Hello and a question.

[eronje]

Hi,

I have been lurking on this board for a while and am impressed by how helpful the members are, so before I go further, thanks!

I am shopping for used SIBs in the 13-16 foot range and am trying to decide between two older Avons: S400 Sport (year unknown but seems in good shape) and an S4.00 (1987) Super Sport.

The S400 has a wooden floor, and the S4.00 has an aluminum floor. Other than the floor, the only difference I have noticed is the capacity plates vary between 40 HP (S4.00) and 45 HP (S400). Both boats are rated for 990 lbs of persons, but the total load capacity is between 1250 (S400) and 1430 (S4.00).

Am I missing anything in terms of differences? I assume the length is the same (4 meters)?

I've also found a 1990 Zodiac FC470. Can anyone tell me if the floor on that boat is welded or glued?

[office888]

Originally Posted by eronje

Hi,

I have been lurking on this board for a while and am impressed by how helpful the members are, so before I go further, thanks!

I am shopping for used SIBs in the 13-16 foot range and am trying to decide between two older Avons: S400 Sport (year unknown but seems in good shape) and an S4.00 (1987) Super Sport.

The S400 has a wooden floor, and the S4.00 has an aluminum floor. Other than the floor, the only difference I have noticed is the capacity plates vary between 40 HP (S4.00) and 45 HP (S400). Both boats are rated for 990 lbs of persons, but the total load capacity is between 1250 (S400) and 1430 (S4.00).

Am I missing anything in terms of differences? I assume the length is the same (4 meters)?

I've also found a 1990 Zodiac FC470. Can anyone tell me if the floor on that boat is welded or glued?

The FC470 is 100% glued hypalon/csm elastomer.

1990 is pretty old, you might be in for a nightmare. My 1990 FC470 lasted ~1 year of hard use before 3 of the baffles unglued internally due to age and the hot south carolina sun.

[eronje]

Originally Posted by office888

The FC470 is 100% glued hypalon/csm elastomer.

1990 is pretty old, you might be in for a nightmare. My 1990 FC470 lasted ~1 year of hard use before 3 of the baffles unglued internally due to age and the hot south carolina sun.

Yeah, I too am in the deep south (Gulf Coast) and we have some days that will melt stuff for sure. Thanks for the heads up.

[office888]

Originally Posted by eronje

Yeah, I too am in the deep south (Gulf Coast) and we have some days that will melt stuff for sure. Thanks for the heads up.

Keep your eyes peeled, there's a lot of milsurp FC470s out there for sale in the 2005+ model year range. Much fresher construction.