New Honwave 3.8ie ... Opinions sought please

[LoznMary]

It's been a while since I've posted on here, so first off hello to you all. I bought an F Rib 360 last year and a suitable donkey to push it, of which I love both. Brill boats. I tow a touring caravan so Mr F Rib sat proudly on top of the roof, and did loads of trips away.

I've recently changed my tow car so the roof option I had set up ( Kari tek roof rack ) is not an option on my new motor. Both the boat and engine will fit inside but with no space for dog and the other stuff we carry. We really don't want to sell the F Rib, so are now thinking of a Honwave 3.8. This would fit inside quite easy along with the other parrots and monkeys.

My question is, what are you're views on the Honwave 3.8. Should I buy new or second hand? We intend to use the boat on lakes, rivers and the sea, although nothing of a perfect storm nature!!! The Honwave 3.8 is about the size we need as we often carry 4 adults and 2 dogs. Are there any other makes that we should look at for a similar price. When not away in the caravan we often use a trailer. We use our F Rib for sea fishing and generally getting out there. We have a 20 horse Suzuki 4 stoke, which I would be using.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

Loz

[Andy B]

The T38 is a very capable boat, but do be aware that there have recently been a few cases of boats with defective floors.
This is a big issue because if there are any faults in the floor the boat will not perform...

[LoznMary]

Hi Andy and thanks for getting back.

Ref the defective floors, is the problem confined to certain dates of build, or is it pot luck you buy a duffer or not? Is it something that can be fixed?

Thanks

Loz

[Andy B]

Ref the defective floors, is the problem confined to certain dates of build, or is it pot luck you buy a duffer or not?

There has recently been a couple of forum members who have experienced defective floors.
One was a new boat, the other a second hand boat from 2015...
In both cases the boats were bought from repeatable dealers and the problems were resolved with an exchange.
As for buying privately? I would "highly" recommend that you get to inspect the boat inflated before any cash changes hands.

Is it something that can be fixed?

I'm not sure, but i would say not. The fault seems to be in the manufacturing process.
Having personally witnessed one of these boats having problems even getting on the plane with 20hp clamped to the back, I would not underestimate the effect a defective floor has...

[LoznMary]

That's a big help Andy thank you. Possibly the safest route may be new with a full warranty?

Loz

[Martin]

Hi Loz,
As an ex Honwave T38ie owner I can explicitly say they are remarkable sibs. There have been a few issues of late that seem to affect a small number of boats but all boats have been returned to the supplying dealer and an exchange been made for a correct craft.
I wouldn’t be put off by the small amount of issues as they are a superb craft, but DO inspect your purchase throroughly at the point of collection or upon delivery.
EBC (Ely boat chandlers) are the cheapest at the moment for the T38ie and they sorted out a defective boat without hesitation so I would highly recommend them.

Martin

[LoznMary]

Hi Martin,

Thanks fit that advice, EBC are in pole position for my money so far based on price and it's good to know they will help when needed. Can I ask, exactly what would you look for when inspecting one upon delivery?

Thanks again,

Loz

[Paul B]

Hi Martin,

Thanks fit that advice, EBC are in pole position for my money so far based on price and it's good to know they will help when needed. Can I ask, exactly what would you look for when inspecting one upon delivery?

Thanks again,

Loz

I had one of the new T38’s which was defective , it came from EBC and I can honestly say they were superb, no arguments at all, they quickly arranged collection of the defective hull and sent me a new one within a week of reporting the issues,

The replacement is superb and gets on really well with my 15hp on the back,

[Martin]

Hi Martin,

Thanks fit that advice, EBC are in pole position for my money so far based on price and it's good to know they will help when needed. Can I ask, exactly what would you look for when inspecting one upon delivery?

Thanks again,
Loz

I’m no expert Loz, but I certainly noticed a difference immediately when Paul B sent me images of his 1st purchase.
His centre rubbstrake was very poorly finished,

Rub strake

the floor levels weren’t correct on the

lower deep V section of the bow, they didn’t look to butt together but more overlap.

V hull

Shown in greater detail from the inner view

Inner V Section

Martin

[chris moody]

It does seem that Honda are having a few quality control issues. My brand new 2016 Honwave T32ie was returned as defective after two outings. I must say both the supplying dealer (Hendy Marine) and Honda themselves were excellent. A brand new replacement boat was supplied as soon as they had checked and confirmed the fault (a slow leak in the air floor, it would lose all pressure over 5 days).