Hello - new to forum

[rubadubdub]

Hi.

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself.

Lots of rib experience in the past as used to dive all around the UK inc West
Coast of Scotland, north wales, Scillies (ribbed from Penzance for a week dive trip), Shetland, orkneys, Firth of Forth and south and west Ireland.... we covered a fair bit of ground...

Now want to get kids into exploring so just picked up an old (1978) Avon Searider 4m with a Mercury 40hp, similar age I think.

The tubes and hull look in amazing condition considering its age, the transom is a bit flexible and I think needs rebuilding or strengthening. I actually took the engine off before towing it the 3 hours back up to Manchester as I didn't want to do more damage.

The engine needs a service. I've never seen it run so don't know what to expect and if it's a bag of bolts I can sell it for parts.

And the electrics and wiring needs stripping back and renewing but I can build on these slowly.

(obviously other gremlins will no doubt appear) but it was a bargain price.

I love the classic look with the front bonnet and screen and the seats are in excellent condition just need a bit of tlc and some stainless staples to secure the covers back down to the bases.

I'll keep you updated with my progress.

Some pics attached

[eze]

Hi there Rubber,


looks like an interesting off season project there.


I was looking at an SR4 deluxe.....really nice to have the 4 seats imo.

[Burga007]

Thanks for your post. I went to the Scilly’s myself this year (flew from Lands End). Would love to take my rib (5m Dive Pro Ribcraft). Can you offer any advice about driving my rib from Penzance? My rib is in really good nick and the motor is very reliable but I’ve never attempted anything quite as ambitious.

[rubadubdub]

I organised a week long trip about 8 or 9 years ago for our dive club. We had 4 ribs and a mate brought his hardboat.

Tornado 5.5 and 6m, Delta Dash 5.5 and a Humber 5.5.

Its about 45 miles from Penzance to Hugh Town on St Mary's and we had fantastic weather all week apart from one day of fog and then thunder and lightening - but this didn't stop us, even through the VHF aerials where buzzing from static.

Although only 45 mile is can be treacherous area with a lot of shipping and no shelter until you reach the Scilies.

We loaded our extra kit into a container which was loaded on the ferry at Penzance. Fuel we took with us (on the hard boat) but I'm sure you can get fuel at the port. Don't think we were charged for the visitor moorings either.

Touring the islands and having your own boat makes is much more accessible.