New to Ribs

MikeRags · 07 March 2007, 03:27

Hey guys, I am completely new to ribs, but have owned for the past year a 9ft Zodiac with a 5hp motor. I am in the market for something bigger and more powerful but would need to keep it below 2k USA dollars. I recently found this ad and was wondering what someone more experienced thinks. He wants $1800. He claims the boat is a '75 and the motor is a '82 that is in good shape. He said the only possible problem one tube is starting to pull off the transom a bit but has not increased in the last year of use. Does this seem like a good deal or are its days numbed? Thanks for the help and the great website.

Mike

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Avon 4m SeaRider

This boat runs great, and is very roomy. Hypalon tubes, no leaks. Wheel steering. Electric start. The tubes have no leaks, and hold air forever, however are a bit underinflated in the pics, due to the cold weather. The trailer is a bit undersized, but gets the job done. This is a rigid-hulled boat, very stable.

Stoo · 07 March 2007, 03:57

Hi Mike... One of the great things with Hypalon is that it is very repairable. I "tear" at the transom is worrisome however as it is a very high stress area. I would suggest you have a professional repair service have a look at it and give you an estimate to have it repaired properly. At the asking price, you can afford to spend a little on it. You might post a link to this thread on the North American forum since there are a number of folks from California there and no doubt someone can point you in the right direction! Avon SRs are great little boats.

Similarly, you could have the engine checked out. Depending on the hours and maintenance performed, it might be a good little engine... or it might be a dog.

I don't know that anyone her will be able to say "yea" simply because all we have to on are some pics. I would say it is worth further exploration.

jyasaki · 07 March 2007, 08:13

Hi, Mike;

Welcome to the pond.

Not much to add on the Searider, as I've never owned one. Quite a few Norte Americanos on here have, though. I'm sure they'll chime in by and by.

jky

MikeRags · 08 March 2007, 08:14

Do you think the hypalon has many years left in it for being a 70's? When do most inflatables get retired? more than 30 years?

Mike

BogMonster · 08 March 2007, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeRags

Do you think the hypalon has many years left in it for being a 70's? When do most inflatables get retired? more than 30 years?

Mike

How long Hypalon lasts seems to depend on who makes it and sticks it together... I have some orange stuff looking very sad in places after six and a half years but apparently that's OK... anyway I think Avons are a bit better built than "others".

Searider · 08 March 2007, 10:17

Until about 3 years ago I owned a 1978 Searider. The fabric was still in very good condition.

I believe the Avon fabric of that era to be very good quality and if it has been looked after should be in good shape.

Have a look at it - if the fabric has deteriorated - through abrasion or UV exposure it should be pretty obvious.

$1800 for a boat / engine / trailer is very good value if it all works.

Nos4r2 · 08 March 2007, 15:51

I agree with Searider and the others-but I'd change the engine. The 40hp twin cyl mercury wasn't very good (Selling it would fund buying a better one though.)

My sr4 is '84 and the fabric is still fine.
I sold an Avon Redcrest from 1973 a couple of years ago and it was still fine-I think it's the same grade hypalon and this one had been regularly used by my family as a yacht tender since new with much abuse.

Looking closer I'd change the valves if they are still the old style black rubber Avon ones.

Dave Berry · 08 March 2007, 18:33

We have repaired numerous Seariders and other Avon models of similar age. The hypalon coated fabric used for the tubes is very durable. Check outside seam tapes to determine if they are a thin strip of hypalon rubber (i.e. not coated fabric). This type of seam tape will develop cracks and you may notice some slow air leaks on the seams if you wet them with soapy water. The seams can be re-taped, but it is a tedious job. If the seam tapes are cut from a lighter weight hypalon coated fabric, you may not see any seam leaks. I would also check the plywood transom core for rot. An aluminum transom cap was likely attached to the top edge of the transom with screws and not much in the way of sealant. Also, have a look at the SS transom braces. The reinforced deck and SS 'bolts' can be another area for rot in the plywood.

DB