Hello

Rodders · 01 January 2025, 17:17

Hi all, I’m not quite a skipper just yet, I’m looking to pick up a SIB in time for the better weather. Im interested in a Honway T40 with a 20-25hp OB. Any pointers would be appreciated. Based between Dundee and Aberdeen.

Regards

Rod

Fenlander · 01 January 2025, 17:57

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The T40 is a very roomy and stable SIB but coupled with a 20-25hp motor a fair lump to move about. Are you planning on a trailer and direct launch into the water?

Re outboards are you thinking new or used, two or four stroke? There can be quite a weight jump going to a 25hp with some models but if trailed that's not an issue. For example a current Suzuki 25hp is almost 20kg heavier than the 20hp. In the 4-strokes the 25hp models can be smoother. However isn't the T40 only rated to 20hp?

Steve509926 · 01 January 2025, 22:22

Hi Rodders and welcome.

Can't really add anything more than Fenlander has put apart from, what are you planning to do with your sib? Family trips, fishing, trailer or blow and go?

chipko · 02 January 2025, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

However isn't the T40 only rated to 20hp?

I think the current T40-AE3 is still rated to 30hp despite the contradictory spec on the Honwave brochures. The T38 is also still rated to 25hp despite Honda stating 20hp.

Dry Run · 02 January 2025, 08:11

Welcome

Bodie The Boat Guy · 02 January 2025, 09:19

T40's are great. Give me a shout when you are ready to buy as we have them currently in stock. Honda engines too.

Fenlander · 02 January 2025, 09:22

>>> I think the current T40-AE3 is still rated to 30hp despite the contradictory spec on the Honwave brochures.

Thanks, that rings a bell now that folks have put up pics of their transom data plate showing 30hp. Poor form that Honwave still have the incorrect data online.

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:34

Thank you everyone for your replies. I did respond last night with a detailed response however on posting it suddenly deleted my reply, it was too late to rewrite. Is this something that happens regularly or was I just unfortunate

Fenlander · 02 January 2025, 10:39

I think you were unlucky. That's only ever happened to me when I've realised it was user error perhaps going away from the page between writing and posting when maybe the page refreshed.

For long posts I often copy part way through... just in case.

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The T40 is a very roomy and stable SIB but coupled with a 20-25hp motor a fair lump to move about. Are you planning on a trailer and direct launch into the water?

Re outboards are you thinking new or used, two or four stroke? There can be quite a weight jump going to a 25hp with some models but if trailed that's not an issue. For example a current Suzuki 25hp is almost 20kg heavier than the 20hp. In the 4-strokes the 25hp models can be smoother. However isn't the T40 only rated to 20hp?

Hi Fenlander learning how to navigate this site just now I take you point about the weight of the engine. I reckon if I buy new (which is my preferred option) I would need to forego a trailer just now a lighter engine would be an advantage in this case. I would but 2nd hand if the deal and equipment was right. I have considered a 15hp but concerned I would end up ringing it everywhere, were with a bigger engine I could sit more comfortably in the rev range. You might be able to provide your experience on this

Thanks mate

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

Hi Rodders and welcome.

Can't really add anything more than Fenlander has put apart from, what are you planning to do with your sib? Family trips, fishing, trailer or blow and go?

Hi Steve thanks for your reply. I’m looking to get back to my seafaring roots as a young lad and taking up a bit of fishing along with days out with friends and family having lesuite time. Maybe a few adventures along the way. If I buy new probably blow and go until such time as I could get a trailer 2nd hand.

Thanks mate

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Hi and welcome to the forum.

The T40 is a very roomy and stable SIB but coupled with a 20-25hp motor a fair lump to move about. Are you planning on a trailer and direct launch into the water?

Re outboards are you thinking new or used, two or four stroke? There can be quite a weight jump going to a 25hp with some models but if trailed that's not an issue. For example a current Suzuki 25hp is almost 20kg heavier than the 20hp. In the 4-strokes the 25hp models can be smoother. However isn't the T40 only rated to 20hp?

Would lean towards the 4T for smoothness to be fair, however I know my way around a 2T which is handy. I’ve been flying 2T paramotors for sometime and although noisier and dirtier with the right tlc don’t cause many problems

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

I think you were unlucky. That's only ever happened to me when I've realised it was user error perhaps going away from the page between writing and posting when maybe the page refreshed.

For long posts I often copy part way through... just in case.

Yeah sounds like good advice there 👍

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by chipko

I think the current T40-AE3 is still rated to 30hp despite the contradictory spec on the Honwave brochures. The T38 is also still rated to 25hp despite Honda stating 20hp.

Hi chipko thanks for clearing that up I had noticed different HPs with different suppliers. Good to know

Thanks

Steve509926 · 02 January 2025, 10:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodders

Hi Steve thanks for your reply. I’m looking to get back to my seafaring roots as a young lad and taking up a bit of fishing along with days out with friends and family having lesuite time. Maybe a few adventures along the way. If I buy new probably blow and go until such time as I could get a trailer 2nd hand.

Thanks mate

A T40 with anything over a 20hp efi is a huge beast to blow and go. IMO it would be a PITA to inflate/deflated every time and you wouldn't use it for the quick odd trip out as much as something lighter/smaller.
I don't know of a sibber (I'll get shot down in flames at this point) with a T40 that doesn't use a trailer.
Personally I would try and see as many + 3.5mtr sibs in the flesh as you can. Sibbing is much better fun when the set up is easy and quick.
Is there a particular reason why you want an aluminium deck?

Rodders · 02 January 2025, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve509926

A T40 with anything over a 20hp efi is a huge beast to blow and go. IMO it would be a PITA to inflate/deflated every time and you wouldn't use it for the quick odd trip out as much as something lighter/smaller.
I don't know of a sibber (I'll get shot down in flames at this point) with a T40 that doesn't use a trailer.
Personally I would try and see as many + 3.5mtr sibs in the flesh as you can. Sibbing is much better fun when the set up is easy and quick.
Is there a particular reason why you want an aluminium deck?

Hi Steve

I’m after plenty of space primarily. I understand there isn’t much between the T38 and 40. The aluminium deck looks appealing and the protection it offers from damage to the hull is important to me. I also read that handling is improved with the added rigidity, you may be able to advise on that point. I get what your saying about blow and go it being a larger boat but my goal would be to get a trailer maybe in year 2. I built myself a 2.5m trailer (not a boat trailer)and could modify this in the meantime if blow and go got to cumbersome

Steve509926 · 02 January 2025, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodders

Hi Steve

I’m after plenty of space primarily. I understand there isn’t much between the T38 and 40. The aluminium deck looks appealing and the protection it offers from damage to the hull is important to me. I also read that handling is improved with the added rigidity, you may be able to advise on that point. I get what your saying about blow and go it being a larger boat but my goal would be to get a trailer maybe in year 2. I built myself a 2.5m trailer (not a boat trailer)and could modify this in the meantime if blow and go got to cumbersome

There is a big difference between the T40 & the T38. Nearly all sibbers could manage a T38 but very few could manage a T40, not only in terms of size but perhaps more importantly weight.
When I was choosing my first sib, I wanted a big spacious sib and had my heart set on an Excel Volaire 390. I then saw it in the showroom and tried to lift it packed in it's bag. There is no way I would want to be hefting such a big, heavy sib around. I went for a smaller, lighter sib (58kg), it is still bloody heavy, but manageable.
Aluminium deck Vs airdeck, I think most (not all, especially the fishermen amongst us) who blow and go like the portability of an airdeck, they don't suffer the damage/wear that many believe.
I also noticed you've mentioned a 20hp 2s, again that's pushing it weight wise, a efi 4s is so much lighter.

Your fitness level may be much better than mine, but I would advise caution before hitting the buy it button.

chipko · 02 January 2025, 13:45

Steve’s right as there is a huge difference between a T38 and T40, not only in weight but also size and deck space, tube size, ease of assembly, flat deck etc. The T38 is a fine boat but nowhere near the size and feel of a T40 although will give a more forgiving ride in choppy conditions.

I suppose if you’re set on a T40, or any other 4m ally floor boat, and ultimately plan on trailering, then it just boils down to how you manage in the short term. With two reasonably fit blokes then a T40 is perfectly manageable, especially if you add large transom wheels and a bow dolly.
Going from a 15/20 to 25/30hp is also a massive hike in weight as even the lightest will be 43 to 57kg respectively. The 20 is just doable solo for some, whereas the 25 is definitely a two person lift.
Of course if you’re set on trailering a sib then why not just go for a small rib…..but then that’s another can of worms. Good luck.

Steve509926 · 02 January 2025, 14:30

If it's space you're after along with portability maybe take a look at chipko's thread about the Boatworld Cruiser 380. Not everyone's cup of tea, but it may be what you are looking for.

Fenlander · 02 January 2025, 23:33

>>>have considered a 15hp but concerned I would end up ringing it everywhere, were with a bigger engine I could sit more comfortably in the rev range.

I owned a T35 so very similar but slightly smaller and lighter. I thought that needed more than the 15hp we used it with so I'd say a 20hp would be the minimum I'd want on a T40, particularly if carrying more than two folks.

If you could find a used outfit around 4m with alloy floor and 20hp at this time of year it would probably have a trailer already and be cheaper than a new T40 plus new outboard.