Full Independent Review Of The Polycraft 300 Tuffy UK - Is This Boat Better Than A SIB

Tuff plastic boat VS SIB, who wins? I compare the 2 boats together and find out which one is the ultimate vessel to fish from. We look at safety, stability, durability and more. The Polycraft 300 Tuffy is a Australian Boat and has just been imported into the UK. I thought they looked great so I sent a message to Polycraft suppliers in the UK to see if I could get my hands on one. Little did I know it was going to change what boat I owned for the future.
Any questions about these boats or if you’d like to buy one please send me a message and I will be pleased to help

[@fishingwithtednfamily]

Lovely bit of kit Nice video great comparison between the two 👍🎣🌟

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Thank you, I do the love the little boats I must say

[@fishingwithtednfamily]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial I liked it so much i showed my friend your channel and we both liked it after that lol. Well put together video as well 👍 I'll watch the installation one shortly Thanks again for the time you put in to show us all the different aspects to it.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@fishingwithtednfamily my pleasure. The channel certainly had a a mix for everyone. Have a great week!

[@JCinematic]

Great video! It's nice to see there is more on the market! I hope they do come to UK. I did look at plastic boats before going to a sib and the only ones I could find were by a brand called BIC which they may make good pens but it's a no from me for water craft. For me at this point in time I will stick with my sib and the shetland. My sib is good for those super shallow waters where the big boat would not be suited for.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Thank you! There’s not many decent plastic boats on the market. Most small ones can’t handle a decent motor size. That’s why I went for this one. They are actually in the UK now and the clients who I have spoken to who brought one love them. The Shetland has unforgivable seas so definitely need a boat which can handle a lot of the tougher stuff! Have a great week

[@tomosedwards8369]

Going down to see one of these tomorrow. They look perfect for my inshore fishing and no worrying about hooks or bass spikes in my tubes

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Great to have a chat yesterday!

[@tomosedwards8369]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial same. Greatly appreciated 😀

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@tomosedwards8369 anytime bud

[@portwegian1368]

Hi mate thanks for your video. I was considering one of those and contacted the manufacturer in Australia around 2020, at that time they were only imported to main land Europe so I end up going for a whally 310 instead. Fancied the pioneer as well but thought they were slightly overpriced. Polycraft has in my opinion fishing and water sports in mind. I used my whally about 10 times in Scotland waters with in occasion strong winds and currents and during covid times. I filled it up once with wave water almost as a bathtub and still floated and navigated so this type material is very safe. I found the whaly transom to have a slight angle inwards which caused my 10hp engine to throw water into boat. Eventually I sorted it by raising the engine trim, instead using raising plates. Found it very good but even in low revs very very wet ride having to use my dry suit for comfort. Def prefer your model so hopefully you may give us a review in few months. Also polycraft with 15 hp can plan better and tow a small donut ring or banana 😂

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Good morning, thanks for watching. I agree, polycraft has the angler in mind. It’s designed to be easily used as a fishing boat with the rails, cleats and storage. It’s ideal! It naturally floats and doesn’t want to sink, hence why it’s super safe. Always good knowing even if overturned it will still float. I heard a few people saying about the transom on the Whaley. No issues at all on the Tuffy. It’s quite a dry ride once on the plane! I still however wear my dry suit. Just adds a bit more safety aspect to it! If you ever go for a Tuffy 300 let me know! Happy to share my experience with you

[@craig9541]

Great informative video!.....I'm a sib owner, but to be honest if I had a drive to store a boat and a trailer to transport a boat I'd go for a boat like a Wilson flyer, a proper small fishing boat that would get you out further and take it to that next level of sea fishing!...ok it might cost a few k more but worth it!!.....the Ausies have a few reviews on these polycraft 300 boats and they say those hatches aren't water tight, water will get in if there's a chop and your gear will get wet!...also they scratch and gouge like a kayak but even worse because of the weight!....if I could top that on a car I'd see the appeal because of the convenience of not having to inflate each trip.....but a trailer and drive way to store it, screams proper fishing boat to me! Cracking video content though mate, great work 👍

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Yep that’s perfectly fair. I still wanted something I could launch anywhere pretty easily and at most states of tides. I’m lucky I have access to quite a few boats around the UK to go out on. They do let it some water, but still good for tackle, anchors and your water/drinks or even fish. It never stayed dry in a SIB anyway so used to dealing with some wetness 🤣 Thanks for watching and hope to see you on the water some day!

[@jjs3287]

I agree. I am lucky to have a drive way but.... apprehension about trailers and lack of money (and boating experience) led me to a SIB for my first boat although a 30 mile round trip last weekend where we encountered quite choppy waters and battled headwinds occasionally gusting to 20 mph in the Medway Estuary has already left me craving a rib with more power. Its not fun having to cut your speed to 5 knots knowing you are still 5 miles from your destination and you needed to be there by now....

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@jjs3287 yer I swapped my 9.8 for a 20HP because I wanted the power to get in quickly. Although in big short chop I have to go quite slowly otherwise it’s a rather wet ride like a SIB is 😅

[@jjs3287]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial I guess 20hp on that size of boat should be pretty quick in calm conditions! I get about 17 knots but 3 up with equipment drops it to 14 which can start to seem mundane over long distances.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Welcome back, In this video I will walk through some of the features of the New Polycraft 300 Tuffy and compare it to my SIB. This review is completely Independent and honest. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. These Polycrafts are truly special for the small boat angler!!

[@theinflatableboatownersnet5684]

Nice comparison. At 3m what category boat are they? CATEGORY C - INSHORE This rating is for boats operating in coastal waters and large bays and lakes with winds to Force 6, up to 27 knots, and significant seas 7 feet high. CATEGORY D - INLAND OR SHELTERED COASTAL WATERS This rating is for boats in small lakes and rivers with winds to Force 4 and significant wave heights to 18 inches.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Due to a very small technical specification in the UK regarding the seating they have come under D. However realistically they should come under are C. I have tested them in significant swell and they perform really well. In Australia the standards are different to here and they operate inshore all the time. So I’m very confident they can handle the UK sea in what I’d call “reasonable” conditions you can expect one to encounter.

[@brownnoise357]

Nice review. I like solid Dinghies as Tenders, usually towing them wherever .I go, but unfortunately I can't afford a Sailing boat large enough to be able to have one securely on-board, and tbh, that weight is a huge downer for using in the range of needs that a Yacht tender needs to fill, and lots of people are ditching Fibreglass RIB's as Tenders due to that weight Penalty. So Horses for Courses, I'm going with a 41kg Hypalon 3mtr Air deck and Keel which can be rolled up and put in a Lockable Cockpit locker with a secure mount for a 6hp 25kg Outboard of Tohatsu Manufacture by the looks of it. A very nice review of a Dinghy that will be just right for a lot of people. Best Wishes, Fair Winds, and Tight Lines. Bob. 👍🙂

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Very good points made there! Certainly horses for courses. I heard many are ditching little RIBS. It will be interesting to see where it goes. So many SIBS son yatchs all deflated and looking tired I’d be unsure if they would even work as a small rescue boat or survival craft. Hypalon is a far superior material to PVC though! Much tougher

[@brownnoise357]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial I looked into PVC ones a fair bit due to apparent weight advantages, and figured out how to help make one last, basically welded seams instead of Glued, the new UV resisting Fabrics, drop some air out of the tubes if it’s going to be a hot day, then when being used, wipe the tubes over with a cheap sensitive Skin High Factor Sun Blocker, then when the tender is back at the boat, out a full boat UV protection Cover on it, which apparently is much better than using Dinghy Chaps which mostly are really expensive as need to be Custom made. Then I found a good make Hypalon one in the size range I need for about 500 quid more than the best new PVC, and they do a Full UF Protection Cover for about 60 quid, and treating the dinghy right, it should last me 30 years , or 10 years longer than I’m likely to keep the Sailboat. So imho, worth the extra investment. All the Best. Bob. 👍

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@brownnoise357 HYpalon is far superior to PVC! You made the correct choice there. That’s why the lifeboats are all hypalon. 👌🏼 tight lines and have a great week!

[@stanwilson8089]

Do you think the price might come down if they start making them in the UK?Obviously,the cost of transporting them from Australia must be a big part of the expense.I have a Broom speedboat that is converted for sea fishing which is very stable,and strongly made.Are there any longer models in the pipeline?The Polycraft boat certainly has a lot of appeal from my point of view.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

There’s currently no plans to bring production here in the UK. However as the brand establishes and grows hopefully bulkier shipments can be made reducing the cost slightly. There are bigger models in the range and certainly it’s something that may be on the horizon. They are great boats and very popular in Australia.

[@donausmus4281]

Have one lined up in Texas. Was wondering about trailering with the engine mounted. Is it best to remove and reinstall? Also commented on another video about running wires in hull.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Good evening, this comment was not just come through. Personally I prefer to trailer with engine off, avoids any stress to transom. However if you decide to keep engine on it’s probably best to bolt it on and use a transom saver to ensure the engine doesn’t bounce.

[@jjs3287]

I can see this boat has some features going for it but I can also see it being a logical next step towards a larger boat or rib for you now you have left SIB ownership behind. I have only had my SIB for a short while (4 trips) and its been a fantastic introduction to boats but...... already I am fed up with the hassle of setting up and de rigging (4.2m ally floor) and so have decided I need a trailer. I have already started to customise the SIB too (hoop, holders, bags etc) which is adding even more weight to it (and extra cost). The one thing the SIB will always reign supreme on however is not needing a slip way and not being limited by tides for launching and thats a big plus for someone like me who has a fear of trailers but I also know that once I start getting used to trailers, the urge to sell the SIB and buy a 5m plus rib with a steering console and more horses will be very strong. For now though I am enjoying my very military looking army green SIB and have already fished from it and explored a Medway fort for which it makes a perfect 'URBEX ' (marine!) craft.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Same as me! I got very fed up of re inflating when I get home to clean, Dry and put away every time. So got a trailer and it made life much better. Trailers are really easy, so don’t fear them. However reversing is my down fall. So mostly disconnect and push the trailer to where I want it. Launching is nice with a SIB if 2 of you can just carry the boat. I launch the Polycraft on the beach mostly which is nice. Slips are a pain to coincide with tides mostly.

[@jjs3287]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial Ive always wanted a boat but never had the cash for the sort of boat I really wanted and didnt fancy having to lug it around but actually the SIB has been a great introduction to boating for me. I know they are not necessarily beginners boats and actually excel at certain things for which they deserve respect in there own right but already I am looking for that next step. More power would be nice, I already have a 20 which is just about portable so that alone points to the need for a trailered solution such as a rib. I guess its just human nature to want to progress.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@jjs3287 I think human Nature certainly comes in to play, small boats are great for learning and getting to grips with the sea

[@c9o8l7i6n5]

sibs cons cheap 1/3 of the price fits in the boot can be put in a cupboard in the house fits in a small shed can be launched anywhere simple to patch .

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

They are cheaper, but for me having used the poly a lot more I just much prefer it. I have the space to store it and pretty much have launched everywhere I could have done with a SIB

[@BernhardHofmann]

Now that you've had it for a year, would you still recommend it? I'm seriously thinking about this as my first boat and I'll mostly be launching solo.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Good evening. I still have it and love it! Taken it out on many weathers, caught some incredible fish and take it all over the UK. Peanuts to tow and easy to launch anywhere. I go solo on a steep shingle beach so absolutely can be done solo pretty much anywhere, I use my car to tow it back up any steep beach.

[@ukbeachfishing8425]

Hi, thinking of getting one of these, dont really fancy the hassle of a trailer though, i have a van, the roof is rated to hold 170kg (already have a roof rack fitted for my kayak) my question is, do you think I would be able to transport this on the roof rack, and what is the best way to get it down to the beach as thats where i would likely launch from.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Hi there, if your rated to that weight then yes absolutely could go on the roof. I’d say a flat base would be ideal. A collapsible ramp which gets attached to the back and simple push the boat down it. I have thought about it for mine but it’s not rated for that weight. A winch on the roof at the front might be handy to lower the boat down slowly. Best way to launch it down the beach is simply drag it down. And then tow it back up using a tow bar. Or if there’s 2 of you, take engine off and kit out, then you can pull it up with a rope. Hope this helps! Any questions feel free to ask

[@CaptainForest1]

I would’ve liked to seen the comparison against a rib

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

That would be interesting, I don’t own a RIB to compare sadly. I do know that across the pond many RIB owners are swapping to the bigger polycrafts.

[@dennisinalaska9206]

Do you know anyone who has scuba dived off Polycraft 300... basically, how hard would it be to reenter the boat with out scuba gear on... or if you accidentally fell overboard?

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

There is a swim step at the back. You can put all your weight to one side and the boat will barely move. You could add a ladder using the handles on either side aswel if you wanted.

[@Nick-vu9yu]

Thanks for doing a video on these new boats. Unfortunately due to the weight and cost they are not comparible to a sib. The weight alone means they should be compared to fibreglass or ally boats (that need trailering). Also at 3 metres long they should probably not be used in open water.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

I had a SIB previously, And never felt fully comfortable fishing from it so never fell in love. I wanted a solid boat that I could launch anywhere like a SIB but was solid. These boats can be launched anywhere and dragged around with ease. I have been 10 miles out on this boat, put it through some serious chop and can be more than confident they are not only safe at sea but also they are up to the job. Ali and fiberglass boats should really have rollers on the beach and similar size boats are the same or more in weight. But everyone will have there own thoughts. I just know going from a SIB to a 300 Tuffy I’m much happier fishing from it, and everyone else I have taken out agreed.

[@anthonylong6403]

You are absolutely right to suggest this is not a true comparison - one is a rigid boat and the other is an inflatable boat - chalk and cheese! In any event, given that the Tuffy is more than twice the cost of a similar sized SIb, plus the cost of needing a trailer, tow bar, lighting board and tow bar electrics the cost of Tuffy set up will be around 3 times the cost of comparably sized a sib set up! If you want a plastic boat, there are other established, well regarded - and cheaper!! - brands out there!

[@ukbeachfishing8425]

Such as ?​@@anthonylong6403

[@alexstubbins6298]

Would a 6hp mercury push a polycraft tuffy ok or do you think o will need a bigger engine? Great video

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

On the sea I’d rather a 10 or more. But that’s because I go out far. If your doing close to shore work(sub 1 mile) , estuaries and rivers a 6hp will get you moving. But not fast.

[@alexstubbins6298]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial thanks matey 👍

[@alexstubbins6298]

One more question what trailer do you use for tuffy im looking at 350kg bunked trailer available at boatworld and wondered if this would be suitable. Think I've finally talked my wife into letting me upgrade to a tuffy this video helped ....Nice work 👏 👌

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@alexstubbins6298 good evening, hope your well. I have taken the time to look and good news. The smaller trailer boatworld.co.uk/extreme-300kg-inflatable-galvanised-boat-trailer I believe would work perfectly and is a bit cheaper than the 350kg one. They are great little boats and I won’t hesitate to take mine anywhere. So easy to trailer, launch and use! For me this and the kayak is a perfect option! Look forward to seeing what colour you go for! If you need any dealer info give me a shout!

[@alexstubbins6298]

@@MuscleFishingOfficial many thanks

[@peteransell3311]

think i would prefere the whaly 370 over the polycraft,same price ,bit bigger,will take 25hp rated c for 6 people and well proven....but as they say what ever floats ya boat.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

For me, weight was a consideration. I launch off steep shingle beaches and the Tuffy was the lightest. Whaly 310 I heard many people saying the transom is to low. Causes a lot of wet ride. Polycraft included cleats, grab rails, rod holders, multiple integral storage in the 300. So for me it was ideal. All the Railblaza mounts just go on the rail. No need for any drilling or modifications. If I had a slip near me and weight wasn’t so much of a factor I’d look at getting the 410. But for now I’m very happy with my 300 Tuffy. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@supercolliderpro]

Did you know that they can easily sink! Mine sank twice and Polycraft/Mareta never mentioned at any stage that the rod holders have holes in them which let water in and they DO SINK ! Mine went under twice and was only saved by being tied to the yacht and pontoon. Rather than be honest with me they have denied any responsibility so i am having to take them to court for a new. boat. Terrible company, not to be trusted.

[@noelfinn4741]

where in the UK, or contact number please.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

Good evening, there is dealers around the UK, feel free to message myself on the Muscle Fishing Facebook page for more info you may want or need😊

[@noelfinn4741]

thank you for your reply, i came across the polycraft 410 challenger , just for recreational activity, what are your thoughts, im new to this boating activity, any advice would be appreciated.thank you.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

@@noelfinn4741 these boats are coming to the UK next year so not to long to wait. I have not tested one yet however from what I have seen and heard they are great capable boats. The low maintenance and strength of the hulls is my big plus Point.

[@MrJustus88]

Polly is too expensive.

[@MuscleFishingOfficial]

They are pricey! However they last a lifetime. No maintenance really. I love mine. But I do understand they are at the top end