New and thinking of buying

[Mucker]

Hi, I am considering getting a sib for fishing. It would be predominantly for two and always packed into a car boot. I’ve been looking at a Kolibri 360dxl with a Suzuki 9.9 on the back from Wolf rock boats.
Has anyone had any experience with these? They look well made but being totally green would appreciate any advice!
Many thanks Shane.

[Fenlander]

Hi Shane and welcome to the forum.

Is that the alloy floor model? If so you might find daily setup from the car a little onerous... perhaps an air floor version should be considered although some are not so keen on them for fishing.

The latest Suzukis are well thought of on here. We rarely hear of the Kolibri brand and you might wonder if it is the best make to buy at the moment given where it's made... thinking of should you have warranty issues.

Have you looked at the Honwave and Excel brands plus the offerings from Boatworld? Like this...

https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-ca...SABEgL_f_D_BwE

Or this for an air floor...

https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-air-deck-360

David

[Mucker]

Hi Fenlander
Many thanks, I believe the one I looked at yesterday at reel master in Weymouth was an air floor. I am currently looking at the Excel ones but being totally green not sure about any of them really

[Peter_C]

Throw a set of Beachmaster wheels on it for launching and recovering most anywhere, along with enjoying remote beaches. I'd agree an air floor is preferable for setup ease, and they are more compact for transport and storage. Honwaves are popular. Something with a V floor, not a flat floor for ride comfort is preferable. Small Sib's are a lot of fun.

[Steve509926]

Hi Shane and welcome.

This is the 2nd time today that I've heard of Kolibri, which is strange as I have never heard of them before.

Echo Fenlanders remarks about warranty issues, but the first 12 months will be covered by the retailer.

I don't fish and have no practical experience of Honwave, but the internal deck isn't flat. Does that make a suitable fishing platform?

The Excel of a similar size will be the SD360, which I think is a really good sib. It's good quality, roomy for 2, feels very stable and has a flat internal deck. Some say they have issues with airdecks/sausage keels flexing, but I can honestly say it's never been a major issue.
I do think an SD360 with a 9.9hp on the back will be underpowered 2 up with fishing gear, it would frustrate the hell out of me as I think you would have to work hard to keep it on the plane. I run mine with a 15hp efi, 2 up + dog + kit, and it performs well.

[Mucker]

Hi Steve, thanks for your reply. Not sure about the excel boats yet but my mate has a honwave n he is very happy with it, I don’t think the floor would be an issue

[Mucker]

Has anyone on here had any experience with kolibri?

[Steve509926]

If you do a search on the forum using the term "kolibri" not a lot comes up.

If you do take the plunge and become the owner of a shiny new Kolibri, an in depth review on the forum is always appreciated.

[Mucker]

I think I’m going to and yes I will 🤓

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Mucker

I think I’m going to and yes I will 🤓

Hope it goes well for you

[Maelstrom]

I saw them at thr Southampton International Boat Show. As a product they look very functional. However the price puts the up next to other more established brands that offer either a larger dealer network or a longer warranty period.