Suggestions for first rib or boat for the Channel Islands - Page 2

Tim M · 10 May 2013, 10:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

out of interest does anyone know the differences between a 1985 avon dive rescue / dive boat and a sea rider?

Thanks

Mike

That boat is a 5.4 Searider.

Felldancer · 10 May 2013, 11:48

Hi Tim ,

Thanks, the guy who owns it says its 5.6m although he could be measuring it wrong. Do you have any knowledge of this boat?

Cheers

Mike

Mollers · 10 May 2013, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

Hi Tim ,

Thanks, the guy who owns it says its 5.6m although he could be measuring it wrong. Do you have any knowledge of this boat?

Cheers

Mike

It's quite common for an SR to be measured with and elastic tape measure.

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 11:52

He's measuring it wrong, or it's got slightly overlength tubes on.

I've got one.

Felldancer · 10 May 2013, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

For round the coastline and bays then I'd be happy with a 5m ish boat. However, if you want to do France and the other islands then I'd be looking at a 6m as a minimum unless you are only going to go when the conditions are absolutely perfect. I used to do Alderney regularly on a 5.8 which became hard work if there was a bit of wind against tide.

Hi Erin,

Thanks for the advice, with this being my first boat i don't think i will be going to far unless conditions are very good. I agree that i should be looking at the larger boats though.

Thanks

Mike

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

It's quite common for an SR to be measured with and elastic tape measure.

Very true. 4.7's descibed as 4m and 5.4's described as 6m isn't uncommon.

It should have a HIN plate that'll say what it is. Ask him for the details off that.

Felldancer · 10 May 2013, 11:54

Maybe go and have a look at it this weekend, saves ferry trip to the UK if its half decent.

Mike

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 11:57

As said before, ignore the engine. I just spotted it's got a Force 120hp on it.Awful motors and 120hp is WAY overpowered for it, it'll be dangerous.

Possible adverse effects on the transom as well if it's been used at high throttle openings with a heavy load and too much HP.

Felldancer · 10 May 2013, 22:38

2005 VALIANT DR490 RIB WITH YAMAHA 90HP AUTOLUBE OUTBOARD BOAT MOTOR ENGINE L@@K | eBay

what are peoples views on this? is there any brands i should stick to or avoid>

Mike

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 22:57

Overpowered. More than the rated HP. IIRC, they're rated for 70hp so you may have issues with insurance.

Avoid....most Chinese boats. Un-branded boats. Anything with bladders in the tubes. Anything overpowered.
Anything with painted tubes. HAve a look down in the 'features' section-I wrote a guide to buying a project a few years ago. A lot of it will be relevant.

Nick Hearne · 10 May 2013, 22:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felldancer

2005 VALIANT DR490 RIB WITH YAMAHA 90HP AUTOLUBE OUTBOARD BOAT MOTOR ENGINE L@@K | eBay

what are peoples views on this? is there any brands i should stick to or avoid>

Mike

This comment has to be the biggest load of horse poo
"THESE ARE RATED BY THE RNLI AS THE BEST 5M RIB, GREAT FOR DIVING, SAFETY OR PLEASURE USE!!"

Nice engine though, keep looking, it is very easy to buy a rib and can be very hard to sell one!

Nos4r2 · 10 May 2013, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

This comment has to be the biggest load of horse poo
"THESE ARE RATED BY THE RNLI AS THE BEST 5M RIB, GREAT FOR DIVING, SAFETY OR PLEASURE USE!!"

Yeah, that's another one to avoid actually. Anything that says 'ex RNLI ' in the description, unless they're talking about the motor.

It usually means the owner is a bit of a knob who doesn't have a clue and is lying to sell it. That is, unless it's an Atlantic, or a Y or D-class.

Felldancer · 10 May 2013, 23:50

Ha yep , as "as used by Jesus" is never the best sales tag.

What about Valiant and Avon boats in general.

ribraff · 11 May 2013, 00:11

Valiant tend to use PVC or PU for tube fabric, my view on both of these materials is to stay away if they're getting on in years as they deteriorate and become difficult to repair especially the PU. Avon models of that size are all hypalon so no problems there, the hulls are usually robust if you're talking about the Searider, the Adventure is another story.

Nos4r2 · 11 May 2013, 00:59

And to confuse matters there's an Adventure 5.6m that's tagged as a Searider as well. IIRC it says 560 Adventure Searider on the ID plate, so it's fairly easy to ID.

Prosport are another to avoid -search the site for why. You may think it's a cheap way of getting a big boat if you see one.

Oh, and Ferryman. (see the MAIB report on Big Yellow)

Most of the smaller older boats on here are Humbers,Seariders,retubed Tornados or early Ospreys. That's not to say that all other older boats are bad, just that there were a lot built and they lasted well, while there weren't that many manufacturers about then.

roody262 · 11 May 2013, 03:06

There's a nice looking 5.4 Searider for sale on Gumtree. Search 'Sea Rider" with the space and it will come up.

Commercial tubes, nice white flooding hull, 70hp Merc 2stroke with a stainless prop.

I was interested myself and have spoken to the bloke, looks like a very good boat for the money, shame it's in the back of beyond!