F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Hi folks, I’ve read through quite a few parts of the forum and spoken to a couple of dealers, but I wanted an independent opinion, still have a few things that I couldn’t quite find out, or posts were quite old so I thought I’d ask some questions as a newbie before I take the plunge.

I’m looking at getting a SIB + Outboard that I can roll up and put in my car boot as I will be towing a caravan. I’m intending on using it for family trips, 2 adults and 3 kids 10-14 but also possibly more frequently as 1 adult 1 kid for fishing. Given that I’m towing and will most likely be managing the boat and outboard myself, keeping size and weight to a minimum is my priority, whilst getting something that’ll function well.

There’s a few options for outboard, but I’ve pretty much settled on a Tohatsu due to the 43kg weight of the 15hp or 20hp, which I’m hoping I can lift! 9.9hp is an option if it would work.

There are many options for a SIB, reading the forum, the Honwave T38 seems the best bet, but at £1300 is more pricey than some of the alternatives. For example, an Excel volante 330 is £969 (the 360 is bigger but quite a bit heavier, this is also an option). Is it worth the extra few hundred quid spent on the honwave if the excel will do the job?

If I get the Excel with a 15hp engine would that work OK? Given my weight priority, can I get away with 9.9hp? Or, would I need a T38 with a 20hp or a 15hp (at around £800 more than the excel with 15hp). Is it not likely to plane with that when loaded up with the family with less than 20hp? When loaded with only 1 Adult and 1 kid, is the boat going to be too big, overpowered and uncontrollable with the T38 + 20hp combo, or will it be a lot of fun?

I’m also concerned that having a look at the 2nd hand market a lot of SIB’s talk of ‘3 repairs but still holds air pressure’ - are these things prone to damage? Do I need to avoid pebble beaches? I’ve had a Sevylor inflatable kayak for a number of years, it’s double skinned (PVC inside and some type of toughened canvas/tarp underneath) and tbh was expecting the same quality from these SIB’s but it seems not? The kayak handles rocky/pebble beaches no problem, and I’ve not been concerned with hooks whilst fishing either as there is that extra layer.

We’re mainly using it in Cornwall, heading out from Pentewan near Mevagissey, anything we should know about when visiting local beaches and coves, or are we ok just cruising around and stopping off? I’m guessing that Harbours need prior arrangement? I’ll have insurance, etc

So many questions! Apologies and appreciate any help and advice!

Hi @aspectfire and welcome.

You’ve already highlighted a seriously good boat/motor in the T38/Tohatsu 15/20 combo. Really wouldn’t recommend going any smaller than a T38 for five (it’ll still be a tight squeeze) and if budget allows go for the 20 over 15 hp….it’s the same weight and motor….you’ll be grateful of the extra power fully loaded.

The boat won’t feel big or overpowered solo/two up and will be a lot of fun with the 20. A 9.9 four stroke is not far off the weight of the Tohatsu 15/20 efi and will feel underpowered three or more up.
Perhaps worth also taking a look at Boatworld who have a competitively priced T38 clone in their range….perhaps not as robust but still worth considering.

https://boatworld.co.uk/boatworld-air-v-type-floor-380

Happy boat hunting.

Thanks for the reply much appreciated. I hadn't noticed that boatworld model. They say that the density of the PVC is slightly less than the honwave making it lighter, but this leads to my concerns about durability. Also I would guess a honwave branded boat is going to the easier to sell on in a few years if need be.

I think I will take the plunge and go with the T38 and tohatsu 20hp combo. It seems to me that it's not the cheapest but will offer good resale values in a few years so cost of ownership/fun is not too bad, and I'll be more confident with a more reliable boat.

Any thoughts on being careful on pebble or shingle beaches? My main concern is attempting to land on some remote cove and... pop!

Good choice, the T38 and Tohatsu 20 will be a great combo. Enjoy.

Plenty have no qualms beaching on pebbles and shingles. Must admit not something we do as you never know where that sharp flint/seashell may be lurking. Personally would either anchor in the shallows or deploy transom wheels and pull out of water.