Avon Searider

Willwors · 15 October 2005, 14:49

I've been seeing some used examples of this boat about on the web for some quite atractive prices. Was this a good model? Another thing I want to ask about is ribs with old dirty tubes. Are these easy to clean up and make them look new?

Thanks

Nos4r2 · 15 October 2005, 17:12

Wonderful beasties-but then I WOULD say that, I love mine to bits. Tube cleaner is easily available-make sure you follow the instructions though!

dctucker · 15 October 2005, 17:13

Only a matter of time before you hear, "best rib ever." I happen to own one, so that's my opinion!

Seriously though, they are widely considered to be very seaworthy and well built. I've only owned mine for about a year, and haven't really had it out in any nasty conditions. I'm sure I will though. My 5.4 does have a tendancy to chine walk at high speed (80hp 2 stroke).

Tubes will generally clean up with elbow grease and proper products. I like the 303 stuff myself. My boat is an ex-US Coast Guard, nearly 20 years old with original tubes in great condition.

Assuming the tubes are in decent shape, it would be tough to go wrong with a Searider. Just beware of whatever outboard is hanging off the back. That's where you could easily go wrong...

Nos4r2 · 15 October 2005, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by dctucker

Only a matter of time before you hear, "best rib ever." I happen to own one, so that's my opinion!

Seriously though, they are widely considered to be very seaworthy and well built. I've only owned mine for about a year, and haven't really had it out in any nasty conditions. I'm sure I will though. My 5.4 does have a tendancy to chine walk at high speed (80hp 2 stroke).

Tubes will generally clean up with elbow grease and proper products. I like the 303 stuff myself. My boat is an ex-US Coast Guard, nearly 20 years old with original tubes in great condition.

Assuming the tubes are in decent shape, it would be tough to go wrong with a Searider. Just beware of whatever outboard is hanging off the back. That's where you could easily go wrong...

yep...

Amazingly seaworthy-I took mine across the shambles bank in a force 6...6 foot whitecaps,wind against tide. Wasn't fun but it wasn't worrying...

Willwors · 15 October 2005, 18:41

thanks for the info. I am probably looking at the 4metre or maybe 4.7 at tops. I have seen a 4m with a Mariner 60 on the back. Looks great, would this go well?

boatster_sr4 · 15 October 2005, 18:50

Depending on how your setup a 4 meter with a 60 is a death machine I think. I have a 50hp and have just set it up to do 38mph which gets unsteady. Any speed above 36mph I noticed the 4 meter searider starts to float odd and chine walk.

Other than the speed mine feels bomb proof in the rougher conditions. Its almost silly how tough yet small it is. I wish I had a 5.4 Searider though

I personally like the flooding hull setup also. When at rest the boat does not bob around so much.

Swifty · 15 October 2005, 21:14

Willwors,
Kent Scouts have a 4m Avon Rib (cant remember exact model but its about 10 year old) with a yam 30 on it. On flat water it can outrun my 5.4 /90 ! Although as soon as any chop picks up you would wish you had gone for the 5.4
Maybe I am biased cos I have one, but in my professional and humble opinion they take some beating.
My boat is 22 years old, on its original tubes which are looking a bit tatty, and still it has years left in it. Not sure about a wolf in sheeps, but its more like Mike Tyson in a Les Dawson.

Nos4r2 · 16 October 2005, 07:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willwors

thanks for the info. I am probably looking at the 4metre or maybe 4.7 at tops. I have seen a 4m with a Mariner 60 on the back. Looks great, would this go well?

Be aware that a 4m searider is only rated for up to 50hp by Avon. I suspect that insurance may get a bit funny about it if an asesser has to look at your boat.

oxboy · 17 October 2005, 15:42

If you want to clean the tubes then contact Mike from Herne Bay (he posts as Mike), he has Spray9 which in my opinion is the best cleaner for tubes.
I have seen the results of this on several RIBS and it brings the tubes up like new.
It is inexpensive as well

Jizm · 17 October 2005, 19:16

Didn't Olly have a result using the rib-revive stuff from rib shop?

here

Rogue Wave · 17 October 2005, 20:45

post a picture of the tubes !

cameronke · 18 October 2005, 14:14

I had a Mariner 60 on my old 4M Searider, as other posters have said, the hull is only rated for 50hp max.

Yes, mine would get quite scary chinewalking but acceleration was most impressive! Great fun for wave jumping

Regards
Cameron

ollyit · 18 October 2005, 16:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jizm

Didn't Olly have a result using the rib-revive stuff from rib shop?

here

Hi guys, yeah I did have a result, but it did take loadsa wellie and elbow grease -

ollyit · 18 October 2005, 16:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameronke

I had a Mariner 60 on my old 4M Searider, as other posters have said, the hull is only rated for 50hp max.

Yes, mine would get quite scary chinewalking but acceleration was most impressive! Great fun for wave jumping

Regards
Cameron

Yeah I got a Yam 60 2stroke, on my 4m and its rubbish not fun at all!!

nah seriously its good but could be lethal in the wrong hands, my trim tabs have made it nicer to drive in bigger seas