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Stu675 · 05 March 2014, 09:17

Hi all
My name is Stu from Wellingborough, just on the brink of buying a small inflatable with a 3.5-4hp short shaft outboard. Looking at this forum that seems to be small fry in comparison to the kit the rest of you have!
Any advise on a purchase of both or in a package would be great. Have seen a couple on ebay and mail speed marine for around £8-1000.
Anything I should keep clear of or go for?
Hope to speak with you guys on here in the future.

Ian M · 05 March 2014, 09:42

Hi Stu, and welcome.
The kit the rest of us have is irrelevant, getting out and enjoying it is what it is about. We all had to start somewhere, and personally, I think that someone who jumps straight into a large RIB is missing a large part of his marine education

There are even some guys on here who should know better; they have RIBs AND the odd inflatable

Tell us more about what you want to use the rig for, what sort of load you want to carry, and where you will be using it, and although I am not the expert you may be looking for, others will be along to give you useful info

Stu675 · 05 March 2014, 09:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian M

Hi Stu, and welcome.
The kit the rest of us have is irrelevant, getting out and enjoying it is what it is about. We all had to start somewhere, and personally, I think that someone who jumps straight into a large RIB is missing a large part of his marine education

There are even some guys on here who should know better; they have RIBs AND the odd inflatable

Tell us more about what you want to use the rig for, what sort of load you want to carry, and where you will be using it, and although I am not the expert you may be looking for, others will be along to give you useful info

Hi Ian
Basically looking for a small (2.3 to 2.6mtr) inflatable with no more than a 4hp short shaft outboard.
Usage is going to be mainly occasional and coastal for little trips around the beach/coast line. Also will be using it on local boating lakes for fun trips out to keep it in use.
Max capacity is going to be me, the wife and my 6 yr old daughter but mainly just me and my daughter as the wife gets a little sea sick

Not looking for anything too quick but want something with a little poke to make some fun..
Budget wise I don't want to be spending more than £1000 and from what I have seen that is achievable?

Cheers for your help..

kerny · 05 March 2014, 10:46

Hi Stu and welcome to RIBnet, I have a 2.6 Wetline sib with a Tohatsu 3.5 engine I have used it on Ullswater with wife and myself with a bit of kit on board and it potters about okay but thats about it.

I would say that mine is mainly only fit for using as a small tender if I am being honest, if you want to have a bit of fun I would go for something a bit bigger like a 3.2 with at least 10hp engine on it, especially if using it out on the sea it will give you a lot more satisfaction and a bit more floor space for the kids and kit.

Stu675 · 05 March 2014, 10:51

Under powered is what I thought.
Ummm, as with everything in life this purchase is slightly budget driven so I may have to adapt my expectations of fun unless I can find a cheaper bigger HP outboard that would do the job? Think a 2.6mtr inflatable can handle upto about 6HP??

kerny · 05 March 2014, 11:10

Stu I'm sure that with your budget you could find a good used 3.2 sib and 10 hp engine, keep looking in the for sale section

Stu675 · 05 March 2014, 12:59

Cheers. Ill keep digging...

chris.moody · 05 March 2014, 19:10

There is a bombard 380 in the for sale section on here, might be worth a look.

Stu675 · 05 March 2014, 23:32

Found a great package with a wetline 260 and a 5hp outboard. . Liking this site already...
Thanks for the input so far guys...

NSS · 05 March 2014, 23:58

I dipped my toes in the water so to speak with a 3.2 Avon Rover with an 18hp motor. Within a year I'd regretted not getting a more powerful engine and upgraded to a 25hp. Not suggesting you go that far, but the moral of the story is that it may be false economy to spend a grand and then wish you'd waited a little longer and got something more akin to your need for say £1500.

onlyonestone · 06 March 2014, 07:13

Hi Stu, I'm from Northampton - what lakes are you planning on using as I don't know any around us apart from Grendon?

I agree with the other guys on here too, I have a 3.8m yam inflatable with 20hp and that's a nice set up. Enough room and power for fun too. Although I'll be upgrading to a RIB at some point soonish so when I sell I'll give you a nod if you're still looking.

Stu675 · 06 March 2014, 07:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyonestone

Hi Stu, I'm from Northampton - what lakes are you planning on using as I don't know any around us apart from Grendon?

I agree with the other guys on here too, I have a 3.8m yam inflatable with 20hp and that's a nice set up. Enough room and power for fun too. Although I'll be upgrading to a RIB at some point soonish so when I sell I'll give you a nod if you're still looking.

Hi
TBH Grendon were the lakes I was thinking of. As I haven't yet got a boat I hadn't looked too much more into it.
I have just agreed to buy a boat and outboard from a guy on here. To my smaller spec. Didn't want to go big initially for a few reasons, cost, transportation, expected usage etc.
If you do sell yours defo give me a shout a may want to upgrade...