from midgets to monsters

[philpot]

Whilst at Excel boats collecting my new SIB, I was given the chance to take a closer look at the range of inflatable boats on site. I have to say that I didn't know that it was possible to buy a true SIB capable of taking a outboard with a solid transom from 1.60 mt right up to the largest SIB on the market today at 7.00mt. It seems strange to think that Excel go from a two man up to an eighteen man SIB, now that is bloody big.

I was impressed at the usable range and the fact that ALL the boats have the same features and construction right down to the 1.60. Okay, a 1.60 is not ideal or even suitable for sea fishing but is quite capable of a fishing craft on plenty of inland waters after all, float tubes are used in many countries and at least with these little craft, you don't need a drysuit and flippers nor will you have a cold bum in the winter. I hate with a passion inflatables with a round tube transom and an outboard bracket---------------rubbish, lousy design, poor outboard performance etc etc but these little fellas have a solid transom just like their bigger brothers.

I will say that if I had been in the market for an aluminium floor SIB, no doubt I would have given these SIBs a very close look indeed as they have heavy duty fabric and designed to take some serious stick.

Excel carry in stock quite a large number of SIBs with deliveries taking place most Mondays so it is not often that they run out. Here are a few photo's of the boats I saw.























Here is a side view of a demo air floor showing the internal fibres that hold the floor together and give the strength needed.



Even though I have just bought a 330 model, if cash allowed, I think I would be tempted to get a 1.80 with a small electric outboard and just leave it in the car for those short notice sessions on one of the lakes near where I live, rather fancy one of these little guys. £429------£3649 and compare those prices to the likes of Avon and Zodiac and you start to see the real value for money particularly when you check the specifications.

Hmmmm, little lake fly fishing SIB Hmmmmm

Phil

[kerny]

Look good quality sibs Phil where are they made ?? They don't look like your usual Chinese models.

[philpot]

I think they are made like most are in China but looking at the various features, they are made to a given specification with one or two things that are not found on many if any other brands. I will be very honest and say that I never really regarded Excel to be anything other than a cheapo boat but after I spent some time researching the different specs on different brands I found that I was wrong, these are fine, boats very well made, it is just that they have little sales in the north so were an unknown quantity.

I am not sure what the situation is with their RIBs as although I saw a few, I think they concentrate on SIBs being a much larger market.

You may have noticed the Vector outboards, well I had never heard of them but it turns out they are Yamaha engines supplied and then built in the UK again an unknown product but looks to be a sound product with a good back up from Excel.

I live and learn.

Phil