The real king of SIBs

[Allye]

I know some people regard the D class As the king of SIBs but at over 400kg I’d argue it’s not small! I’d propose the Arancia 388 (388cm) or IRB (inshore rescue boat, not to be confused with ILB’s) operated almost solely by the RNLI in this country and a handful of surf clubs. Made only by one company in NZ with extremely limited supply, I believe demand severely Exceeds supply, almost impossible to find 2nd hand and when available rather pricey.

Under 200kg rates to 30hp for surf use but take one look at the transom and they’d happily accept more for leisure, Ive been helming these for 10 years here, Aus and NZ and can take a serious amount of abuse, hypalon construction and very thick floors, laminated marine ply I believe around 20/25mm. Some of the first RNLI hulls are still in service nearly 20 years later sat outside on the beach 5/6 months of the year every year. Flexible 20lt bladders up front and unusually helmed from the port side with a crew always. RNLI boats have v strips on rear of sponsons and keel and turn on the spot. Have a google or YouTube IRB racing, amazing boats and thought I’d share them with you lot as they are very little known.

Other companies make copies but none are as well built as the Arancia, RNLI attempted to make them under license a few years ago at Cowes but failed and stopped after the first few did not last.

Takes quite a few seasons of regular use to become a competent surf helm, nothing touches the kiwis in skill though.

I believe the price with 2 stroke mariner and launch trolley is around £12-£13,000!

[Max...]

There was one on eBay a few years back, unsold IIRC at £4k or so.

As you say rare though and super capable in the right hands.

Maybe different to a D Class though in intended use.

[Allye]

Originally Posted by Max...

Maybe different to a D Class though in intended use.

Absolutely, D class wouldn’t see which Way a IRB went in surf!

[Fenlander]

I have always thought the Aerotec nodded towards the Arancia more than any other SIB. Same length, same narrowish beam, same pointy bow, same basic hull weight (ignoring the Arancia's floor for a moment) and a design/ability aimed towards nippy ability in rough waters rather than roomy touring.

I make no comparison between build quality and durability however as I'm sure the Arancia is in a different class at its price point.

[Allye]

The thing that has always stood out to me about the Arancia is the sponson diameter which is comparatively huge to other boats of a similar length. As a result tall freeboard and deep floor.

[Fenlander]

>>>As a result tall freeboard and deep floor.

When Max owned his Aerotec some time before I bought mine it was a point he made re the V-floor of the Aerotec... it feels like you are in it... more than on it... compared with many other SIBS of that length. The Aerotec tubes are just 5mm less than the Arancia.

[SixtyNorth]

3.8m seems to be the perfect size for operating in the surf. Zodiac Milpro have also developed a surf rescue boat, here is what they came up with:

https://zodiacmilpro.com/wp-content/...19/11/ZMSR.pdf

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wMSgwlRKGFE

The design looks similar to the Arancia. The Zodiac's tube diameter is 43cm. What is the tube diameter on the Arancia and Aerotec?

[Max...]

I have not driven either but as I say I think intended use is different, both very capable in the right hands although I think the D would be the boat I'd rather go into the harshest sea in. Solid floor, size, capability, strength etc. The Arancia looks great fun but is not much more than a souped up Aerotec. The Arancia compares more to a lightweight Y maybe... You compare:

[Allye]

I’m not comparing a D class and Arancia, I’m just suggesting a D is too large to be called a SIB.

[GuyC]

SIB - Soft Inflatable Boat rather than Small Inflatable Boat.

The Zodiac Milpro range goes up to 5.8m but it is still a SIB.

[Allye]

Bloody hell can we stop splitting hairs you pedantic lot!

[jeffstevens763@g]

SIB 11m x 3 m

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Allye

Bloody hell can we stop splitting hairs you pedantic lot!

Pot, kettle and black springs to mind.

[Max...]

It's not about the boat though really - I mean who would you rather go to sea with?

These guys?




Or one of these?



And yes, Strop was an Aussie not a Kiwi but same thing really...

[Max...]

And this does seem like the perfect opportunity to share (for the 398th time!) the best SIB video on all of YT and why you never let your SIB get beam on in surf even for a few seconds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oM4...ature=youtu.be

[jeffstevens763@g]

if i was to spend money on a surf boat i would go ceasar surfcat much cheaper OMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSK1NPjX0BM

[Allye]

Originally Posted by Max...

It's not about the boat though really - I mean who would you rather go to sea with?

These guys?




Or one of these?



And yes, Strop was an Aussie not a Kiwi but same thing really...

Again two different application, within half a mile of the beach? IRB every single time with associated lifegaurd helm. Beyond that a big boat of course. IRB’s don’t handle sizeable wind chop too well being so light.

[Allye]

Surf cat -

Cheaper because it’ll last less than half the time!

[SixtyNorth]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

if i was to spend money on a surf boat i would go ceasar surfcat much cheaper

That looked quite light in the bow, do they flip over easily when going fast into a strong and gusty headwind? I can imagine it helps to have a crew member up front.

Gemini make similar 'cat hulled' surf rescue boats in South Africa. Runswick Rescue operate one (Runswick Rescue | Independent Lifeboat – Saving Lives Since 1982) but that is the only inshore rescue cat hulled SIB that I am aware of in the U.K. Does anyone know why they are not more popular here? The RNLI seem to prefer traditional inflatables with a single keel. The Arancia is the same.

[GuyC]

Originally Posted by Allye

Again two different application, within half a mile of the beach? IRB every single time with associated lifegaurd helm. Beyond that a big boat of course. IRB’s don’t handle sizeable wind chop too well being so light.

At night as part of a co-ordinated search effort in shallow water less than 1/2 mile from the beach - a D Class every time.

The D Class and Arancia are different boats hence why the RNLI operates them both.

At night, sneaking in to land forces on the beach without being seen - a black SIB every time.

We can keep adding scenario's that favour different boats. It's good that there are many different types (and size) of Soft IB's but I'm not sure it is possible to identify one as king.