Avon 3.45 Supersport

[Coxswain]

Can these boats handle the chop? I was thinking of buying an old 345 fixer-upper, removing the crapped out seats and helm, and running the rib from the stern with a tiller outboard. Anyone done this before?

[office888]

Originally Posted by Coxswain

Can these boats handle the chop? I was thinking of buying an old 345 fixer-upper, removing the crapped out seats and helm, and running the rib from the stern with a tiller outboard. Anyone done this before?

Operator fatigue will be high in rough conditions.

[mattwarner]

I had a Supersport with the back 2 back seating, it was great fun in the rough and i would recommend sticking with the standard config as the weight up front helped balance it out nicely

[rubberfish]

Originally Posted by Coxswain

Can these boats handle the chop? I was thinking of buying an old 345 fixer-upper, removing the crapped out seats and helm, and running the rib from the stern with a tiller outboard. Anyone done this before?

I regularly take mine back and forth between the mainland and mayne island. Not with tiller steering though. With the regular configuration.

[Coxswain]

Thanks for the replies. On previous ribs I've put the gas tank up front as a counter-weight and added a motor fin for stability. The wheel and controls are missing on this one so I'll have to try that again. You ever risk anything other than flat calm across the Georgia Strait Rubberfish?

[rubberfish]

Originally Posted by Coxswain

You ever risk anything other than flat calm across the Georgia Strait Rubberfish?

All the time. It's turned out to be a very capable boat.
Most my buddies can't believe mrs. fish and the boy come with me.
They both rock.

[Coxswain]

Mrs Coxswain and sons have also run the rum with me a few times around the gulf islands. I'm more of a pressganger though...

[rubberfish]

Some trips are quite calm. This was my last trip home.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic. I would have been running 24 knots.

[Coxswain]

What motor do use on that 3.45? Long or short shaft?

[rubberfish]

I'm new to all this boating stuff so I'm not 100% sure
but I think it's a long shaft. Here's a pic if it helps.

[office888]

Originally Posted by rubberfish

I'm new to all this boating stuff so I'm not 100% sure
but I think it's a long shaft. Here's a pic if it helps.

Measure from top to bottom of transom. 14-16" = short , 16"+ = longshaft.

[rubberfish]

Coxswain.
For the last two months I haven't been walking due to a broken leg.
I can't get to the rear of my boat to measure anything.
Next week I go to the doctor again and I should get the go ahead to put weight on it.
I'll gladly measure it for you then if you still need but thinking it's a long shaft.

[Coxswain]

Thanks Rubberfish, no need. I've heard a few people tell me it's a longshaft now. Hope the leg heals quickly!

[rubberfish]

before and after pics.
Gonna be nice to be able to walk again.
I'll be able to get around using both legs.
No more wheelchair or hopping around.