Royal Marines Rigid Raider

[Alex Hardman]

I'm an ex para and me and one other are restoring a mk 1 rigid raider to its former glory Would be great if anyone has any jems of knowledge or has used this excellent bit of kit. The hull is pretty good on it and me and another british army bloke have made a good start on sanding it exposing the fibreglass jobs it needs. We've found that there is a large amount of foam in the void between the deck and the hull. Pretty sure this has taken on some sea water and we're considering taking an angle grinder to the deck to get at the guts of the boat.
We've bought an original console, helm and connections and an MOD 60hp evinrude (made in the 70's !, two stroke petrol). We're going to have some fun with this boat and especially welcome any other military veterans who'd like to get involved.
I did want to have it ready for a run across the Channel and up to the Lower Rhine River and on to Arhnem for the 75th Anniversary of all that happened there in terms of Parachute Regiment Battles. Might be a Bridge too Far at the moment.. Alex Hardman, 1 Para, manager@adurcentre.org.uk

[willk]

Originally Posted by Alex Hardman

Might be a Bridge too Far at the moment..

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

[Alex Hardman]

[Obsidian]

I have done a delivery run across the Channel (Jersey to Poole) in a Rigid Raider, it was quite capable and an enjoyable trip.

Best of luck, it will be well worth it

[Brian]

Dont they slam like crazy?

[jeffstevens763@g]

i bought one many years back in portland port from a disposal company £400 i paid, and it was immaculate i made a console because if you could get hold of one they were about £1500 i stuck a 50 evinrude on it great boat but didnt have it long enough to comment further because i part chopped it for a new boat. they are a heavy built boat but if it has holes in it the foam will be soggy for sure. any pics of her?