F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Hello,
I'm new on here but been reading for the last two years, I'm 59 years old, retiring next April, and have wanted a boat for some time. I have been racing sailing dinghys, kayaking since I was ten, sailed yachts with my wife around Greece, love sea fishing and diving. I want something light and easy to use due to having covid earlier this year, spent seven weeks on ICU in a coma, three months in hospital, and very lucky to be alive, so now it's time to live for today.
So after changing my mind several times lol I ruled out a trailer, which also ment no Ali floor. The Honwave t38 was favourite. I want something fast, fun, stable, light, and easy set up. 50% fishing, 50% playing, exploring, swimming from, snorkeling and posssibly spear fishing.
I have now found the perfect sib...... Takacat 340 or 380, light fast with only a 10hp motor. I can get on / off the open bow when swiming etc, lighter than the average sib and will fit in my new fabia estate.
I will treat this as a wet boat, ie wear my wet suit unless it's shorts and t shirt weather, advantages are A. No issues getting wet when launching, B. safer if I fall in rather than having clothes on plus water proofs and wellies C. I'm ready if I want to swim/ snorkel.
Only negative is cavitation/ ventilation issues, which I know can be sorted with cupped prop and cavitation plate ( listen to me the newbie... anybody would think I know what I'm talking about )
Having spoken to the uk supplier I was told the issue has now been sorted by lowering the rear transom bar by 2" and are now getting positive feedback from buyers.
Sooooo, have have just put an order in for new boat, rod holders, transom wheels and bravo pump, plus I couldn't resist upped the the motor to 15 hp

Wow that's quite an intro, I'm sorry to hear how tough a time you've had and am delighted you're looking forward to continuing your adventure with some gusto.

I know zero about the boat you've chosen to buy, however, it sounds like it will fly with a 15HP outboard, enjoy it!

Thank you.
Deposit paid, but lack of stock around so given dealer option to supply 340 or 380 and either honda, suzuki or tomaso engine.

A good choice... I'm have a340 with suzuki 9.9a .. with no changes to prop or trims etc works well..

Great stuff, that's good to know. Don't really want to start messing around with engines and props being new to this.

Can't believe it, googled my nearest Tohatsu dealer....... 2.7 miles from my front door , been there 15 years and I never knew.
So I've been naughty again, as the 15hp is same weight and size as the 20hp.......... 20hp it is, deposit paid due in August.
This has made me have the 380 lx as the 340 lx is only rated for the 15hp.
Should be a flyer

Wow, Sounds like you've had a rough old ride therte, pleased you're in the clear now.
You've been on a good old spending spree there.
If you need any more rod holders and such, be sure to check out our partner store https://land-and-sea.co.uk/ Looking forward to seeing some pics of your new purchase

Martin

Thanks Martin,
Far from in the clear yet, still lots of CT scans to monitor permanent lung damage but I'm alive and kicking lol.
Thanks for the heads up just had a look at the site and will have a closer look when nearer to being on the water.
Just need a boat now to put the engine on

Tyger.. if you fancy a blue 380 right now... I have one in my garage for sale.. used for all of 30 mins!

Thanks Peter, really tempting, but I hate buying second hand no matter how good an item is and how much I may save, think I like the thrill of opening something brand new

How come you are selling it?