A New Chapter on the Water: My First SIB

Photo by Andy Holmes on Unsplash

For years, my fishing life has been rooted to the shore. I’ve caught sea bass using lures from rocky ledges—early mornings spent reading tides and watching water movement. It’s a rhythm I’ve come to enjoy. But there’s always been something just out of reach: the open water. The deeper blues. The promise of larger species and unknown stories.

That’s why I’ve taken the plunge and bought my first SIB—Soft Inflatable Boat—from none other than Bill Higham Marine. I’ve followed Simon Higham on social media for a while, and his obvious passion for exploring, boat design, and making the marine world accessible really connected with me. His enthusiasm is contagious, and when I saw the SeaPro 3.1m Airdeck Inflatable Boat (310A), I knew it was time.

Designed for adventure, the SeaPro 310A is more than just a lightweight inflatable—it’s a genuine step into a new way of engaging with the sea. The boat is 3.1 metres long, a perfect size for solo trips or for taking my children along on calmer days. It has a high-pressure air deck floor, reinforced transom, and aluminium oars, striking a balance between portability and durability.

Originally, I had my mind set on an aluminium deck model, which Bill Higham also produces. However, after watching a video from Oban on the Water (Video), I was convinced that an airdeck would better suit my needs. The ease and speed of going from car to sea in an airdeck boat appealed to me greatly. Travelling around in my small car means that space and setup time are crucial factors. The airdeck design allows me to inflate and launch with minimal fuss, perfect for those spontaneous adventures I envision. I don’t plan to be on the water every day, so the ability to pack up quickly and efficiently is just as important as performance once afloat.

One of the key features that drew me in was its roll-up design, which allows it to be stored in the boot of the car and inflated within minutes. It’s light, rugged, and incredibly easy to set up. The boat comes with an inflation pump, carry bag, and repair kit. However, I did purchase an electric pump (Genovo Power 12v Air Pump) that I can attach to my car battery—the perfect time-saving tool to go from car park to coastline in roughly 15 minutes.

I already had an outboard motor ready, so the SeaPro was the missing piece of the puzzle. With safety gear packed and a dry bag prepped with essentials, I’m now fully equipped for a day of discovery on the water.

My first outing with the SeaPro will be somewhere along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset—location to be decided, but definitely somewhere I can launch easily and enjoy some solitude on the water. I’m hoping to hook into some pollock and bass, maybe even drift over a few reefy areas with soft plastics or deep-diving lures. I’ve spent countless hours studying charts, wind forecasts, and fish behaviour in this region—now it’s time to put theory into practice.

There are still a few essential purchases I need to make before I’m fully ready for regular outings. Life jackets are top of the list for safety, along with an anchor and launch wheels to make transport easier. I’m still researching the best options that fit the size and style of the SeaPro 310A, wanting to make sure I invest in gear that’s reliable and practical for my intended use. These small extras might take a bit more time to finalise, but they’re important to ensure every trip is safe and smooth.

More than anything, this SIB represents something deeper for me. It’s a chance to embrace spontaneity again, to explore the less crowded spaces just beyond the shoreline. It’s a new way of teaching my children about the natural world—not just by showing them what I know, but by showing them what I’m still discovering.

The SeaPro 310A is designed to be as versatile as it is practical. Its combination of portability, ease of use, and robustness means it can handle everything from calm bay mornings to more challenging coastal conditions. As a father and keen sea fisherman, I want my time on the water to be about connection—connection to nature, to my family, and to those quieter moments where the world feels just a little slower.

So here’s to new tides, to leaving the shore behind, and to casting lines in waters I’ve never fished before. The SeaPro is more than a boat—it’s a ticket to freedom.

And I can’t wait to tell you what I find out there.