Grandad looking for a SIB..... Help Please!!!! - Page 2

Poly · 18 June 2009, 19:46

Vincent - you have some good advice here, but perhaps I can add some extra input. I have a 20HP 2str engine which weighs 49 kg (7 1/2 stone) and even though I am probably half your age its too heavy to lift on any off a boat on a regular basis. Bear in mind that you not only need to be able to lift that weight but manouvre it on and off the transom and in/out the car. If the boat is floating at the time it will wobble like mad when you do. If its on the ground you will need some serious transom wheels to launch it. I am sure even someone stronger than me is going to find 40 HP too much to do unaided. OK but everyone else has already said that.

As you will have gathered there are a lot of searider fans on here. Sometimes they can become a bit blinkered and recommend SR's regardless of need. I don't think, in my humble opinion, that a 4m SR is what you need. You are looking to take up to 8 people on board. On any 4m boat that will be crampt (I own a 4m boat - which is rated for 6 and that would be "cosy"). More importantly though you suggested that those are mostly kids, and under 10 yrd old. On an SR4 they will mostly need to be sitting on the tubes - thats no place for young kids.

thornbackflound · 18 June 2009, 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by chewy

None, he's from the Isle of Man.

I know they got there own lingo,but thats just made up lol.or i still think he's on drugs,lol

JSP · 18 June 2009, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by thornbackflound

I know they got there own lingo,but thats just made up lol.or i still think he's on drugs,lol

Don't dissrespec the GaRf, he's the RIBnet keystone!

doggypaddle · 18 June 2009, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Vincent - you have some good advice here, but perhaps I can add some extra input. I have a 20HP 2str engine which weighs 49 kg (7 1/2 stone) and even though I am probably half your age its too heavy to lift on any off a boat on a regular basis. Bear in mind that you not only need to be able to lift that weight but manouvre it on and off the transom and in/out the car. If the boat is floating at the time it will wobble like mad when you do. If its on the ground you will need some serious transom wheels to launch it. I am sure even someone stronger than me is going to find 40 HP too much to do unaided. OK but everyone else has already said that.

As you will have gathered there are a lot of searider fans on here. Sometimes they can become a bit blinkered and recommend SR's regardless of need. I don't think, in my humble opinion, that a 4m SR is what you need. You are looking to take up to 8 people on board. On any 4m boat that will be crampt (I own a 4m boat - which is rated for 6 and that would be "cosy"). More importantly though you suggested that those are mostly kids, and under 10 yrd old. On an SR4 they will mostly need to be sitting on the tubes - thats no place for young kids.

all good points, but he is going to have to make a compromise somewhere,
agreed to take 8 in comfort you want a big rib, 6m+. Sure you can stuff 10 people in an SR5.4 but 8 of them will be wet and uncomfortable, and no place for kids as pointed out. Unfortunately he hasnt got a big rib budget, so i thought the SR may be the best compromise.
I am not that SR blinkered, theyre orrible wet things, but good value for money, and tough as old boots and great fun.

fred bolton · 18 June 2009, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent Vega

Cheers for the speedy responses, it's much appreciated. :-)

On a similar vein, I live near Manchester and I've come across a web-site of a company based near me and am thinking of going looking at one of their boats. From this description is this something I should be looking at:

http://www.billhigham.co.uk/inflatables.php

"SEAPRO 430HD & 40hp Mariner 2 stroke
Boat Type: HD Inflatable

For serious fun on the water the 430HD is offered with a mariner 40hp 2 stroke contract exchange engine. This 'go anywhere' package is just at home as a large family fun boat, towing skiers and ringos, or as a serious workboat/safety boat. As a package we offer the 430HD and 40 mariner contract exchange outboard @ £2499 inc VAT!!"

To a complete novice that looks great but am I missing something? Thank you again.

You will need a trailer for that one or plenty of muscle

chris123 · 18 June 2009, 22:37

I would agree with a lot of the comments on here, specifically you will find a 40HP outboard too heavy to haul around, and a large SIB will be a pain to setup / take apart if not kept inflated on a trailer.

I'll leave the comments about Seariders to those who know more about them than me, but how about a Quicksilver SIB, as sold by Malthouse on here:

http://shop.malthouse-marine.com/ind...parent=24&pg=1

Though your budget could be a problem with outboard and trailer included.

Cheers

Chris

Vincent Vega · 19 June 2009, 10:41

Thanks for all the thoughts and useful tips, it's greatly appreciated.

As a first step I'm going to pop along to the place in Manchester that has the seapro with a 40Hp motor and get a feel for the size and weight of these things. It isn't the end of the world if I have to buy one with a trailer, I'd just prefer not to if I can get away with it, although judging by the respones I don't think I'll be able to.

I'll just also clarify my comments about water skiing and the number of people in the boat. There'll only ever be 8 people if I'm using it just to potter about or transport people and then at least 4 of them will be under 10. If I'm using it for water skiing or towing a donut there'll only be 4 in the boat maximum.

Cheers

prairie tuber · 19 June 2009, 15:09

Chances are that the +25 year old Sea Rider has more life expectancy still in it than the the brand new no name PVC boat does.

tinker · 19 June 2009, 15:23

If your going to trailer then get a RIB. 4 in a SIB with a 40hp will struggle with water skiing, unless they are experienced enough to hold on for a long time before they get up, not good for beginners.

Slaphead · 20 June 2009, 21:09

This is the Avon military sib, the CRRC 520 (1st two pics)which will carry 8-10 people and will take a max of 55hp. and this is what it looks like folded up. It weighs about 180 kg and length is about 6 ft. You might just about fit it into an estate car with all of the seats folded down and no other passengers. Then you have to find room for the engine and all your gear for a day out. You would probably need a good size trailer to carry all of that.

Pics 3 and 4 is the smaller CRRC 425 which takes a max of 40hp, carries 6-8 people, when rolled up weighs about 140kg and is a little bit smaller. I can just about move it on my own. I think any other make of large sib is going to fold up and weigh the same size and may be only a little bit lighter. The good thing is it will stow away against a wall when not in use

lightning · 01 July 2009, 17:05

I've just been through a similar process, as a beginner, and I've been to a dealer to look at the boats. He inflated a SIB for me and my wife to get a feel of, and brought out a couple of engines for us to lift etc.
I also wanted a boat that I could pack away and put into the back of my car.

The point is, I'm 46 years old and not unfit. We found that the 2.8m boat with a SIX hp Mariner on it quite a weight to manhandle about, we could not lift it (to carry into the water) with the engine on, and would need wheels to launch it.

That's the 2.8m Zodiac with a little 6hp Mariner outboard! It fitted into the back of my small van without problems of course, and the engine went in OK (although surprisingly heavy) Anything bigger I think we would be looking at a trailer.