Avon SR4 with tiller steering?

[SixtyNorth]

Has anyone here any experience of using an Avon SR4 (open boat) with tiller steering? If so, did you come across any problems? This would not be for high speed use, just as an alternative to a 4m inflatable for transporting 4 people in what can often be fairly choppy water. The deluxe and rescue models have very little useable deck space.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

[JRRK]

Originally Posted by SixtyNorth

Has anyone here any experience of using an Avon SR4 (open boat) with tiller steering? If so, did you come across any problems? This would not be for high speed use, just as an alternative to a 4m inflatable for transporting 4 people in what can often be fairly choppy water. The deluxe and rescue models have very little useable deck space.



Any thoughts would be appreciated, thanks.

hi I have used my SR4 like this since 1987. Mainly Moray Firth and West Coast of Scotland. Often with 4 divers. Removing the console and screen allowed us to get all our kit in, albeit snugly. On your own it can be fun especially off the Mark when you have to empty the hull. Having small tubes it can get wet when the wind helps to pick the water up and blast it in your face. But properly weighted I have managed to beat larger console steering RIBs in really rough seas. Normally it is the other way round. I’d say if you are only using it around the bay go for it, when it is bouncy make sure that whoever is driving alerts the others of any large waves, you always get one who isn’t watching, although they normally end up flying into the boat, it’s what they land on can cause pain.

[Nasher]

Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

When we sorted out an Aerotec and outboard for my lads it reminded me of just how much fun a Tiller steer was.

Nasher.

[Ferryman]

Originally Posted by JRRK

Attachment 133835hi I have used my SR4 like this since 1987. Mainly Moray Firth and West Coast of Scotland. Often with 4 divers. Removing the console and screen allowed us to get all our kit in, albeit snugly. On your own it can be fun especially off the Mark when you have to empty the hull. Having small tubes it can get wet when the wind helps to pick the water up and blast it in your face. But properly weighted I have managed to beat larger console steering RIBs in really rough seas. Normally it is the other way round. I’d say if you are only using it around the bay go for it, when it is bouncy make sure that whoever is driving alerts the others of any large waves, you always get one who isn’t watching, although they normally end up flying into the boat, it’s what they land on can cause pain.

Small tubes on an SR4??
Please give that boat a birthday!! [emoji23][emoji23]

[M.Thornton]

The fire brigade used to use tiller steered 4m SRs

[SixtyNorth]

Many thanks for the replies. It does appear to be an option worth trying.