• If you log in, the ads disappear in the forum and gallery. If you need help logging in or getting registered, send request to: webmaster@southernairboat.com

Shopping for a new Airboat!

Airboatcapt2

Airboatcapt2

Well-known member
Thinking about Buying a new Airboat?

Everyone has a favorite manufacturer whom they think is the “Best�.
There are several things to consider when shopping for a new boat.
First of all there are several very good manufacturers but they do all have there differences. Here are a few points you should consider.
*All Airboats are not equal. (It is not like buying an automobile!)
There are no regulations that airboat manufacturers must follow as safety and quality concerns. Some manufacturers continue to cut corners in order to save money, to be able to low ball prices. When getting an airboat quote, make sure it is apples to apples. Make sure it is not just a low ball price to suck you in. Read the specifications and fine print.

*I would recommend checking out several manufacturers first hand to see how they build their boat.
1.Items to look for, what is the hull built out of? 5086 marine alloy is the superior alloy fir an airboat hull. 5052 is too soft for most applications and 6061 is to hard for most applications.
2.Is the bulkhead fully welded? Not just over the t-bars.
3.Are the corner gussets fully welded or just on top there you see?
4.What is the side height and transom height? (What is best for your area?)
5.What are the size of the t-bars for the bottom? How many do I need for my area?
6.What is the mid-ship brace built out of?
7.Some boats do not have a full bow, only a drop in plywood in the bow. What do I need?
8.What kind of warranty comes from different manufacturers, and how are concerns handled?
9.Drive a couple different boats. Not all airboats handle the same. Some are great all around, some are great for deep water, some are only good for dry, some are horrible for dry land.

*Everyone says they have the “Best� but the perfect airboat is different to just about everyone. Good luck on your purchase of a new boat. There are several first class companies that can take good care you.

I only wanted to try to point out things to consider that might have been lost along the way in another thread. I am not pointing any fingers at anyone or any Manufacturers.
This is just a few things that come to mind when purchasing a new boat that should be considered. There are many things that should be investigated other than an initial sticker price.
 
I agree with that, like I always say nothing is ever the best at everything. So beware of somebody that tells you they have the best hull for you but don’t even know what YOUR NEEDS AND DESIRES are. I say this with engines also no one engine is the best for every airboat. Always find an airboat manufacture that builds a good quality boat and is experienced with building what you want and need. And be sure to stress what you want your boat to do best.
 
I wish I would have known what I wanted my boat to do best before I ever bought one! It took me a little bit to figure out exactly what I wanted to do with my boat but every trip out I learned more and more. If someone is interested in an airboat and has never had one before, I would suggest a few outings with someone who has a boat and visit areas that have a lot of boats around. Kissimmee during summertime holidays can be very entertaining and educating.
 
When considering an air boat you may also discuss things you don't want your boat to do example: sink in deep water ,get stuck on hard ground ,porpoise,ride on the nose,crow hop ,vibrate and the list goes on.
 
I almost forgot....it's just as important to consider the operating budget when choosing an airboat too. I know some people who save and save to buy one and then are surprised at the expense of maintaining/operating one.
 
Good job Faron!! This is exactly what the new airboat buyer needs. A "list" of what to look for and why, along with being as unbiased as possible too. Ya done good.

BTW it's 12 degrees up here right now, I think my airboat is going to be REALLY ticked off if I have to go out on a rescue..... The older she gets, the more cantankerous she gets..... (er, or is that me..) Go figure. :lol:
Brian
 
Brian, at 12 degrees F. even your battery will hate you if you have to go on a rescue ..... :lol: .

BF
 
Faron - And not one bit of private company salesmanship in that either. Well done and really good advice.

Making sure that you are comparing apples to apples is really important and that you look at "standard" hulls by the manufacturers prior to purchase. Some might not weld everything together the same way.
 
Another "rule of thumb" I use when spending my bosses money (spending almost 3 mil right now) :D is that....

The cheapest is not always the least expensive

If you buy something at low cost that will require repairs, and/or replacement, and not have a very high resale value, you can easily end up paying more in the long run. VERY easily. When if you had spent a little more up front, you can look forward to SAVING money on repairs, and not have to buy another next year, and if you decide to upgrade, your purchase can be sold for more money and put towards the upgrade.

Taking care of your purchase is important too, so EASE OF MAINTENANCE is a something that has a value, therefore a price.

Better to shop VALUE than to shop PRICE. That's what Faron means by "Apples tp Apples". One expensive apple could equal the cost of two low price apples. And if the expensive apple lasts twice as long, you just saved money.

We're looking at buying a $250,000. CNC machine. We looked at several. There was one that cost $150,000. And after seeing it, there is no way it would ever last as long as the more expensive one. Therefore, the more expensive one costs less.

And if you need to shoot the budget to just get by, and go with the lowest bottom line price, well, you have to remember that before you complain. You get what you pay for!!!

Price & Value are two TOTALLY seperate things. Value has a price, but price does not always have value.

matt.
 
Faron What do you do different for a hull that is going to be run on ice,and cold weather. 8x16,do you like gear or belt drive for these boats/
 
The AirRanger hull has a 20 year Warranty. The Rhino Edition Hull is a Lifetime Warranty. Guaranteed never to crack or break!

The Rhino Edition is our Ice Class model.
*The bottom is 1/4 5086 Aluminum instead of 3/16.
*We also use 9-2x2x3/8 T-bars in the bottom
*Then depending on size of hull 2 mid ship braces that are 2-1/2x3" I beams
*We also have special Ice bracing plates that we add into the rear sides of the hull into a specific area that is most vulnerable to damage due to crushing through thin Ice.

I am also a big fan of the Belt Drive. We have so many belt drives out that are running with ZERO problems. We want to use proven products on your boat. I also think that the fuel Injection seems to work the best in cold environment.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
 
Sorry Faron, but I think its gettin a little fruity in here. I was fine till ya brought up the lemons, now I have a sour taste in my mouth and I'll take my funnies elsewhere!!!!!!!




LMAO
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top