F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Hello from sunny Southampton. I have just joined the forum today having bought my first SIB yesterday. I pick it up next week and hope to try it out next Monday.

It's an Elling KB350 Trimaran with a 6hp propane outboard. The brochure suggests that it can reach a speed of 30mph, but I think that it very doubtful.

Does anybody have any experience of the boat and/or outboard and any tips to share?

Also can anybody advice on good spots for beach launching in Hampshire/Dorset.

Hi Wolfgang and welcome to the forum. I don't have any experience with sib or motor personally but there may well be someone in here that does. Warsash and Poole harbour are both good launch sites with good parking.

Hi Wolfgang and to the forum.

I’ve not seen one of those boats yet. Is it the one from Boatworld?
It looks like it could have potential of being a good boat and I look forward to seeing it.

What made you chose a propane engine?

Yes. It is the Boatworld model. I will post a picture when I first inflate it. I'll also let you know what I think but I have not really had much experience to compare it with.

I went for propane because it supposedly a greener option and I am told that the performance is fine. In truth, I rushed into that decision and hope that it does not turn out to be a mistake.

I’m sure it will be fine. My only issue with propane is the size and weight of the bottles.
Is it the Orca outboard, also from Boatworld?

I have been looking at the boat and it is an interesting design. Like you, I’m not sure about their claim of 30mph from a 6hp outboard - given the likely prop size and RPM I find that suspicious.

Sorry if that sounds negative - it isn’t meant to be. I am genuinely interested to see how your boat performs.

Hi Chris

Yes, it is the Orca from Boatworld. I must admit that I didn't give proper thought to the size of the propane bottle when I ordered this. I am going to try it with a 5kg gas bottle I already have, to get some idea of the range I can expect. Anything larger than this and I think it will compromise the claimed weight advantage for the boat.

Hi Wolfgang,

Welcome to the madhouse. Sounds like a pretty cool set up you have there.

I’ll be looking forward to hearing your on water impressions as have no experience of the Elling's, but have seen one in the flesh at Boatworld, and an interesting nicely put together concept. Should be very efficient and corner flat with good grip, bit like the Takacats. Like the idea of the under hull inflatable keel to help control ventilation around the prop....something the Takacats can be very prone to.

I think it will be very fast, but fear 30mph from 6hp may be a tad optimistic, and quite possibly even exceeding the laws of physics....it'll go well though nonetheless.

Enjoy your new boat, has the potential to be a flat water rocket.

@Wolfgang Have you been out on your Elling KB 350 yet? What do you think?

Also - how is it to assemble/inflate/launch & and deflate/pack?

I'm really interested in getting one so it would be good to get your feedback!

Nice little winter spot for Poole Harbour is by East Dorset Sailing Club...tidal and gravel but if you can cope with that its a great spot. Don't tell everyone though! :-D

Hi Robin

Yes. I have been out on the boat once so far. Weather, tide and other commitments have conspired to prevent me from taking other trips.

The conditions were flat clam and I was also in a port area with a speed limit. So, I couldn't really put the boat to a proper test. That said, my first impressions are very favourable and I think the boat will be stable, manoeuvrable and fun.

It was easy to inflate (20 ish minutes) and deflate but I had the usual problems getting it back into its bag.

In summary, my first impressions are good and I think the boat will be a lot of fun. I'll know more when I get to give it a proper test run. I'm not sure when that will be.