Hi Folks,
Greetings from Ireland. This is my first post on what looks to be a really excellent forum. I look forward to taking part.
So I'm looking for a good end of season deal on a SIB. I used to have a Bayliner gas guzzling money pit that I managed to offload a couple of years back but having been boatless for a couple of seasons I'm now near to a total breakdown
I never really got the whole RIB thing until I had a go on one this summer and loved it. Now I understand !
I do a lot of camping/caravanning so I need something that will fold into a bag(s) and as I've nowhere left to store a boat I'll need to inflate/deflate regularly. A trailer is out of the question. Ideally I'll find something that will fit into the boot of my KIA Sorento or on it's roof if I can lift it.
I've narrowed my choice down to 3 types: (3.5M - 3.8M)
Zodiac MK I, IIC or Cadet 360FR
Honwave
Quicksilver
The SIB will be mostly used for a spot of coastal fishing and light cruising usually carrying 2 adults and a couple of small kids but I want to be able to carry 3/4 adults comfortably. Speed is not an issue but I also want an engine that can get me out of trouble if needs be. I want something 3.5M+ but I'm totally stumped on the solid floor V air floor issue.
The Mrs. is a bit windy on the water and I think the wood would be better for her. I also plan to carry our dog from time to time too and that worries me when it comes to air floors.
But the air floors are obviously lighter and easier to pack and with the solid floor SIBS with bigger engines the weight really starts to add up.
So to sum up:
Which brand is better and is the Zodiac worth the extra cash ?
Solid or Inflatable floor ?
Manageable weight combination for single handed launching ?
Best engine/HP set up ?
All and any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks for reading and apologies for the slightly long winded first post !
mh