I posted in the new member forum but thought I would post in here as it seems a bit busier.
Following a 20 year hiatus from RIB’s I got myself back into the fold last weekend by buying the exact same model I had when I was 20. An Avon Searider 4m.It is the deluxe model with the bucket seats and I plan on retaining this layout (the last one I had I converted to a centre console layout.I got the boat for a good price due to the seats being a complete riot and the motor not looking the best and not having electric start or tilt (ir does seem to run ok though).
Here is the boat as I bought it.
As soon as got it home I gave it a quick clean and removed the seats. I also had to adjust the trailer so it would fit in my garage.
Here is how it currently stands.
I will update the thread as I progress with the boat. Immediately on my to-do list is sort the seating and replace the gearbox oil.That will get me through this summer and I can really sort it out over the winter.
With that in mind if anyone knows where I can find some replacement seats please let me know. I am going to fit a couple of generic folding seats until I can find originals but I hope to have a full set of 4 back to back seats if I can find them.
Nice project !
Just as a note, there is a nice rebuild serie on YouTube about this boat. (Not the engine)
It is not my work but maybe worth a look for some ideas https://youtu.be/wTHpJwkcxDI
Thanks. I have already watched that YouTube series. I’m very jealous that they found the seats I need.
I picked up a bit of ply today and made a new base for the seats to sit on. Cut to size and test fitted. Once I have seats and test fitted them I will remove and seal and ply.
I had the Searider out for the first time during the week and everything ran perfectly.
Here is a quick video of it in action. https://youtu.be/xWQgNwhNxSI
A couple of days later we launched at Largs and took it over to Millport.
Still looking for original seats and the base if anyone knows where I might find them.
spy-sea-one
