1978 Avon Searider SR4 - Need buying advice

[Desperado]

Hi all,

I just joined this forum after lurking for a while as I'm looking to buy a rib, you all seem very helpful and nice so I was wondering if I could get some opinions on this boat;

Used 1978 AVON SEARIDER Boat For Sale - boatpoint.com.au

It's a 1978 4m Searider selling for $1500 AUD, with trailer and 50hp Blueband Mercury (not in working condition). I've sent off an email to the seller for a few more details on the condition such as; what's actually wrong with the motor, are there any patches or leaks in the tubes, when did the motor last run etc.

I intend to go and have a look at the boat, but its about 1-1.5 hours away so I was hoping I could get an opinion first in case it looks like a no-go just from the ad to save myself the drive.

Thanks alot for your help.

[Tim M]

Tubes have been painted, albeit quite well. They would have been grey originally. The inside looks like it needs a bit of a tidy up but if you're lucky this will just involve a good clean. I would get rid of that engine and put a more modern one on.

[Desperado]

Thanks for your reply, I figured it would need some work, I've never really worked on a boat before except antifouling a yacht and making some gunnels and fixing up rigging, I'm fairly handy, how hard is it working on RIB's?

With the motor, most threads I've read around here seem to recommend 50hp, is that the general consensus? Is it possible to use a paint remover on the tubes to remove the paint? Or does that effect the fabric? Lastly, (hopefully I haven't bored the pants off of you) do you think that is a good price for the lot, $1500 AUD so about £1000 GBP?

Thanks again.

[Tim M]

That doesn't really look like it needs much in the way or work other than a good clean and tidy up. 50hp is the max for a 4m Searider. Anything from 25hp up is useable. 40 is also a popular size to fit. The paint should be fine if it's been done well. As for the price, £1000 would probably be a little steep for that over here with a non running engine, however it's on what looks like a decent trailer, and I'm guessing there are significantly less for sale over there which probably commands a premium. If it's what you want and it looks ok then go for it!

[Desperado]

Would an outboard like this; 40hp outbourd motor | Boat Accessories & Parts | Gumtree Australia Coffs Harbour City - Toormina be a good fit, or is it still too old? I don't have the largest of budgets so is another $1500 (£1000) ok for a '93 40hp Johnson?

[Mextli]

Incidentally, this boat is the same as i have, even with the same motor. the Transom looks odd, it seems to be glassed over the top, which is unusual for Seariders.
Better have a look if the transom is mouldy, they like to rot away if the boats get old.

[Jonny H]

The HP on this engine will be rated at the flywheel whereas Mercury engines from 1984 were rated at the prop so it will be a bit less than a more modern 50 HP

[Nos4r2]

I'd check that out a bit more thoroughly-the aluminium strip on the transom is where the HIN number is, as well as on the (painted over?) tubes. It might be stolen.

[mister p]

Here's one that I bought for £1k inc trailer and engine. After a "few" weeks work to hull, transom, controls, electrics and engine, oh and console, seat and warps and trailer axles.......lightboard, tyres, battery, prop, compass, lights, sponsons............it's ok now. Got a wing too. It's a budget project. But it's good. It's for pottering around at 20 knots with my boys along the cornish coast.
The "before" is on the left in case you're wondering.

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by mister p

Here's one that I bought for £1k inc trailer and engine. After a "few" weeks work to hull, transom, controls, electrics and engine, oh and console, seat and warps and trailer axles.......lightboard, tyres, battery, prop, compass, lights, sponsons............it's ok now. Got a wing too. It's a budget project. But it's good.
The "before" is on the left in case you're wondering.

Looking tidy. Did you choose the console colour ?

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ www.BoatsandOutboards4Sale.co.uk ~ 07930 421007

[mister p]

I did.......funnily enough after much headscratching. The intention was to remove the tube paint but then it was obvious it wasn't going to be a concourse job.The engine is original and I wanted to keep it all together but it had a few licks of paint too many.
Cost about another 400 on top, mainly fluids. Then the rest started. Best thing I did was to add hydraulic trim tabs. And reprop.
Anyway, nice little thing.

[Boats&Outboards]

Indeed. Like the colour, not sure it suits the orange but still looks great. Enjoy!

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ www.BoatsandOutboards4Sale.co.uk ~ 07930 421007

[mister p]

In retrospect I'd recommend spending £3.5-£4k and save yourself the hassle.
The 20-20 vision of hindsight.