Sea Angler Puts the Boatworld Carbon Pro 365 Through Its Paces
Soft inflatable boats (SIBs) have surged in popularity among UK sea anglers in recent years. Offering an affordable, trailer-free route onto the water, SIBs occupy the sweet spot between kayaks and heavy rigid boats. But can a portable 3.65-metre craft genuinely deliver the space, stability, and handling required for serious coastal angling?
To find out, respected angling journalist Dave Lewis took the Boatworld Carbon Pro 365 out on trial in Cardiff Bay for Sea Angler magazine.
Here is a breakdown of his hands-on review, on-water testing, and final verdict.
Build Quality and Angler-Focused Features
Constructed from heavy-duty 0.9mm 1100-denier carbon-effect fabric and backed by a 3-year warranty, the Carbon Pro 365 is designed specifically to withstand the rigours of sea angling.
"Manufactured from carbon-effect 0.9mm 1100-denier fabric and backed by a three-year warranty, the Carbon Pro 365 feels reassuringly robust from the moment it is unpacked. Build quality throughout is impressive, with neatly finished seams and a generally solid feel that inspires confidence."
— Dave Lewis, Sea Angler
Key Design Specifications Noted in the Test:
- Heavy-Duty Sectional Floor: Four interlocking aluminium floor sections provide a rigid deck, giving anglers solid foot holding for standing, casting, and landing fish.
- Spacious Cockpit Dimensions: Measuring 3.65m overall with a generous 1.82m beam, the internal deck length of 2.4m and 0.9m width provide ample working room for two anglers without gear clutter.
- Versatile Seating: Sliding aluminium seats allow the helmsman to adjust seating position underway and slide them out of the way to clear maximum deck space once anchored or drifting.
- Integrated Rigging: Standard equipment includes bow and transom grab handles, fuel/battery retaining straps, Halkey-Roberts valves, oars, a repair kit, and a stirrup pump.
On-Water Performance: Cardiff Bay Trial
Dave Lewis tested the Carbon Pro 365 in Cardiff Bay, an open expanse of water offering realistic coastal conditions powered by a 15hp Tohatsu EFI short-shaft outboard.
Handling & Stability
"Even with two adults aboard, the boat felt reassuringly secure. Movement around the cockpit had little effect on trim, and there was never any sense that the hull was being unsettled by normal fishing activity."
Speed & Outboard Options
The Carbon Pro 365 boat planed effortlessly with the 15hp Tohatsu EFI. However, Lewis highlighted a practical takeaway for anglers on a budget:
"In fact, unless you routinely travel long distances or fish in areas with particularly strong tidal flows, I suspect many anglers would find a 9.9hp outboard entirely sufficient. That could potentially reduce both purchase costs and overall package weight while still delivering excellent performance."
Accessories on Test
The Carbon Pro 365 was outfitted with custom rigging from Boatworld’s accessory store, including:
- Borika Support Stand: Mounted at the stern, providing a solid mounting bar for rod holders, navigation lights, and fishfinders.
- Borika Anchor Lock: Rated for anchors up to 8kg, allowing fast, secure anchoring directly from the bow in strong tidal flows.
- Detachable Launch Wheels: Highlighted as an essential addition for effortless solo or two-person slipway launches.
The Verdict: Who Is the Carbon Pro 365 Best For?
Summing up his experience operating SIBs across both recreational angling and his professional background in the Fire Service, Lewis offered high praise for the Carbon Pro 365:
"Having operated a wide range of SIBs over the years, both recreationally and during my time in the Fire Service, I can confidently say that the Boatworld Carbon Pro 365 is one of the most impressive examples I have encountered in this size category."
Pros:
- Exceptionally stable fishing platform for standing and casting.
- Spacious cockpit comfortably accommodating two anglers and tackle.
- Premium build quality backed by a 3-year warranty.
- Extremely competitive price point: £1,195.
- Extensive ecosystem of Borika custom angling accessories.
Ideal Use Case:
The Carbon Pro 365 is best suited for two anglers targeting bass, bream, smoothhounds, and estuary species in sheltered and moderate inshore waters.
Ready to Build Your SIB Angling Rig?
Explore the Boatworld Carbon Pro 365 and our package deals with Tohatsu outboards, or take a look at our custom angling setups with Borika accessories.
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