Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

[patrick421]

Hi,

I am totally new to this. I read many articles and came to the point where it seems to me that these 2 options seem quite good. Goal is to get an all around boat with quality as high as possible and with a price not too high.
We are a couple, with a 3.8 years old and a 6 months old baby.

The SD365 (with inflatable floor - not the 2010 version) and the Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK. Price wise, the Saturn (actualy the Azzuro MARE equivalent to get the air floor) is much cheaper too.


The Sea Eagle seems heavier 50 pounds (mainly due to the floor mat)

1. Do you think there is any boat that would compete with these 2? I was looking at the Sea Eagle 10.6 SR RIK with inflatable keel which also is light.??
2. Which one you would chose and why?
3. Any other advise you could give me?

Thanks a lot!
Patrick

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I checked those boats out before but I just bought this Walker Bay instead, it is to be delivered tomorrow. My reasons for choosing it.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|586964|587470&id=905339

Reputable brand - 10 year warranty with dealers around.
Hypalon material - more resistant to UV


I was checking out this Mercury too, but i went for the Walker Bay, for being newer (2008 vs 2007)- having more space- larger tube diameter - lighter weight.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|215697|295745&id=772758

 

[Sea Rider]

Saturn SD365/385 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Saturn SD365/385 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

There are width, tube diam, weight differences between a 320/340 and next larger 365/380 model sibs. Listed 4 are 0.9 mm pvc fabric. If on a low budget, as a nice starter sib, would go for the larger one with wider tubes (WB) There's a $ 100 factory rebate for the MM 340 making a $ 200 total difference compared to WB, if money is an issue, this would be your second option.

Walker Bay 340 $ 999 (Air Floor)
Mercury Marine 340 $ 899.00 (Air Floor)
Saturn 330 $ 925.00 (Air Floor)
Sea Eagle 320 $ 1,449.00 (Air Floor)

Final decision is yours

Happy Boating

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Thanks so much.

I checked all your suggestions and I like them too now... Decisions, decisions....


I got an option to get the Saturn sd365 for $1050 and I like the option to get a 30HP motor on it. Would I use it? not sure....

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I got an option to get the Saturn sd365 for $1050 and I like the option to get a 30HP motor on it. Would I use it? not sure....

The purchase of a bigger sib will depend entirely on your boating needs, passengers to carry, portability. The 365 price is one of the lowest in the market, a 30 HP is too much for that sib, will be overpowered and too heavy, a 20 HP is max, the weight is an important factor to bear in mind when transporting. The 365 is not an air floor model, comes with free complications: extra time in assembly, pumping, portability.

Any 340 will work perfect with 15 HP engines.

Happy Boating

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I will follow your advise and not get a motor stronger than 20HP then.
I found the Saturn SD365 for $1050 and with the air floor.

They actually call it the AM365, it comes in boring white but at least I could get the air floor as it does make a big difference for the weight and time to be ready.

I will need 2 types of motors as I live on a lagoon:

1. Electric Motor that will take this boat not faster than 5 mph (regulations here)

2. Fuel Motor that will take us on lakes, rivers, etc.... I don't need right now anything fancy for this as I will be with the family and need safe more than high speed but still want to move not too slow.


. Which motor would you recommend for each situation?
. They ask for a motor with short shaft - I feel soooooo green... I am !...

Oh... Price matters but I like to buy something ok, not too cheap as I guess you get what you pay for but not too expensive as I don't need the top class at all. Just something well priced.

Thanks so much, it really helps to get your advises!

Oh... any book to read on how to drive these boats, regulations to learn about, safety, etc... ?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Answering you comments:

Ok for the intended use, what about storage, you will transport the 365 and assemble once reaching boating point, you have a house on the lake, beach, whatever with enough room to keep a 365 horizontal or vertical inflated against a wall ? A 365 air floor will flex more than a 365 sib with wooden or alum floor, weights at least 15 Kg more, but performs much better, so decide transport method and storrage before deciding 365 air or wooden floor.

About engine brands, can recommend Tohatsu 20 HP short shaft will still be powerfull if intending to pass to next size sib in future. 4 strokes engines weights 10 or more Kg compared to same 2 strokes brothers, probably not available in your area any more. No experience with electric motors, sorry. Can buy engine and parts at : www.internetoutboards.com

Maybe can attend a boating course/school in your area, would be a great idea, once an expert can go for safe family boating fun

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I was gong to get the 9.8hp tohatsu but i changed my mind again after lifting 90lb of weight lol. I am going with the 6hp Suzuki instead. It has 138cc comparing to 124cc of Tohatsu. And it also has a tiny teeny built-in gas tank.

Some boats has a limit hp or lbs for the transom. Mine is 15hp, the mercury is 115lb.

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Thanks!

You guys really made my first steps so much easier.

 

[paulpost]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Hi, I have a saturn 365 and I have no problems so far.

Regarding the engine if the weight is a problem your best choise will be a 15 HP 2 stroke engine if is allowed in your area , you still can get one new made by Yamaha or you can get a used johnson or mercury for a fraction of the price of a new one. Try craiglist.
Good luck.
Paul

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I was looking at the 2 stroke http://www.onlineoutboards.com/Yamaha-25-hp-25MSH.html
It says "cannot sell to California"


But then, went to look at http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Environmental/TwoStroke/Default.aspx which are the regulations in California.

On lake Tahoe which I intended to go to, it says:

"Carbureted and NON-direct fuel injection engines prohibited"
see: http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Environmental/TwoStroke/TSList.aspx

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

That "Carbureted and NON-direct fuel injection engines prohibited" only applies to 2-stroke engines. All 4 stroke engine that meet U.S. EPA 2006 standard are allowed.

It looks like they are phasing out the 2-stroke. But they still allow 2-stroke engines with direct fuel injection, although i am not sure how long before they drop it. From Sac, CA here too. 8)


http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Blt/index.htm

http://www.suzukimarine.com/faqs/technology/86/

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

It seems that to be on the safe side, I willl go for a 4 stroke motor...

They are just so heavy.

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Ok,

got the MotorGuide Varimax 55lbs for the canal.
Now, I plan to buy a 9.9hp, 4 strokes, for where it is allowed.

Where is the best/cheapest place to purchase such motor?
Thanks!

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

I can't find better than this.

http://www.onlineoutboards.com
http://www.newoutboards.com/

 

[patrick421]

Re: Need your help to choose between Saturn SD365 or Sea Eagle 12.6 SR RIK

Thanks a lot for the tip!

Patrick