Newbie advice on first SIB

[Microheavy]

Thanks Timo,
Looks sweet but probably a bit too big for what I need.
Can't imagine inflating and launching it single handed.

Best of luck

[willk]

Originally Posted by Microheavy

Willk - Thanks for the pointer towards Ron Hale. There are significant savings there compared to what I've been quoted here on similar packages.
(Where you based BTW?)

Donegal - I had it shipped into Derry.

[TIMO]

Originally Posted by Microheavy

Thanks Timo,
Looks sweet but probably a bit too big for what I need.
Can't imagine inflating and launching it single handed.

Best of luck

I manage it fine .

[TomKat]

Microheavy I bought a used 340 QS and an 8HP 2 stroke Mariner and was really chuffed until I used it a few times, so, so slow (which may not matter to you). I sold it on after 3 weeks and bought a small rib (well I call it a rib!) with a 30HP engine and it is really good fun. I had bought it thinking could out it in the boot of my motorhome but it was such a faff I only did it once, for fishing it would have been grand. Paid under £1000 for the outfit and sold on easily.

If you look on the belfast gumtree there is someone selling a Honwave outfit in Newry for £2,500. Its been on the market a long time so £2k should lift it. It is a fun outfit 3.4m with a 25hp Honda engine, its on a trailer but could still be deflated. Worth considering?

the SIB planned just about with 2 up but struggled with 2 adults and 2 kids. Even when planning was slow. I bought one of the 12v HP Bravo pumps and would recomend it. Might be worth getting a test run in one to see if its really waht you want? There are couple of 4m Avons on gumtree at the minute for humble money and they would be good crack!

[Microheavy]

Thanks TomKat
It's good to hear from someone who did what I want to do.

I'll check out Gumtree, forgot about that site !

[TomKat]

Quite by coincidence today I bumped into the chap I sold the QS340 to, he loves it and had a great time in Donegal on his hols, fished explored and uses regularily around Carrick so thought it worth giving his view.

I came from a being out in a mates 5m tornado rib whic is good fun compared to the SIB which is transport on the water without being too exciting with sub 10hp motors, I would not want to lift much more than an 8hp motor! If I was buying a SIB again I would get one like the YAM boats and outboards one - looks like great fun but I would keep on a trailer.

[Microheavy]

Thanks again TomKat.

I saw the Honwave on Gumtree and it looks good. What I'm trying to get my head around is how difficult/easy it would be if I brought it away camping. In the summer I would probably go to somewhere like Wavecrest in Kerry for a couple of weeks - inflate the boat and leave it that way because the slip is on the site and I could easily do it with transom wheels, engine and all.

The question is if I go away for a weekend in winter and happen to get a half decent day will I want to inflate/deflate and pack away in the same day ?

BTW - When you mentioned Carrick, is that on Shannon ?

[TIMO]

Originally Posted by Microheavy

Thanks again TomKat.

I saw the Honwave on Gumtree and it looks good. What I'm trying to get my head around is how difficult/easy it would be if I brought it away camping. In the summer I would probably go to somewhere like Wavecrest in Kerry for a couple of weeks - inflate the boat and leave it that way because the slip is on the site and I could easily do it with transom wheels, engine and all.

The question is if I go away for a weekend in winter and happen to get a half decent day will I want to inflate/deflate and pack away in the same day ?

BTW - When you mentioned Carrick, is that on Shannon ?

I can have my boat ready and in the water in 20 minutes at tewksbury,, the campsite is right beside the launch,, i have and often set up and packed up in the same day nay bother

[TomKat]

They are as Timo says dead easy to setup esp if you are to leave up for a while. Compared to a trailered one not as handy but dont let it put you off if its the only way you can do it, they can also be launched and recovered without a slip which is a HUGE advantage.

From boot to water 20 mins if you dont hang about (even with a footpump). Electric pump no faster but a lot less effort and for aero deck floors almost essential.

Wavecrest is beautiful, great spot for it. The carrick was carrickfergus!

Timos boat is also a great buy!

[Microheavy]

Carrickfergus, should have guessed that

Thanks again Tom. I'm scouring the local ads now.

Very keen on a zodiac classic but the local dealer doesn't have anything in stock to Show me.