Is this Avon SR4 a good deal???

[davidni]

Have a look at this...

1998 Avon sr4, 40hp Tohatsu £3500?

Used Boat Sales in Ireland, Luxury Boats for Sale, Luxury Used Boat On Sale

Does this seem a good deal or is it overpriced???

Am due to buy a friends Zodiac Pro 2 420 with 40 Mercury 2 stroke for £2500 but have also spotted the Avon sr4.

Since finding this forum I keep reading you guys all agreeing that the sr4 is the best small rib.

Im just wondering is it a better choice?

Cant help thinking the centre console looks so much more practical.

the Zodiac is mint and engine isnt too shabby and its a grand less but if this sr4 seems a better boat and a good price then I'm open to it.

My friend selling the Zodiac will have no issue if I pull out.

What do you think guys? You all seem very experienced so I am just looking for some help in making the right decision.

Not too many small ribs come up in NI locally to me so choice is thin on the ground.

MOD addition:

[Wibs]

Personally....


I think it's a touch over priced- but then if supply is low and demand is high the price has prob been adjusted to suit.

However....it is a far better buy than the Zodiac. You wont't get many people say anything negative about Seariders (especially on here) and as I've owned one- with a Tohatsu 50hp on the back, I can confirm they are a good solid boat.

There's not a lot of info on the Seariders webpage and it looks like it's being sold by a broker- if it's not too far away then go take a look- sound/look interested in it and see what's negotiable on the price.?

How long has it been up for sale.? If it's been hanging around for a while, there may be scope for a deal

Either way- I'd be happier buying something that met my requirements for more money than something that didn't for less.!!

[jeffstevens763@g]

totally agree with wibs for a grand extra i would go searider it looks pretty decent go have a look there's 10 horse more on the back with the tohatsu solid engines.try him at £3000 you never know.
loads of proud owners on here with technical support if it needs a bit of TLC.
good luck

[davidni]

Wow...pretty definitive opinions and much appreciated.

Yes I thought it might be a touch overpriced based on my late night research!

I had been scouring the forum since joining and keep seeing people raving about them.

1998 boat seems quite young compared to what I see on ebay etc.

I'll give them a call.

What about if they wont budge on price...should I hold off? Don't want to pay over the odds for something if its likely to loose me a tin of money in future.

[jeffstevens763@g]

David

if your serious about it go with cash in your pocket i would think there's room there from their side always tempting when you wave the readies.

give it a go

[davidni]

They are about 70 miles away so will call first to see what the deal is.

There aren't many about for sale over here.

They open in half an hour.

But keep your thoughts coming on this.

Maybe somebody knows of a better deal?

[jeffstevens763@g]

there's a couple on ebay one at £2600 classified ad 50 evinrude and one with a 40 mariner on at £2295 or make an offer as a comparison

[Tim in Yorkshire]

Hi there, I have an SR4 very similar to the one you've posted, no A frame, but with a mid to late 90s Mercury 50hp two stroke with PTT on the back (seen here with the girlfriend on the beach for a coffee/cake stop):



I paid a little less than that including trailer, 3 fuel tanks, lifejackets, flares and someother bits and bobs, but then had a little more choice, although younger SR4s don't seem to come round that often.

It's a great little boat, fine with two on bord, gets tight with 4 adults (if there are this many on boards it's only for short distance fishing trips in good conditions). Mine has a cool box that acts as a bench seat in the rear which helps a little.

[davidni]

Tim am I right in thinking 1998 is a bit fresher than most that come up for sale?

Phoned, the engines only a forty that would be good enough wouldn't it?

Am I right in saying the Tohatsu would be a good motor? Or is it just same as rest?

They have accepted 3000. Going up in morning for a water trial.

New battery, cover and they assure me owner is a very genuine chap and that its been well maintained.

Even at 3 I think I would be paying enough but it is a younger model.

Cant tell me age of engine though?

I do see the few in ebay but by time factor in ferry to mainland and back, fuel etc, soon adds up. Would make the trip for an exceptional one bit none of the ones for sale really jump out at me as being worth the trek.

There are a few very cheap ones in south of Ireland and euro rate is excellent at moment but they look bit tired. Don't want project. Want something ready to go so kids can have some fun with me.

What do you think guys???Is 3000 still steep ie-will I find it hard to make money back if I decide to sell in few years?

Not a rich man so don't want to throw my money away.

Tim does it get really tight with 4? Mainly me and 2 boys but possible wife in odd occasion.

Oh.. Thankyou for all the advice so far. Its a real godsend that I found this forum.

[davidni]

Well going up for test tomorrow. And unless somebody jumps in to say its a daft idea, I will coming home with it.

My friend isn't too bothered that Im not buying the Zodiac as he is going to add £500 to the asking price and let it sit for sale.

[ShinyShoe]

I'd guess in GB on fleabay if engine is 1998 and trailer in good condition you'd get it for £2.5-3k.

Does the dealer offer warranty?

You avoid cost of ferry and hassle of collection. Likely if there is a buyer in NI/IE in future you will recover that cost. Snag being if buyer is in GB they will be adding ferry prices to any sale...

40 will move a SR4 fine. But will depend on ur plans for it...

[jeffstevens763@g]

Well done mate 3000 is ok money for a boat that does what you want you will put your stamp on it in the coming weeks the engine will be fine that's all the fisherman use in Japan the boat will be bullet proof just keep it clean and away from the sun I think Daniel 2003 is doing a refurb on one worth following fo info on what to look for lots of lads on here got sr4s

Happy boating

[dave3235]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Well done mate 3000 is ok money for a boat that does what you want you will put your stamp on it in the coming weeks the engine will be fine that's all the fisherman use in Japan the boat will be bullet proof just keep it clean and away from the sun I think Daniel 2003 is doing a refurb on one worth following fo info on what to look for lots of lads on here got sr4s

Happy boating

Hi all

Is it possible to convert to 50hp for the future or stay the same

[ShinyShoe]

When you say convert do you mean...

1) Buy a 50, put it on instead and flog the 40

2) repower the 40 to give 50 either by tweaking ECU or changing parts etc?

Option 1 is a yes, SR4 Max is 50HP. Option 2 sounds to me like far more work than anyone should ever spend on a cheap motor!

[matt h]

If I were there I would buy it. 3500 if its tidy its worth it. there are loads around that have been abused and very few nice ones and people base all SR4s on the price of the shit ones. 2 years ago I sold a 2001 SR4 with 40 YAM on it for 4750. yes I went through it and changed a few things but if the basics are all good then go for it. wouldn't lose a good boat for a few hundred quid.
There is another member on here that would not take less than 5500 for his 1998 its totally immaculate and almost unused. or you buy a new one with trailer engine GPS etc for 13k.

50 two stroke is very well suited. mine does 39knots and still have 500 rpm to find so have switched to a four bladed to try it out.

[dave3235]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

When you say convert do you mean...

1) Buy a 50, put it on instead and flog the 40

2) repower the 40 to give 50 either by tweaking ECU or changing parts etc?

Option 1 is a yes, SR4 Max is 50HP. Option 2 sounds to me like far more work than anyone should ever spend on a cheap motor!

Sorry I was in the thinking the 40 was a 2 stroke,yes to much hassle sell and buy another.

[davidni]

Well its home.

Was dissapointed to find it is manual tilt and trim and has few chips in hull but it goes really well.

1 minute into test drive he had me...so much fun.

Trailer is good, has few small bits that need done but its good and solid with nice big hinged rollers.

Tubes are perfect.

Cover is a proper one.

What I did like is nothing is cleaned or polished for sale. Its honest.

Going into storage for few days then will get engine serviced to be safe and give it a clean up.

Should be set to go by next week.

Paid 3000 but it is tidy.

[matt h]

Engine Looks like a 97-98 but looks tidy. Shame its not a ptt tho . Should not be too difficult to add

[davidni]

Cheers. Appreciate that. Was struggling to find info on age.

That's not too bad actually since there is guy just up the road selling a searider with a late eighties engine for 3000. Tubes have patched etc. He just has it all polished up and added a few bits to bling it up.

I got a much better deal than the person that buys his.

[matt h]

Data plate should be on the right hand side of saddle (looking from rear) bracket its its still there.( sure its the same position for a twatsoo) ref the ptt. As that sr is pretty rare it might be worth re-engine it as it makes it soooooo much easier