Mine was an ex-surf club boat from the mid-90's that was made in New Zealand. The hypalon was still in great shape and only had two patches. Ran it with a 30 hp two stroke Merc .
I loved the boat and sold it to my neighbor as his kids (15 & a17 yrs) were using it more than I was. The best part is that I can borrow it whenever I want! It'd mainly been used for beach launching through the surf when don't want to drive the distance to a proper ramp (30 miles between ramps).
Unfortunately, I don't have much to compare it too as I haven't been in any other SIBs of this size (my rib is 7.3 m and diesel). With that said, it performed admirably and we beat the heck out of it in the waves in and out from the beach. It felt sturdy and solid while being exceptionally light. Four (small) teenagers carried it easily the 30m from the road to the waters edge this weekend.
If you find one, you'll obviously take it for a spin first!
Alex, like you I have an interest in RNLI SIBs as you know, I've got a few links I can post on these if you like?
They do look interesting but for me they seem to fall halfway between a regular air floor sib and the Y Class, the keel looks pretty flat too and I reckon an Aerotec with a few mods makes a better case for a lightweight performance SIB. That's putting aside the obvious attraction of a 'service' boat.
(Not Another) Nutkin
