Honda Honwave T40-AE3 Inflatable Boat – 4.0m, Aluminum Floor, Air Keel, 7-Person Capacity

The Honda Honwave T40-AE3 is the flagship model of the Honwave lineup – a 3.95m inflatable boat that combines enormous capacity with all the benefits of a collapsible design. This 7-person boat can accommodate a large group of people or a hefty amount of cargo, making it an excellent choice for corporate outings on the water, tour groups, rescue operations, or simply a big family with a thirst for adventure. Despite its impressive dimensions, the Honwave T40-AE3 retains the hallmark stability and safety of the series – its enlarged tubes (nearly half a meter in diameter) ensure massive buoyancy and a smooth ride, while the inflatable deep-V keel helps cut through waves and maintain straight tracking. The boat is engineered to handle open-water conditions and various environments without losing balance or instilling any feeling of uncertainty in the crew.

As with the smaller models, Honda uses a high-strength, multi-layer PVC fabric for the T40-AE3’s tubes, providing the necessary rigidity for such a large inflatable structure. All seams are double-reinforced via heat welding, virtually eliminating the risk of seam failure – critical for a boat intended to bear heavier loads. The transom is substantial, made of fiber-reinforced fiberglass and resistant to torsion, easily handling the thrust of engines up to 20 HP. While 20 HP is the maximum recommended, the boat can also operate with smaller engines if it’s not fully loaded. Integrated trim tabs are present on this model as well, assisting with bow lift and quicker planing – especially important when carrying a full complement of passengers. The broad aluminum floor consists of multiple interlocking panels, which create an extremely solid deck – resistant to flex and well-suited for transporting even rigid loads or equipment (for example, fuel tanks, batteries, tools).

The boat boasts an impressive load capacity of 1050 kg – which means in addition to 7 passengers, you can bring significant supplies and gear without compromising buoyancy. The Honwave T40-AE3 is often compared to a rigid boat of similar size, but with the advantage that it can be disassembled. When you don’t need it, you can deflate, fold, and stow it – something impossible with a traditional 4m hull. Of course, managing such a large inflatable does require some coordination: it’s advisable to have 3–4 people assist in carrying and launching it, or use an appropriate dolly/trailer. Once in the water, however, the T40-AE3 offers an unparalleled sense of space and stability for everyone on board.

With 7 people plus luggage, the boat will naturally need the full power of its engine capacity to move swiftly. Outfitted with a 20 HP motor, the Honwave T40-AE3 can achieve a respectable speed (~20-25 km/h with a light load) and can serve as a rapid transporter for groups between coastal points or islands. With fewer passengers or less weight, this boat becomes even more maneuverable and fast – opening up possibilities for using it in watersports such as towing a large inflatable banana boat or even light water skiing for kids. Because of its wide beam, the boat is very laterally stable and is hard to capsize, even with uneven weight distribution. This makes the T40-AE3 suitable for activities like diving off the side or hauling heavy objects out of the water (e.g. nets or a big catch). In summary, this model is the pinnacle of stability and space in the Honwave series – a true vessel for grand undertakings.

Even though it’s the largest in size, the Honda Honwave T40-AE3 comes with the familiar set of accessories that gets you ready to launch. Included are: an oversized heavy-duty carry bag to hold all components, a repair kit (patches and adhesive) for any small punctures, a high-capacity foot pump and pressure gauge to ensure those large tubes are inflated to the correct pressure, two breakdown aluminum oars with locks (in case you ever need to paddle), and a convenient bench seat. With this kit, you have everything required to prepare the boat – just add an engine and you’re off on your voyage.

Recommended Uses and Tips:

• Transporting large groups and touring – perfect for tour operators, big families, or groups of friends who want to explore waterways together without splitting into multiple boats
• Rescue missions and professional use – thanks to its high capacity and stability, the boat can be utilized by rescue teams, military, or marine services to carry people and equipment during emergencies
• Diving base and fishing platform – plenty of room for gear, air tanks, and the day’s catch; the boat remains steady while divers climb in and out from the water
• Group watersports – can tow several people on an inflatable banana boat or a large multi-person tube at once; the boat’s ample space allows participants to climb back on board from the water easily and safely
• Recommended engine: 20 HP (maximum) – provides optimal thrust to fully utilize the capacity; with a lighter load, the boat performs well even with ~15 HP, but for 6–7 passengers, a 20 HP is advised for good speed and maneuverability