Just bought my SR4 today

[chris.moody]

I suspect it is UV that destroys the hypalon. I have a cover that completely covers the tubes when she is not being used, and the previous owner kept her in a garage all the time.

[chris.moody]

A picture of the 27 year old tubes

[Searider]

Regarding the last two digits being the year - that's only true from about the 1990s onward when there became a standard for Hull Identification Numbers:

AA BBB CCCCC DE FF

AA = country code (GB = UK)

BBB = Builder identifier (AVB = Avon)

CCCCC = anything the builder wants to put

D = month on manufacture (A=Jan, B=Feb, C=March etc)

E = year of manufacture (6 could be 1996, 2006 or 2016)

F = Model year (96 = 1996, 06 = 2006, 16 = 2016 etc)

You sometimes have to deduce the year of manufacture form the model year.
It's not uncommon to have a number finishing B3 07. Which would be a Feb 2013 build, 2007 model.

Before the mid 1990s this standard didn't exist so serial numbers can't always be relied upon as manufacturers used all sorts of codes.
Sealine, for example, used the number plate letters - so a 1989 boat would have an F or a G somewhere at the end of the number.

[popeyethesailor]

Originally Posted by Chris Caton

depends how bad they are, but if there's stuff that won't budge then try tfr or jif/cif and fairy power spray n loads of elbow grease

Just tried the fairy power spray and it comes up a treat! I was a little concerned about using such chemicals on the tubes but a few people have said about it, I need to take a day off now with no kids around to spend the day cleaning the boat can't wait!

[Chris Caton]

Originally Posted by popeyethesailor

Just tried the fairy power spray and it comes up a treat! I was a little concerned about using such chemicals on the tubes but a few people have said about it, I need to take a day off now with no kids around to spend the day cleaning the boat can't wait!

good stuff! do a bit at a time and keep washing it down with soapy water to stop any staining, works well on our white n blue tubes on the Revenger

[Barrowboy]

Originally Posted by popeyethesailor

Pic if it works this time


Attachment 92851



Attachment 92852

Welcome to the Searider refurb club!

I can't help thinking though that if you'd sold the two tool stations on display in your garage, you could have bought yourself a new Scorpion! They're mega!

[henryfreston]

Originally Posted by popeyethesailor

Hi do you have any pics of yours? I am looking for idears what to do with mine in the winter, I just want to give it a bit if a clean this year and engine service,
When I have time I want to move the fuel tank which is currently under the seat to the rear of the boat and move the battery which is behind the jocky console to under the seat, so as I can use the space under the seat for proper stowage at the mo it's a bit of a mess with spilt fuel etc,
Another pic I am quite pleased with my long term project!
Question how long do the tubes generally last mine for 19 years old don't seem to bad to me!

there is a few on here
http://www.rib.net/forum/f36/waste-o...t-58075-5.html

[popeyethesailor]

Originally Posted by Barrowboy

Welcome to the Searider refurb club! I can't help thinking though that if you'd sold the two tool stations on display in your garage, you could have bought yourself a new Scorpion! They're mega!

Just looked one on e bay £16000 😲 14 years old, a different boat to mine I know and very nice but my pocket rocket was less then 1/10 that