Argghhh I can't decide......

[pezza]

Hi everyone. I live in Bournemouth and the past few weeks I have been searching the internet for information on numerous sibs that I am interested in purchasing.

The boat I am after can't be stored on a trailer and will need to be pumped up each time so it can't be crazy heavy. I am planning on getting transom wheels for the boat and ideally it needs to be able to tow a wake board or ringo and be a good platform to spearfish from and keep a 3 year old firmly in the boat

I have looked at takacat 340lx, frib 360 and an excel volaire 390 and for various reasons I have slowly started crossing them off my list. The tackacat looks a lot of fun but doesn't really do all the things I need from a boat and my 3 year old will jump off the front of it lol. The frib 360 looks good but being honest it's probably out of my price range at the moment. The excel volaire looks like a sexy boat but the weight of it looks like it might be a struggle. I did phone excel inflatables to enquire about the volaire 390 but was told the vanguard range is probably better suited for me with their aluminium floor. Although this makes the boat heavier it kind of makes it easier to move compared to the volaire 390 ( 65kg ) because the boat comes in two bags now (75kg total weight for the 395 vanguard ) instead of the one bag for the volaire. But then I don't want a slow boat due to the extra weight.... Is an aluminium floor really preferred for towing ringos etc and the odd bit of spearfishing?

There isn't much information out there for excel boats in general and I really can't decide between the volaire 390, vanguard 365 or the vanguard 395. Ideally I don't want to be carrying anything more than a 20hp due to weight so think that will be my hp of choice. Will this be enough for ringos and wakeboards? I plan on using it out at sea but near the coastline so it needs to be able to handle the odd choppy day should the weather change. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I will definitely do a write up with whatever I decide to get and will certainly try to join you guys out for a day on the water

[Martin]

Hi Pezza and welcome aboard.
I completely get your requirements and as much fun as they are (many smiles) I would immediately disregard the takacat, I wouldn’t let my nipper anywhere near one!

The excels, bloody well built boats that certainly last the rest of time..
Ally floor would be great for spear fishing but that’s all you may need it for, the air floors and high pressure V hulls are just as easy to work with and come in a lot lighter.
The IE Range of honwaves (apart from the floor issues ) are magnificent, through the launch wheels can sometimes bring their own issues..
In my opinion, you really do sound like a candidate for an f-rib - I know they’re pricey but it gives you the solid floor, it’ll easily deal with spear fishing gear and towing a ringo without any problem.
They go like hell with a 20hp attached - no trim tab issues, no launch wheels issues, no floor to risk puncturing and no silly metal bar as an engine mount like the Takacat.

We have a very friendly and helpful Frib dealer on here, if you do decide to go down that route, give @F-Rib South East a shout out... smashing fella and always tries his best to accommodate his customers.

I’m sure the other lads will be along shortly with their suggestions and hopefully offer more help.

Enjoy the forum,
Martin

[pezza]

Thanks Martin, I really appreciate your help with this. I have just spoken to my better half and it looks like the f-rib is out of the running. The master of coin has declined that one I have heard good things about the volaire and another kind user on this forum has mentioned it should be fine to tow ringos etc which is the main thing I need the boat to be able to do at some point which is great. A couple of spearfishing guys on another forum mentioned to just put a rug down worst case scenario if the floor scares me so I think the volaire it is.

Regarding 20 hp engines I know the main brands ( tohatsu, mercury, mariner, yamaha and suzuki ) are all pretty good from what I hear. Please tell me if that is not the case Has anyone got any feedback on parsun engines? I know they are from China and a brand new 20hp engine is £1.5k which is around 1k cheaper than most other makes. Searching the internet hasn't provided much info. I know they are slightly heavier. I am assuming they aren't very good or more people would be using them at that price point.

I am very excited to be getting back on the water after a break of 20 years ( my dad had a boat ).

[Sarah]

When you do find the right boat you're in the perfect location to get afloat from Christchurch river through to Poole Harbour, Wareham and the Bay you've certainly got lots of options. Reasonable launch facilities too. We're hoping to get out on the river this week in our 2.8m SIB. Can't wait to be on the water again. Good luck with your choice.

Hi everyone. I live in Bournemouth and the past few weeks I have been searching the internet for information on numerous sibs that I am interested in purchasing.

The boat I am after can't be stored on a trailer and will need to be pumped up each time so it can't be crazy heavy. I am planning on getting transom wheels for the boat and ideally it needs to be able to tow a wake board or ringo and be a good platform to spearfish from and keep a 3 year old firmly in the boat

I have looked at takacat 340lx, frib 360 and an excel volaire 390 and for various reasons I have slowly started crossing them off my list. The tackacat looks a lot of fun but doesn't really do all the things I need from a boat and my 3 year old will jump off the front of it lol. The frib 360 looks good but being honest it's probably out of my price range at the moment. The excel volaire looks like a sexy boat but the weight of it looks like it might be a struggle. I did phone excel inflatables to enquire about the volaire 390 but was told the vanguard range is probably better suited for me with their aluminium floor. Although this makes the boat heavier it kind of makes it easier to move compared to the volaire 390 ( 65kg ) because the boat comes in two bags now (75kg total weight for the 395 vanguard ) instead of the one bag for the volaire. But then I don't want a slow boat due to the extra weight.... Is an aluminium floor really preferred for towing ringos etc and the odd bit of spearfishing?

There isn't much information out there for excel boats in general and I really can't decide between the volaire 390, vanguard 365 or the vanguard 395. Ideally I don't want to be carrying anything more than a 20hp due to weight so think that will be my hp of choice. Will this be enough for ringos and wakeboards? I plan on using it out at sea but near the coastline so it needs to be able to handle the odd choppy day should the weather change. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I will definitely do a write up with whatever I decide to get and will certainly try to join you guys out for a day on the water

[Sarah]

Ref engines -will you be doing any of the servicing yourself? Looking at new or secondhand?

[sladonians]

Hi Pezza,

I have two Excel 365s, an SD with air floor (second hand) and an XHD Vanguard with ali floor, brand new this year.

I must say I was incredibly surprised at the difference between the two in respect that the Vanguard build quality makes it ‘feel’ more like a RIB. I purchased it for use along the coast and pair it with a Tohatsu 20hp efi which is, I think, the lightest 4 stroke 20hp you can get at 43kg. The transom on the XHD can easily handle this weight, it’s increbily robust and solid.

I cannot rate Excel highly enough both in respect of the quality of the boats but also the service from the Excel store themselves.

Have a look at the pictures of my set up in the electrical thread.

Only thing is I wish I’d gone for a slightly larger one but that’s just because I like lots of space, it’s nothing reflective of the performance and quality of the Boat.

Hope that helps?