Noticed earlier this year Kolibri had launched a range of inflatable catamaran sibs. Annoyingly the UK distributors of Kolibri, Wolf Rock, don’t include these Ukrainian cats in their line up, and nor do they intend to add them.
Eager to try one of these, last month managed to source one through an eBay seller….what could possibly go wrong!!!
Smooth transaction on eBay to be fair and boat arrived all as promised by seller in just over a fortnight. Initially a bit concerned main hull came unboxed, but well packaged and protected, and once opened appeared new and never inflated with all usual manufacturers foam protectors/plastic linings etc. etc. Warranty card stamped and dated, presumably by the Ukrainian supplying dealer??, but realistically accept zilch warranty in practical terms on this purchase as, at best, it’s a grey import. For under a grand delivered, happy to take the risk to be honest, but if new to this sib lark then wouldn’t recommend sourcing via this route.
So on paper at least it ticked most of the boxes to potentially perform well…available in the longer 3.8 and 4.2 lengths, large 49cm dia. tubes, decent 175cm beam, rated up to 20hp, all welded main seams/baffles, prv’s, 4 + 1 air chambers, full length keel protection, a good few grab handles etc. etc. I also quite liked the grey/orange livery, (apart from a black floor!) vain or what. Everything expected seemed included for a boat at this price point to be fair. If nitpicking then surprised no valve tool included in repair canister…picky or what.
Turned out to be a good few weeks before we got this little beggar wet, and then sadly only on the river. Mildly optimistic at this stage, it may of course have handled like dog and would hate it, but that’s for later.
In the meantime here are a few pics.
