Avon 340

Noble95 · 10 January 2015, 12:26

Hi all,

I have an avon 340 which currently has a bench seat on it, I want to replace with jockey seat and steering wheel anyone know where I could get parts and how it could be done?

Noble95 · 10 January 2015, 12:32

Also I need a new propeller for my outboard, 25hp tohatsu 2 stroke probably 2003 model? any advice based on SouthCoast. Thanks

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 06:50

just google mate, there must be heaps of places in UK for consoles. as far as props go, why do you need a new one, is old one chewed up?

for the console installation if you dont know what you are doing, best to get a pro to help. contacting bombardier would be a good start. i considered putting one in my 4.3m rib. i think they are usually just installed with marine sealant as a gasket/shock absorber, but dont quote me as ive never put one in.

awesome little setup that would be though.

Noble95 · 12 January 2015, 07:09

Thanks for the response, I will do some browsing! Yes doesn't look much like a prop anymore (wasn't me) it's a decent little rib but would be even more decent with a centre console

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 07:23

to be honest i prefer the tiller steer for practical stuff like diving or fishing. but for fun a jockey console is cool, like a slow jet ski haha.

so many styles of consoles out there. it will come down to dimensions and your boats flooring. try to keep in mind you want walk around room etc.

whats the intended use of the rib?

i saw a zodiac cadet 340 other day with jockey console, very fun looking little boat. although im not so keen on PVC regardless of what type it is.

over here a lot of ribs have ally floors/hulls. not so keen on them as i find glass rides softer. in saying that depends on the make and model.

the nz ones are awesome, like naiad and wavebreak, they are double skinned pontoons with an ally hull thats almost its only little boat. the pontoons i think are on rails so slide off, so easy to clean and repair.

still, i love my glass hull. easy to repair and rides smooth. plus its another (in theory) chamber (providing it doesnt get any cracks etc)

HDAV · 12 January 2015, 17:32

Having a Rover 340 with jockey I wouldn't rush to spend loads on the console as it won't be the same boat, Slow jetski is about right..........

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 18:34

25hp should push it 30knots?

the benefit i find of jockey console vs tiller is it saves ya back as you use your legs to absorb the jarring in chop.

Noble95 · 12 January 2015, 18:38

It's a nippy boat, for those who know the red jet in southampton I almost kept up with that! I have ordered a tiller extension to see if that makes it any better, it's abit of an old boat that never has been loved so reluctant to spend to much on it!

PeterM · 12 January 2015, 18:52

The 25 i have on my 3.5 gets it to 26 but it's a bloody heavy thing with a heavy four stroke. Small is the new big ;-)

Noble95 · 12 January 2015, 19:02

Like that a lot, that's the sort of set up I'm after, I have an old guzzling 2 stroke which I think may have been tuned up to 30, very light way as I can pick it up with a mate including the engine and a full tank of fuel!

Noble95 · 12 January 2015, 19:03

PeterM · 12 January 2015, 19:12

Ribcraft 3.5. Was rigged with a 25 two stroke when i got it. The heavier engine and added bits made no change to top end. But far more economical and nice to drive. got wingback seat on it now, handle on console, bow fuel bladder, and some other bits. Defo think small ribs are under rated.. Just ask anyone who owns an sr4:-)

PeterM · 12 January 2015, 19:14

Nice little Avon. Need to get that round the island!!!

Some tlc and that would come up like new!

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 19:19

Whats your speed WOT peterM?

I get 60kph in my 14. Not as small but still a small rib. But Im trimmed, propped and foiled for fast planing not top end speed.

Us small ribbers need our own thread, we gets swallowed up by the big guys haha.

Noble95 · 12 January 2015, 19:22

How much did the conversion cost you? I'm reluctant to change the engine unless I'm getting to stick a console init, the engine hasn't done a great deal of hours and it runs with out a beat but doesn't drink fuel!!! I do get some funny looks from larger rib owners when I'm jumping their wake!!! It's a good start for a 20 year old

SpearRib · 12 January 2015, 19:33

id stick with a 2 stroke under 40hp personally. anything over that the 4 strokes come into their own fuel economy wise and trolling.

if you want a quick off the mark boat, 2 stroke all the way, especially propped, tilted and foiled.

that 25hp is perfect imo. thats what id have.

in saying that, any four stroke is going to use less fuel and is better if slow trolling for fish is a must.