QS 380HD vs aerotec 380?

SpearRib · 21 May 2014, 07:08

I have both on offer, both with similar ages 2008 30hp mercs, both on the same trailers.

The aerotec is 1/5 cheaper.

But I do fish and dive, so am concerned about the soft floor and usable space.

henryfreston · 21 May 2014, 07:34

aerotech, just put some protective matting down to protect the floor.

Max... · 21 May 2014, 07:39

I'm a huge convert to the Aerotec (see my b@stard topic) but my priorities are for a lightweight, fast handling, sporty SIB that handles chop well. However, in your case with fishing and diving as a priority and especially if you are going to trailer a boat and have a big heavy 30 on the back I'd want a solid floor for sure with the advantage of a wider beam with squarer bow and tubes that are easier to clamber over from the dive.

Landlockedpirate · 21 May 2014, 07:53

What Max said, Bombards big advantage is portability. If you are trailing it anyway, go for the QS.

SpearRib · 21 May 2014, 09:28

Neither of them are hypalon, would you consider the likes of an achilles over the QS then?

Im a bit wary of the aerotec as I know its garaged with the 30hp on its transom, surely thats been too much strain over time, are they able to be left on the transom on trailer with 30hp OB?

Landlockedpirate · 21 May 2014, 09:51

If its a 2 stroke, 2 cylinder 25hp I wouldnt be worried. But if its a 3 cylinder or a 4 stroke I would avoid it. But hanging that weight off the transom permenantly has got to have a negative effect on the glue holding the transom on.

TBH I dont see the point of the Aerotech if its on a trailer. No matter how good the airfloor hull is, its still not quite as good a solid floor. I love my Aerotech because its portable, compact, fast and takes 10 minutes to get from boot to water. My old Honwave T40 was a better boat, but it needed to be trailed.

SpearRib · 21 May 2014, 10:03

Good points thanks for that.

I saw a near new promarine, which I know arent the best, with 30hp merc and it was nearly half the price, 380 size with hard floor.

Tim in Yorkshire · 21 May 2014, 11:31

What about am small RIB around the 4m mark if you're trailering it, I'd have thought a 2nd hand one would be a similar price to a new SIB.

SpearRib · 21 May 2014, 11:50

all the second hand ones are shot in comparison. double the money like for like size and quality.

Locozodiac · 21 May 2014, 21:44

If sib will be living sheltered after use, pointless buying Hypalon. Would preffer a thicker gauge German pvc, polyurethane fabric than a much thinner Hypalon fabric.

If sib is near top inflated with 2 strokes 25-30 HP engines living at back transom on top trailer not an issue for transom as there's no flexing stress. Could be other story if being 4 strokes versions.

Happy Boating

SpearRib · 22 May 2014, 01:01

No its a 30hp tohatsu 2 stroke.

Is there anyway to put a swivel seat in an aerotec? I have back issues and find sitting in sibs or on the pontoon (due to the slightly twisted direction of torso and lower body) aggravates it as thats a similar position i did my back lifting heavy boxes.

I thought it was a merc, but its an 08 Tohatsu 30, bombard 2008, trailer 2008. Aussie to pounds price is $1600pounds all up. Is that a good price?

Max... · 22 May 2014, 07:29

Again, go with a solid floor that you can fix things to...

SpearRib · 22 May 2014, 11:01

the fix floor sold :-(

i could hold out and find another. i just thought that price was good for a 380 and the cool factor everyone seems to like in here lol

Max... · 22 May 2014, 12:28

Yes, great boats but everyone's specific needs are different and for you a hard floor SIB or as someone suggested a RIB, especially if you are trailering would be a wiser choice.

SpearRib · 22 May 2014, 13:16

wiser but not going to happen, ribs are twice the price.

ok ill buy a cheap promarine new and stick a used 80s 30hp on it. dont have any other hard floor sib options for my price.

SixtyNorth · 22 May 2014, 16:43

The price difference is often over looked when comparing SIBs to RIBs. You'd probably be best with a solid floor SIB. In the past I had a Zodiac Grand Raid MII and it was the kind of boat you'd need. Recently bought a Bombard Commando, seems like a solid boat too. Given your needs, I'd avoid an air deck and go for something a little more heavy duty.

SpearRib · 23 May 2014, 01:42

yeah i agree sixty, thanks, i just wish i hadnt let the quick silver go as my only other options are new cheap brands. i might just have to wait and let the aerotec go.

ideally id like a rib, but i need 3.8m and thats easily twice the price of sibs in same condition. its like saying it would be better to have $2m than $1m. Pretty obvious. but i have to work with what ive got.

seasdes · 23 May 2014, 02:25

Spearib
I have a 3.8m JP Marine (al floor) with 18 hp Tohatsu and use it for spearfishing and fishing. Plenty of power for 2 up with a load of fish and water. 30 hp will fly.
Couple of times I have thought of putting a Suzuki / Tohatsu 30 hp on. However , it was only when I had 3 big males on board and size of the boat becomes the limiting factor.
I did have a Island Inflatable with airfloor before that. However the al floor is much stiffer and the JP marine is of thicker material.

SpearRib · 23 May 2014, 03:27

thanks great photos. i had a 2.9 zodiac last year to get me started. that sucked. hoping another meter will handle the chop better.

seasdes · 23 May 2014, 03:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpearRib

thanks great photos. i had a 2.9 zodiac last year to get me started. that sucked. hoping another meter will handle the chop better.

I am not sure how a 3.8 m sib will handle the chop compared to a 2.9 m one. However, I find that I need to slow down when it is real choppy otherwise you get wet and bounce about. Getting wet is not really a problem if you have been diving.