Hello,
I joined the site a while back when I first started my boat search. The limited supply of RIBs in the states made finding the right boat difficult. My search continued and I went back and forth between RIBs and fiberglass boats but ultimately ended up back with a RIB. What I wanted was a solid platform that would safely get me (and 1-2 others) out to our local Channel islands for free dive spearfishing. I didn't need a bunch of deck space or storage as I only rod and reel fish occasionally. I also wanted something that wasn't going to strain my aging Ford Explorer and to have something that's economical to use.
From the beginning I was fairly set on the Avon Searider after reading nothing but positive reviews and knowing of a few people that had the same needs that i had that were more than pleased with the boat. Also, there seemed to be a few of these boats floating around from time to time out in CA. Through this forum I made connections with a few extremely helpful and generous members (thanks NCP and Tworotorturbo!) who gave me plenty of advice on possible boats.
Last weekend I finally pulled the trigger and purchased a 1987 5.4M Searider. The boat needed a trailer and I was lucky enough to pick one up from a member that was local... thanks Olekils! The tubes appear to be in good condition, no leaks detected (yet), hull and transom appear solid. The engine is a Suzuki 85hp but is in need of replacement.
First on my list to do is remove the old engine and inspect the transom and fill/seal/repair as needed. Then I'll move on to removing the remaining bottom paint from the hull and most likely fill and resurface. From there I will replace the "Deluxe" seating arrangement and figure out how I want it laid out. The boat has apparently been sitting in a storage container for the last 20 years.
Once the boat appears to be structurally sound and spiffed up a bit, Ill take it out in the water with a borrowed 8 hp engine to see how she floats.
Looking forward to finally getting out and exploring the sea on my own vessel!
Yes the seats are in great condition, I'll probably see if I can sell those. The rear bench seat fits snuggly over the 2 12g. fuel tanks (which appear to be basically new!). Not sure if I'll be able to use them but could be a cool seat behind the jockey. I also have the original windscreen for the Delux setup in what looks like the original storage/carrying bag. Maybe someone can put that to use...
I'm still interested in your console/jockey. Not sure if I have anywhere in LA you could drop them off but if needed I can always make a trip down to you. Would be cool to finally see your boat and maybe even get out for a spin. Then I'll have something to compare to as I still have not ridden in a Searider.
The A frame was something I really wanted to have. The fact that it's a double tube is even better. Speargun, floatline, and dive flag holder. Currently it's bolted to the front and top of the transom. I'll have to change that a bit because the top mounting doesn't seem as solid as it's mounted to a couple pieces of wood that sit on top of the transom edge.
i like beanbags for seating, somebody will groan, I say that all that time. Comfy and flexible. take only what you need. Of course you need some place to stash them when you get to diving, I have a t-top and a slightly larger boat. Still you could probably work something out on an A-frame. Same for speargun racks, best thing ever. Easy to whip up with sratboard or even PVC pipe. Again, mount to the a-frame or maybe even the outside of the transom.
Bigtall- I've heard of the bean bag chairs but never tried one. Nom sure they are a nice comfy seat. I'll keep that in mind.
Justin- i need to get to work ASAP... thinking of taking a couple days off of work so I can jump on that deal. I'd buy it now but the slim chance that the transom isn't up to par could mean I'm sitting on a unuseable outboard for sometime. Bought a foot pump tonight and got the tubes back up... left some room for them to expand but they look better than I remember! Very happy with the purchase thus far. Did you decide on power for your boat?
Once the engine and bracket are off, if there is any questionable core in the transom, should I try drilling a slightly larger hole to see how much further out the water damage has gone? And if it looks tight and dry, how do I go about filling it? I tried searching this topic figuring it would be a simple straightforward procedure but looks like there are many different opinions on how to go about it.
Do I want to mount a plate to the transom? I def want to do this right.
You can easily fill holes with an epoxy putty. Mix you own using epoxy and wood flour (fine sawdust) or a glass filler. Lots of good fiberglass and boat building info here, http://forums.bateau2.com
Comfy and flexible. take only what you need. Of course you need some place to stash them when you get to diving, I have a t-top and a slightly larger boat. Still you could probably work something out on an A-frame. Same for speargun racks, best thing ever. Easy to whip up with sratboard or even PVC pipe. Again, mount to the a-frame or maybe even the outside of the transom. 
