would be a bombard aerotech 380 but given the choice side by side I'd still go for the Frib. It would soly depend on what was available on the used market at the time?
The limiting factor for me is the launching and recovering, I can handle the chop out on the open water but trying to recover a boat weighing best part of 100kg and pulling it up the slip way isn't for the faint hearted. These boats after all are only sub 4 meter vessels.
One last thing while I think of it. I find the 360 takes longer to set up than the Honwave, I should get quicker as time goes on but the T32 was easier to man handle. If you've got the choice of trying out the frib 330 and 360 id look at both boats to which one suits your requirements better? 360 is a handful solo, that's from someone who is a regular gym enthusiast and lifts heavy weights.
If you like to know any more Paul please ask
