3m SIB / RIB

TJR · 18 July 2018, 09:42

New member looking to buy my first SIB / RIB

I’m after a small 2-3m inflatable that can be packed into the car for travel.

Ideal use is for crusing around the bays

Something suitable for 2 small adults that will get onto plane

Budget around £800

What’s about?

Fenlander · 18 July 2018, 10:08

Welcome to the forum TJR. Does the £800 budget include motor... if so might be a struggle to get something that will plane for that. Have you seen anything on Ebay or Gumtree etc that catches your eye?

TJR · 18 July 2018, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Welcome to the forum TJR. Does the £800 budget include motor... if so might be a struggle to get something that will plane for that. Have you seen anything on Ebay or Gumtree etc that catches your eye?

Thanks mate

Well it was for a engine and boat. But if I’ve gotta sacrifice I guess I’ll have to aim small to start. As budget is around that as I’m buying a house too 😂.

I’ve seen a few things on Ebay etc and I’ll be honest nobody seems like they want to sell, even when I’ve offered the full asking price.

Turned to this page to see what’s for sale

Fenlander · 18 July 2018, 14:38

Thing is...

You will have minimal acceptable planning performance with an 8hp and a light load... 10hp much better. With a 6HP you may plane if all factors are in you favour but you might need a long run up. 4HP and below effectively displacement only unless on a light craft with a very efficient hull and one light person.

So ideally an 8HP on an 3m SIB?? Have a look at that search criteria on Ebay etc and perhaps link to some ideas for us to give guidance.

TJR · 18 July 2018, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Thing is...

You will have minimal acceptable planning performance with an 8hp and a light load... 10hp much better. With a 6HP you may plane if all factors are in you favour but you might need a long run up. 4HP and below effectively displacement only unless on a light craft with a very efficient hull and one light person.

So ideally an 8HP on an 3m SIB?? Have a look at that search criteria on Ebay etc and perhaps link to some ideas for us to give guidance.

Thanks for the information mate. I think you are right that I’m not going to get something that planes within my budget unless I’m super lucky.

I think I’ll have to get something around the 4/5Hp mark,
With either a solid wooden floor or slatted.
I’m not sure on the difference in performance

Fenlander · 18 July 2018, 17:49

Solid wood floor 99% of the time will have an inflatable keel under which tightens the underside material and gives a small V profile. Slatted floors often are flat floors.

The flat floor models are worse both with an outboard and rowing.

Slat floor models usually roll up with slats in place as opposed to having to set up a wooden floor which can be fiddly.

TJR · 18 July 2018, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Solid wood floor 99% of the time will have an inflatable keel under which tightens the underside material and gives a small V profile. Slatted floors often are flat floors.

The flat floor models are worse both with an outboard and rowing.

Slat floor models usually roll up with slats in place as opposed to having to set up a wooden floor which can be fiddly.

So realistically I need a solid wood with a 5HP which should be easily achievable with my budget, I’ve seen a few for sale but most of the sellers are a pain with replying etc

Fenlander · 18 July 2018, 18:12

Yep along those lines. Weird re sellers not being interested.

TJR · 18 July 2018, 18:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Yep along those lines. Weird re sellers not being interested.

Exactly my thoughts, I get responses like, I’ve got someone coming to view in a week or I’m not in a rush to sell. Bearing in mind I’m offering full asking price upon viewing

bigfatfool · 19 July 2018, 13:16

If you don't mind going for older stuff then your budget should be fine.

I got a 3 or 3.2m Achilies, probably 1980s, hyperlon, wooden floor with inflatable keel for £180 plus collection. I've had her for 8 years and used her loads and she's tip-top.

Then an 8hp Jam for £250 inc tank. This time from the 70s.

This was my first set-up and it works a treat for what it is.

You may be struggling because you are trying to buy in the best summer we've had for ages.

I've also noticed that more and more people are getting into sibbing as more people find out it is affordable.

But I still see bargains coming up on ebay and gumtree quite frequently.... just keep searching....

7ommy · 20 July 2018, 09:37

Just keep looking, set up searches that flag new results.
Bargains are out there as I picked up the desirable Bombard aerotec with a 15hp Suzuki 4 stroke for £600 .... albeit a bigger boat than you want

bigfatfool · 20 July 2018, 10:00

wowzers 7ommy - you pipped even my bargain hunting!!!

7ommy · 20 July 2018, 10:53

It meant a 320 mile round drive but to me it was worth it. I had saved searches for honwave,Bombard, aerotec, outboard and numerous permutations and it took maybe 4 months but I’m VERY happy
I think in my favour the seller just thought it was an eight year old combo and not worth much

Good luck in your search OP

TJR · 21 July 2018, 08:51

I’ve seen this. Love the look of it etc and isn’t too far from me.

Would you lads say it’s worth the money?

And would it really plane with a 6hp with two people on! Doesn’t seem to me like it would without a V-Hull?

TJR · 21 July 2018, 08:53

Forgot to add photos to post [emoji23]

Fenlander · 21 July 2018, 09:17

First did you really mean to include the third image!!

I would not buy a SIB with no keel unless just as a yacht tender to row across for supplies.

Perhaps it has a keel though and they didn't bother to inflate for the pictures... if so then yes it would probably do you and with two light folks may well plane on 6hp.

Edit: I've googled images of these SIBs and every one looks to have a keel inflated through a hole in the bow floor board.

7ommy · 21 July 2018, 09:33

Maybe keep an eye on something like this

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F283058108720

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F232853422916

TJR · 21 July 2018, 10:09

I believe it has an inflatable keel, no I didn’t mean to ��, I ment to include the sellers description & not my friend getting abuse. I’d remove it but I’ve no idea how to edit posts etc

Would we say this is worth a go?

Fenlander · 21 July 2018, 10:42

If it has a keel and you are happy with condition it would be a very good start. Does it come with an outboard?

TJR · 21 July 2018, 10:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJR

Forgot to add photos to post [emoji23]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fenlander

If it has a keel and you are happy with condition it would be a very good start. Does it come with an outboard?

No outboard mate, but comes with launching wheels now bag, anchor & some rope.