Seapro and Johnson 30hp

[Chris A]

Hi guys...

I just bought a Johnson 30hp - 2 stroke, elec start, it's 1999 model. I just need to decide what sib to get. It's either the Seapro 380HD or 430HD.

This will be my first sib, played around in a mates 3.4 with air deck but I prefer the larger alloy version for fishing. Will be 3 lads mostly fishing or family 2 adults one child just messing about pulling a donut etc...

They are both pretty heavy and a bit of work to set-up and the engine is not the lightest thing either. In the long run I'll probably have it set-up on a trailer but for now storage is an issue.

The 380 is pretty decent size but can't help to think I'll appreciate the extra space on the 430 on the water. What will you guys recommend will be best with the 30hp Johnson. I know their both big sibs etc but more interested on performance and on water enjoyment/practicality.

The engine is getting a full service and re-spray, any thing particular to look out for on that engine?

Any advice appreciated.

Regards.
Chris .

[lockieboi]

I use a 380 Ali floor model with a 25hp.
It's pretty lively and I rarely go near full throttle unless the sea is like a mill pond.

Using a iPhone GPS speedo, I clocked 27mph. Not to sure how accurate that is though.

Hope this helps.

[The Bass Stalker]

I have a 430 quicksilver with a mariner 30 2 stroke and its great. They are plenty quick. You'll definitely appreciate the extra space if 3 fishing. Ive had mine 8 up, 4 adults, 4 10yr olds and a lot of kit and its still planes but you need to distribute weight well. Also had 3 winter fishing 2 rods each, or 3 spinning. You won't regret the extra space.

[Chris A]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated. I think the 430 it is then.

One question tho, the front section is marine ply and not aluminium. The guy at Bill Highman said the aluminium front section was rubbing/chafing against the material on the bow so they changed it to marine ply. Just wondering if that will have any adverse affect or inferior in any way?

Regards.
Chris.

[lockieboi]

The front panel on mine is Marine ply whereas the other three are ali.

I always wondered why some manufacturers made ply ones and some made ali ones. Makes sense now.

I can't see it having any adverse effects, if anything I think the ply is stronger than the Ali.

[The Bass Stalker]

My ally deck has a composite front panel. Some sort of abs plastic probably. Very strong but pretty heavy. Works though.

[Dydigital]

I am sure I read the seapro 430 is one of the only all alloy floors. Some of the older models had a ply front a bit like the quicksilver models.

[Dydigital]

Seapro 430HD - 4.3m Heavy Duty | Inflatables at Bill Higham Marine

[Chris A]

Hi Dydigital.

That's what I thought myself. But when confirming the size of the sib I wanted I specifically asked about the full alloy deck. Then Simon explained the above and hence the ply and not alloy up front... Will try to pick the sib up Friday so will confirm then.

[Dydigital]

Did you option for the 20% discount or the interest free? Spoke to they a few times and they have always been really helpful. Waiting to see how much I use our budget sib before buying new.

[Chris A]

Originally Posted by Dydigital

Did you option for the 20% discount or the interest free? Spoke to they a few times and they have always been really helpful. Waiting to see how much I use our budget sib before buying new.

I went for the 20% discount at £1099. And engine for £1400. I know it's a bit of a premium on the engine but new paint job, full service etc and they're only down the road from me that I can go and shout at if things goes tits up... Think it's pretty reasonable price for the sib tho with the discount, don't know if I would pay the full price tho.

[Alzi]

I am in the market for a 430hd just wondering how you get 20% discount?

or am I missing something

Alan.

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Alzi

I am in the market for a 430hd just wondering how you get 20% discount?

or am I missing something

Alan.

I'd search Chris A's previous posts if I were you

Not that it'd colour my opinion any...

[beerbelly]

is this the resprayed outboard that looked like a blind drunken 5 year old had painted with a broken twig

[Landlockedpirate]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

is this the resprayed outboard that looked like a blind drunken 5 year old had painted with a broken twig

[Exe treme]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

is this the resprayed outboard that looked like a blind drunken 5 year old had painted with a broken twig

Haha! My wife has just asked me "WTF are you laughing your arse off for? :-)

[Dydigital]

Interest free at full price, or 20% if paid in full. Spoke to them a few times about it. A 430hd sold on eBay by someone that bought one and never used it, for 700, I offered £600 based on the new price with the discount, but wants with a second hand quicksilver

[Alzi]

I have just read the other post , RIBNET saves the day.

I think I will go down another route .

Quicksilver HD ??

Alan.

[Chris A]

The current prices for the seapro's advertised are including the 20% discount. The 20% discount is slightly misleading as theres no original price advertised etc...

Personally I would stay clear of the seapro, the first 430HD I bought I took back as bits were peeling of everywhere and general quality was very bad. Simon also tried to squeeze every penny out of me by taking accessories out of the box that comes standard with the sib and try to sell them to me separately.

The replacement 430hd came with a long shaft transom so the engine they sold me did not fit. Not saying all seapro's are bad but my personal experience with the boats and Simon was enough for me not to set foot in that place again and now know theres many others in the same boat so to speak.

Regards Chris.

[Dydigital]

20% discount off a price that's not listed? That's poor advertising and misleading. What's your budget?