my searider 5.4 build project

[ian mcconnell]

After selling my 4m searider last summer i have been looking for a new rib. I love the searider but it was a bit basic compared with modern ribcrafts, XS's ect, problem being the internal beam of the searider.

I decided on a bare boat rebuild which after a lot of research would have an XS console a second double jockey seat, substantial A frame and a 90hp Yamaha!!

I have never done this before and have decided to document the build, i have made some mistakes and at time rushed the build, but hopefully it will look as i expect it.

[ian mcconnell]

First job was to sand the hull down. Bloody nightmare i went through a fortune in sandpaper and it did not make a dent in it.

Basically it has a non slip MOD deck so its akin to using sandpaper on sandpaper. Eventually i gave in and hired a belt sander this took 2-3 days solid and went through £60 worth of sandpaper!!!

After looking at another build on ribnet, i used a grinder to witle away the supports for the fuel tanks by the transom, again a slow job (these seariders are well made) i decided against trying to go for a flat deck after taking up advise from ribnet, bascially i have cut the console to fit the raised deck. (good advise)

[ian mcconnell]

As you can see from the previous thread i have decided to remove the tubes after finding a set of new tubes on Boats and outboards for £800, how could i not refuse at that price, it also made it easier to turn the hull over.

Instead of sanding down the hull i used paint remover, this i sprayed on and simply scraped off, job was done in a couple of hours!!

With the trailer free i decided to paint the trailer and change the bearings..

However after going to Southampton boat show and not finding any Rollers or any think else trailer related, i found a massive trailer center in southhampton where i spent £206 on 6 rollers, new wheel, new hitch attachment & hull rollers. Definately worth while trailer almost looks like new, although i still have a roller to fit and have not attached the mudflaps.

[ian mcconnell]

Next job painting hull, after taking advise from Tim M's thread i used to a roller, the only thing i can add is to advoid spending a fortune on rollers instead of using a foam roller which breaks up after 20 mins use a varnish roller i only used one and it leaves a finer finish.

I used International 2 pack Perfection paint, i went through 1 x undercoat and 2 x gloss finish approx £90 in paint and £10 in rollers

Great finish, a bit of light sanding with 120 grit and a polish its like a professional finish. (can't believe i did this)

[ian mcconnell]

I needed a fuel tank this came up on ebay i won at £80 for a 12 gallon tank. Rang Paul from Dessign & fabrication who even made my tank to my dimensions & added a sender unit, total cost includes carrage fro £110.

I also had Paul make an AFrame to my design this cost £150 for 1 1/2 tube a lot of the cost was carrage..

I can not recomend this guy enoth great communication and all done in over a week.

CONTACT PAUL ON 07742367310 ( DESIGN&FABRICATION

[ian mcconnell]

Next was to fit the XS console i purchased of ebay for £165 in bright orange, I contacted Barnet Marina to purchase the stainless back rest and grey cushion and ended up buying a double jockey with matching cushion and stainless backrest all for £670, they were very helpful.

I fitted the fuel tank to the hull and then glass fibred the console in and then next day the Double jockey..

I had purchased a couple of white hatchs for access to electrics and battery, as you can see i had cut the holes..

[ian mcconnell]

Today i sanded the deck after using lots of apoxy filler to smooth the deck and fill lots of holes on the transom..

Painted the undercoat on with roller (varnish roller, only used one)

Tomorrow the top coat again then a second topcoat then sand and polish!!!!!!!!!

[ian mcconnell]

I have also purchased a 90hp outboard.

It was for sale complete with a 440 driver speedboat and trailer for £2100, sounded cheap its a 1996 grey yamaha 2 stroke..

I went down to southampton to try it out on the speed boat, gent and his wife took me out in southampton waters, engine not been used since last season, but i had asked him not to start ir and change to fresh fuel.. however the engine was a little rough but not to bad, its problem was on asking for full throttle it behaved more like a 25hp rather than a 90hp i suspected the jets were blocked (ay least i hoped thats what it was) the rest was good, prop excellent, gearbox oil clear all plugs same colour & started very well..

However as i showed my doubt we renegociated at i purchased my new outboard (with free boat) for £1500.

on way home droped in to redline in abingdon who currently have the engine for carb strip down. Fingers crossed

Any body want a cheap trailer an speed boat call 07786 705252 £400

[Nos4r2]

^^^ You use Mike too? Good isn't he.

[ian mcconnell]

Yep mike cripps use to do my old 50 yam, if he can't get it working im selling it!