Searider 5.4 Project

[martini]

Any pics of the aluminium hull?

[colcreate]

Here you go.
I was given an old UA jet drive so I built a hull from four sheets of Ali (I'm an ex time served tin basher) and glued up some hypalon pods (bit like making ducting....). I fitted an 850 Reliant engine inboard but blew the crank first time it left the water...
I then tried fitting a Mercruiser leg to Ford diesel but gave up and bolted on a 65hp outboard. I realised I was spending all summer in the workshop and not getting any diving done! It was crazy fast and chine walked like you wouldn't believe flat out.
Sold it to a lad from Cornwall for waterskiing. Always wondered what it would have been like with the Mercruiser, I still have the plans that I drew up somewhere.

[martini]

Like it. Building an ali hull is next on my list of projects I want to do.

[chewy]

I like the way how he just knocked up a hull and a set of tubes!

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by chewy

I like the way how he just knocked up a hull and a set of tubes!

Likewise - I would love to be able to do that sort of fabrication. "I've got an engine. What shall I do with it? I know, I'll build a boat...."

[rudyc]

Originally Posted by colcreate

Now for some advice, I want to mount a large full width console as far astern as I can to leave enough space in front to kit up for diving. Instead of seats I am thinking of a padded stainless leaning post frame. My question is does anybody have any experience of weighting a Searider at the stern like this and how do you all think it will handle?

I'm looking for a project-avon to do the same thing. (for divekit and also to be able to sleep on the rib during weekendtrips).
I intent to compensate the weight with fueltanks near the bow.
I think it should work out that way.

Just looked at your diashow. Most impressive.

[colcreate]

rudyc, you have guessed my other reason for mounting the console to the stern. I also want to use the space to sleep in and have drawn out a tent cover which will fit over the sampson post at the bow and console mounted `A` frame. The fuel tanks are planned to fit under each side of the console. I'm hoping my twin set and mates diving kit will help load the bow.

[rudyc]

I'm afraid if you put the fuel also far astern, when using the rib without divekit it will become most unpleasant.

My 'dream' is to cut off the deck and make the fueltanks beneath the deck as near as possible to the bow.
But as I have seen your pictures that idea is maybe a bit late for you.

[colcreate]

Update; been on holiday for a week so progress has been slow but managed to spray three coats of gelcoat onto the hull today (extra on on all the edges).
Seems to have covered OK but will need a fair amount of wet & dry and buffing to get it perfect. I've posted a before and after picture below. (loads more images at http://www.avonsearider.co.uk/gallery ).

[ollyit]

awesome work