Any Preference

[Kernow Buoy]

Hi All, I'm just moving into the Rib world having experimented with an old Bombard C5 inflatable. I now have a choice between a 5.4 Searider and a Ribtec 535, both have very similar engines/trailers/electronics and I was looking for any advice on which way to go, i.e does one have strong advantages or is it more personal choice.
Thanks in advance.

Kernow

[Pete7]

Don't think there is going to be a lot in this. If the Avon has the HD tubes they are very good quality, but both ribs have poor seats, too low and wide which makes driving any distance a pain, also Avon had a habit of offsetting some consoles.

All down to condition and price IMHO, but good time of year to buy.

Pete

[Seb]

Assuming its a commercial spec searider, theres no contest in terms of build quality IMHO.

However, as Pete said, seating in both cases is pretty poor although this could be sorted relatively easily.

Condition is also a large deciding factor and of course, your preference......do you want it to look pretty? If so, then maybe the Ribtecs for you.

Weight wise i would imagine the Avons heavier - this is important sometimes if launching alone.

At the end of the day its up to you as we here cannot comment without seeing the actual boats but, assuming that both are identical price wise and condition wise, id go Searider every time - just ask rogue wave!!

Enjoy

[Rogue Wave]

Sea Rider for me every time. I also think there is a big difference in the water.

Take a look at the hull shapes of both and the positions of the spray rails.

I have to agree with young Seb. Will this cause a rift in the P22 Clan

[dodl]

Hello,

I'm a pretty proud Searider owner, and would go for it again

After a few hints from "rogue wave" and others here about handling and balancing, i am really impressed what that little boat (4,7m) can do in rough water.

cu
martin

[Searider]

Originally Posted by Kernow

Hi All, I'm just moving into the Rib world having experimented with an old Bombard C5 inflatable. I now have a choice between a 5.4 Searider and a Ribtec 535, both have very similar engines/trailers/electronics and I was looking for any advice on which way to go, i.e does one have strong advantages or is it more personal choice.
Thanks in advance.

Kernow

Hi there,

I guess that one of the boats may be my Searider.
It is a leisure spec so does not have the reinforced tubes - also no bits of fendering to peel off as they do after a while.
I reckon it weighs about 500kg - not sure what the Ribtec weighs.
It is a piece of cake to launch and recover with the roller coaster trailer - the best £900 I have spent!
The Ribtec will probably look prettier but the Searider will be a much better seaboat when it gets rough.
Regarding the consoles, mine has an Outhill console fitted on the centreline - this is the same as Avon fit in their current D560
Did you look at the photos in the for sale section here?
Evinrude v Mariner - you takes your pick.

Come and have a look at both and see what you think.

Regards