New to SIBS advice on purchase please

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 10:02

I've used kayaks for fishing for a while now and want to get into SIBS. Was thinking of spending around £1200 total on a boat and outboard. Something like 2.7m and 3.5hp motor. I've no idea re which makes of boats are good or which engines. This company seem to have lots of different boats.

https://www.piratescave.co.uk/dinghi...able-dinghies/

And sell Mariner engines at what seems a reasonable cost. Any advice on what to buy is much appreciated. Thanks (will mostly be used by me and my son and occasionally girlfriend) Boat will be stored deflated in my motorhome.

Fenlander · 29 July 2021, 10:16

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Where would you think of using this SIB... river, lakes, estuary, open sea?

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 10:22

Good point! it's for the sea, inshore. Mostly for fishing. Thanks

Fenlander · 29 July 2021, 11:05

If you have kayak experience on the sea that's a good start.

A 2.7 with a 3.5hp is a little small for two and fishing gear. I see those two items would be £1250 or so at Pirates Cave. You are buying at a difficult time as in pre-Covid years £1200 would have seen you choosing from a selection of very tidy used outfits in the 3-3.2m range with 6-8hp motors. Far fewer outfits for sale and higher prices now.

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 11:22

Can't get hold of any new as everyone is out of stock!

Seen this for sale

<a href="https://imgbb.com/"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/nBzg0cg/boat.png" alt="boat" border="0"></a>

£1000, does that seem reasonable. And is it a good boat?

Thanks

Fenlander · 29 July 2021, 11:29

We have never seen anything like the increase in sales of the sub 4m SIBs and portable outboards over the past year perhaps added to some supply difficulty. Most stuff is for pre-order at some future date.

The link doesn't work but I can see it just using... https://i.ibb.co/nBzg0cg/boat.png

I assume the 3D Tender brand... what length and what size outboard?

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

The link doesn't work but I can see it just using... https://i.ibb.co/nBzg0cg/boat.png

I assume the 3D Tender brand... what length and what size outboard?

Thanks for that! Yes 3D Tender, 270 with a 3.5hp Mercury engine just been serviced, new impellor and housing.

Fenlander · 29 July 2021, 11:41

I would prefer the 3D tender over the Pirates Cave SIB and they are about £400 more new... so you'd be getting an outfit that would cost over £1600 new for £1000 which in this market is not bad as long as it all looks OK on viewing.

It may be a small issue but I do like the look of the 3D tender which elevates it from the usual budget SIB colour scheme.

My points about the length and OB size still apply though.

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I would prefer the 3D tender over the Pirates Cave SIB and they are about £400 more new... so you'd be getting an outfit that would cost over £1600 new for £1000 which in this market is not bad as long as it all looks OK on viewing.

It may be a small issue but I do like the look of the 3D tender which elevates it from the usual budget SIB colour scheme.

My points about the length and OB size still apply though.

Thanks for that very helpful. Re size and boat and outboard. Other factor is it needs to be stored deflated in the garage of my motorhome rather than be on a trailer, which is why I figured a little smaller would be better.

Fenlander · 29 July 2021, 12:32

Those 3D tenders are super light at not much more than 20kg and the outboard is too at 18kg. So yes 100% ideal in respect of handling and setting up motorhome to beach/slipway.

As long as you accept the offset of space and ability at sea vs ultimate ability at sea it could suit.

Over a few threads recently some of us older guys have talked of our early experiences with outboards nearer 2hp and some very basic boats. Also re size a poster on here (The Gurnard) tours off the Scottish West Coat with a 2.7m albeit he is solo with some 60yrs experience at sea and knows his area very very well.

So small boats and small engines can be safe if you plan weather, tides, currents and distance with care.

And I'll say again it is a super smart looking outfit of its type so were I looking for similar I'd go and check it out.

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Those 3D tenders are super light at not much more than 20kg and the outboard is too at 18kg. So yes 100% ideal in respect of handling and setting up motorhome to beach/slipway.

As long as you accept the offset of space and ability at sea vs ultimate ability at sea it could suit.

Over a few threads recently some of us older guys have talked of our early experiences with outboards nearer 2hp and some very basic boats. Also re size a poster on here (The Gurnard) tours off the Scottish West Coat with a 2.7m albeit he is solo with some 60yrs experience at sea and knows his area very very well.

So small boats and small engines can be safe if you plan weather, tides, currents and distance with care.

And I'll say again it is a super smart looking outfit of its type so were I looking for similar I'd go and check it out.

That's all very much appreciated thank you.

Limecc · 29 July 2021, 14:10

Remember those 2.5/3.5hp Tohatsu/Mercury/Mariner engines can be uplifted cheaply to 5hp which is not bad for 18kg.
6 Hp outboard?
No need to buy off the US site, just use ebay, part numbers are in the link.

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

Remember those 2.5/3.5hp Tohatsu/Mercury/Mariner engines can be uplifted cheaply to 5hp which is not bad for 18kg.
6 Hp outboard?
No need to buy off the US site, just use ebay, part numbers are in the link.

Great thanks for telling me, didn't know that!

sandcatcher · 29 July 2021, 14:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Those 3D tenders are super light at not much more than 20kg and the outboard is too at 18kg. So yes 100% ideal in respect of handling and setting up motorhome to beach/slipway.

As long as you accept the offset of space and ability at sea vs ultimate ability at sea it could suit.

Over a few threads recently some of us older guys have talked of our early experiences with outboards nearer 2hp and some very basic boats. Also re size a poster on here (The Gurnard) tours off the Scottish West Coat with a 2.7m albeit he is solo with some 60yrs experience at sea and knows his area very very well.

So small boats and small engines can be safe if you plan weather, tides, currents and distance with care.

And I'll say again it is a super smart looking outfit of its type so were I looking for similar I'd go and check it out.

Picking it up tomorrow all being well! Will let you know how it goes! Thanks!

sandcatcher · 14 August 2021, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Those 3D tenders are super light at not much more than 20kg and the outboard is too at 18kg. So yes 100% ideal in respect of handling and setting up motorhome to beach/slipway.

As long as you accept the offset of space and ability at sea vs ultimate ability at sea it could suit.

Over a few threads recently some of us older guys have talked of our early experiences with outboards nearer 2hp and some very basic boats. Also re size a poster on here (The Gurnard) tours off the Scottish West Coat with a 2.7m albeit he is solo with some 60yrs experience at sea and knows his area very very well.

So small boats and small engines can be safe if you plan weather, tides, currents and distance with care.

And I'll say again it is a super smart looking outfit of its type so were I looking for similar I'd go and check it out.

Bought it and just returned from a 2 week trip to Scotland using it and love it! Many thanks for your help again!

TmMorris · 14 August 2021, 21:31

Excellent news. I'd forgotten the joy of a super lightweight set up until the other week when camping by the Thames. I slung the old Redcrest in the camping trailer with the 4hp two stroke and you can carry each in one hand to the water front and be set up in a few minutes and gone. And when you're home they sit happily on a shelf

Fenlander · 14 August 2021, 21:52

Great to hear sandcatcher. Motor home, sib and Scotland.. great combo.

sandcatcher · 14 August 2021, 22:44

Yes it was a lot of fun and look forward to more.
Super light as well. I could carry it inflated myself super easy, kind of balanced it on my head with it upside down on me a bit like a snail if that makes sense!
And outboard was easy to carry also.
Cheers!

TmMorris · 15 August 2021, 00:29

Yup. And it looks quite cool until that one time a gust of wind sends you off down the beach and onto your arse. Apparently.

909 · 21 August 2021, 04:15

I keep a few boats.

A small light air floor Zodiac for quick short local trips.

A medium plywood floor Zodiac for an all day trip, and bigger waters.

A large aluminum floor Zodiac if I have guests or bad weather in any water.

Each one has a purpose, and it's not that expensive. Totally worth it