bought a boat!

[akirk]

my orig post: New - learning

After spending most of last week reading through 100s / 1000s of threads on this forum I realised that there was only one choice to keep any form of credibility, one boat which seems to transport the owners into a unique and special club...

... Avon Searider 4m ribs

so I bought one!

avon searider RIB boat inflatable 40hp mariner fishing on eBay (end time 21-Jun-11 13:28:27 BST)

It might or might not be the best purchase - but I think that it will work well for me - initial use will be at no more than 4kt on the Thames - partly to have a bit of fun with kids / canoes etc. - partly to give the kids an opportunity in safe waters to try a boat / rib...

then to the solent / elsewhere for something a little bit more fun...

no power trim, so open for advice on moving the boat to that (adding / swapping engine etc.)

any other thoughts / suggestions - would be very welcome...

hopefully the boat will work well for a season or two before buying something bigger...

Alasdair

[Mollers]

Proper job.

[Nos4r2]

Looks like a lot of fun!

Now, how many shares in gaffer tape would sir be requiring?

[akirk]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Looks like a lot of fun!

Now, how many shares in gaffer tape would sir be requiring?

Thank you - my stock levels of gaffer tape are high - I own a 14yr old RR and a 50yr old LR

Alasdair

[CornishRoss]

Looks good I must admit I was quite tempted by that one but it was to far away.

Let us know how you get on with it!

[Searider]

Originally Posted by akirk

no power trim, so open for advice on moving the boat to that (adding / swapping engine etc.)

any other thoughts / suggestions - would be very welcome...

hopefully the boat will work well for a season or two before buying something bigger...

Alasdair

Hi Alasdair,

Looks like a good buy for the money.

I wouldn't worry about the power trim - she'll fly as she is. I've got a 30 on mine and it will still plane wit 4 adults and 4 small people on board.

Might be a bit prone to oiling up used on the Thames at 4 knots though. Will need the occasional "blip" to clear it.

Looks like it's a "Deluxe" model originally with back to back seating and the moulded transom stiffeners. A previous Owner has cut away the original bow dodger and steering mounts and fitted the centre console and rear bench.

Enjoy :-)

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by akirk

Thank you - my stock levels of gaffer tape are high - I own a 14yr old RR and a 50yr old LR Alasdair

Then an old Avon sea rider will compliment Sirs choice of motor vehicle perfectly

Don't change the engine this season, just add water and enjoy. Then think about it during the winter if you really need to and the bargins start to appear.

The lads will advise if they think you need power trim on it, but to be honest I would just go ahead and use it.

Pete

[9D280]

Cool. Nice looking boat.

I suspect that to PT that engine you may need to replace it. Having said that, if you got its serial number, the thing to do is look at the online microfiches. First step is to find out of that engine ever carried PT, and if so do a comparison of the clamp & swivel assemblies of the manual & power trim versions. If they are the same it may be a "simple" case of swapping your tilt assist ram for a powered one.

If that vintage of 40 didn't have PT as an option, do a comparison of the clamp / swivel with the next size or so up of a similar vintage. You'd be anmazed how many of the "below powerhead" parts carry across multiple engines.

[akirk]

Thank you all for the kind words and advice - very much looking forward to collecting it next Tuesday.

I am sure that while it will 'cruise at 4kts' on the Thames the occasional blip for safety reasons might be encountered and fully intend to play on the solent as well as my godson lives in Exbury...

good to hear ref. power trim - I am no expert on ribs - most of my nautical experience has been a 16ft cruiser on the thames with a 7hp engine that struggled to get to 4kts! and lots of sailing - so I assumed that power trim was the way to go - if it works well without it, then I see no need to spend money / have hassle changing it...

will let you know how it goes - hopefully with some photos!

thank you

Alasdair

[9D280]

You wil llikely find on the SR4 that you'll be a fair few holes "out" on the trim - My Suz was two holes in from "full up / out".