Honwave 3.5 Ally vs T38 Air. performance question.

Alex88 · 27 January 2021, 13:39

I am currently torn between buying the Honwave 3.5 Ally floor and the 3.8 Air.

The boat will remain built and in the water so the transport of the Ally floor is no problem. However, I do want as fast a boat as possible. From my reading of the forum, it seems the Air floor has better speed and handling.

I do like the idea of an ally floor for overall stability underfoot but I am not sure if the extra weight is worth it. Has anyone experienced a speed difference between the 2?

I have Tohatsu 2 stroke 18hp to go on the back.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Fenlander · 27 January 2021, 13:50

I have owned the 3.5 alloy floor model and found it excellent. Yes it is a bit heavier than the T38 but your Tohatsu 18hp will move either fine. The T35 will not suffer the possible floor flex issues of the T38.

The T38 is 7" longer internally but they are the same interior width. The T35 has the advantage of a "bilge" whereas any water that gets in the T38 is about the floor with your feet and kit.

Personally I'd have the T35 if I was leaving it assembled.

SixtyNorth · 27 January 2021, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex88

The boat will remain built and in the water so the transport of the Ally floor is no problem. However, I do want as fast a boat as possible.

If intending to leave the boat in the water, a SIB may not be the best and most durable option. Have you considered a traditional boat? One of the main benefits of a SIB is its portability.

Alex88 · 27 January 2021, 19:29

Thanks fenlander, I wasn’t aware that the internal dimensions were the same. You make a good case for the ally floor. Do the models have very different Hull shapes when inflated? I’m trying to work out the exact differences.

Thanks SixtyNorth. I was originally looking at a tinny, somthing like a linder 355. This is going to hang on a pontoon as a fast tender for my main boat which I’ve been rowing to for years. I like the idea of being able to pack her up at the end of the season and possibly explore water closer to home. A sib like these should be good for covering long (ish) distances too which I like. But ya, she will be inflated and on the water from June 1st-September 1st every Year.

Fenlander · 27 January 2021, 20:01

Must say I agree and have said in a recent thread that if you want to leave afloat for several months a hard boat is far more suitable.

But thinking of the two SIB models the difference between the "hull" profiles in truth is minimal regarding handling and performance. The T38 in theory has a slightly deeper V but that can be offset by a degree of flex in the floor which can make performance unpredictable.

Alex88 · 27 January 2021, 20:47

What are the major advantages of a hard boat if you don’t mind me asking. There are both hard boats and sibs left in all summer around here.

What models of hard boat would you recommend I look at?

Thanks

SixtyNorth · 27 January 2021, 21:39

If leaving the boat in the water then antifouling. PVC SIBs are also vulnerable to UV damage which is not an issue with a traditional hard boat.

Off the top of my head, in that 3.5 to 4m size range I would suggest something like a Bonwitco 385 or Terhi 400. Easier to take care of and more durable, especially if being left in the water for a long period of time.

Alex88 · 28 January 2021, 12:13

Thanks for that. Ya I have been thinking about the UV exposure. I think I am just going to monitor it and get a cover for the days I am not using.

Would you have a recommended antifoul for these types of sib?

SixtyNorth · 28 January 2021, 21:43

No, I wouldn't antifoul an inflatable. If I had to keep one in the water I would rather take it out and clean it regularly. Being a small and light boat this would be easy to do.

beamishken · 28 January 2021, 22:51

Personally I'd be looking at a rib they perform better than sibs & dont sink like hard boats when they fill with rain no problem with antifouling them if you want to. With the best will in the world unless your very anal about regular cleaning the boat is going to end up a mess without antifoul
If you realy want portability then maybe an f-rib would suit. It seems pointless to me buying a sib then keeping it inflated when folding up is the only thing they do better than a rib.

Alex88 · 29 January 2021, 07:42

Yes I understand.

I have tried to find somthing close to the price point of a Honwave.

Are gladiator or sowester any good do you know?

https://www.osmarine.ie/boats/ribs-a...roduct_id=2986

https://www.chmarine.com/sowester-in...0cm-aluminium/

beamishken · 29 January 2021, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex88

Yes I understand.

I have tried to find somthing close to the price point of a Honwave.

Are gladiator or sowester any good do you know?

https://www.osmarine.ie/boats/ribs-a...roduct_id=2986

https://www.chmarine.com/sowester-in...0cm-aluminium/

Those boats are aluminium hull ribs not aluminium floor sibs which wont fold.
Price is the only other advantage of a sib over a rib in that sibs are cheap. To get an aluminium hull rib down to the price of a sib then you would need to look for used. There are many makes of aluminium hull rib available now most will be made in china (our ribeye was) and if from a reputable maker then they will be fine just beware of Chinese companies selling direct as quality control is variable.
Plenty come onto the market which have seen little use hung on the back of cruisers as tenders which would make a good purchase.
I wouldnt be too stressed about buying new because after a season left in the water whatever you buy will be looking decidedly used.
The other advantage we found when we changed our tender from an excell sib to the ribeye rib was the rib was lighter. & in every other respect apart from folding & price it is a far better boat

Alex88 · 29 January 2021, 12:41

Many thanks! Foldability isn’t a Concern so an ally hull would be fine.

I’ll keep doing my research.

Right now I think I’ll go Honwave 3.5 for this summer and see how I go.

I will also keep and eye out for used ribs in that size range.

SixtyNorth · 29 January 2021, 19:44

Some good advice there re. an aluminium hull RIB. If leaving a SIB in the water for this summer then I agree that it would be a good idea to try to find a used one. Ideally, try to find a used hypalon boat... e.g. an old Avon, Zodiac, Humber etc as they will take more punishment and you will lose less when the time comes to sell. Best of luck!

Alex88 · 30 January 2021, 20:08

Noted! Thanks again.

Hwavet38 · 02 February 2021, 16:42

I have a T38 with a 2 stroke 18hp tohatsu and it handles really well, make sure u inflate floor correctly and check pressure after putting it in the water and u will have no issues

Alex88 · 02 February 2021, 18:48

Thanks!

Do you have a recommended pump/gauge that you use?

Hwavet38 · 04 February 2021, 15:05

I use a itiwit that I had for my kayaks.
Search itiwit pump at decathlon