Buying a RIB....

Steve Waters · 12 October 2005, 09:27

I am looking at buying my first RIB having completed my RYA2. Can anyone tell me where to go to work out whether oir not a RIB is good value at the selling price and what prices are based on. I am looking at a Avon Searider 4m with a 30 hp Honda engine. The seller has been really helpful but I don't know what to expect from this RIB which is just under 10 years old.

Tim M · 12 October 2005, 09:44

30hp is a bit on the low side when it comes to power. Ollyit on here has a 60hp on his 4m searider! Phil Davis has the same setup you are looking at; migt be worth asking him.As for the boat being 10 years old, as long as it's been looked after then you should be fine - seariders are known for their build quality.

dave9960 · 12 October 2005, 10:24

I have a Avon Searider 4m with a 50 hp four stroke honda on it. I can get speeds of 29 knots with two people in it.

They are very good little ribs.

One thing to check is the flooding hull, and whether it has been sealed up or not.

parm · 12 October 2005, 12:02

I have a 4.5 m rib with 35hp 2 stroke not yet run in (4 hours run) and running at 3% oil and with 2 up - 1 adult 1 child.Hope to improve on when run in and in a flat sea.

craig_c · 12 October 2005, 14:02

Great boats and even better when fitted with power trim. I used to run about in a 4m SR with a yam 25 four stroke with full electrics and trim. Thing was a flying machine when the trim was up and when you got the trim down it handled better than a lotus elise!!!

Bilge Rat · 12 October 2005, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

30hp is a bit on the low side when it comes to power. Ollyit on here has a 60hp on his 4m searider! Phil Davis has the same setup you are looking at; migt be worth asking him.As for the boat being 10 years old, as long as it's been looked after then you should be fine - seariders are known for their build quality.

Phil Davies actually runs a 30 hp Honda on his 4 metre searider and on a flat sea can achieve 28 knots my 60 hp Yam is marginally faster dispite the extra weight and boat lenght.

4 Metre searider transom is rated to take up to a 50 hp ! of course you can fit a larger engine and many here have done so, but beware trying to make an insurance claim if you over size and over weight your transom. Also worht bearing in mind the extra costs of purchase, repair and fuel use weighed up against a few extra knots speed !

Phil Davies · 12 October 2005, 19:53

Steve

The boys are right - I have exactly the combination you're looking at. The 30 is a tad underpowered for the 4m Searider and doesn't have power trim and tilt, but is perfectly adequate for your first RIB. Just don't expect to start pulling skiers with it, although it will pull a ringo as long as the occupant is not built to Herr Rat's proportions

You'll probably want to upgrade the package at some stage in the future anyway, so little point in splashing out too much cash until you're more experienced and have a better idea about what you want out of a RIB and what sort of conditions you want to go out in. If you want to discuss further give me a ring on 07768 153 386.

Rogue Wave · 12 October 2005, 20:39

how much

what condition

how old engine

trailer y/n

Biggles · 12 October 2005, 20:46

Hi,

I have a Searider but don't have in my opinion the best setup.

My mate has that and he has a Yamaha 40 HP 2 stroke. That rig is awesome. Fast, light, sounds good, and fuel efficiency isn't bad for a 2 stroke.

Be careful with Honda Engines. It would seem that the stated HP is the HP at the head and not the prop.

Steve Waters · 13 October 2005, 07:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

how much 4750

what condition Excellent (!)

how old engine 9 years

trailer y/n

yes

Steve Waters · 13 October 2005, 08:01

You guys are all brilliant! Thank you very much for your help!
I fully appreciate the comments from Pil Davies about getting my learning experiencein on a smaller enbgine and I will take his advice. Watch this space!! and thanks again
Kindest regards to you all
Steve Waters

Rogue Wave · 13 October 2005, 21:13

given the age of the emgine I think the boat is very pricey. I'd try amd knock a gramd off if I was you.....how long has it been for sale?

Rogue Wave · 13 October 2005, 22:15

e.g http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=11711

Steve Waters · 14 October 2005, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

given the age of the emgine I think the boat is very pricey. I'd try amd knock a gramd off if I was you.....how long has it been for sale?

Appreciate what you are saying! The IOW Ribs are only 2002 but they have about 1500 hours use as they were used by a training school. They have no trailer (£500?) but theyu do have power tilt and trim. Can thgis be added afterwards?

mdt · 14 October 2005, 12:58

I have one of these humbers (from the batch sold off about 2 years ago) and as a 1st RIB is a good bit of kit the hull looks like it is only a few years old and the engine starts first click of the key even form cold. Uses no oil and is very quite. A bit under powered when there are some passengers on board but (touch wood) has been a good buy. The guy I got it from had added quite a bit of kit to it and it came with a 16month old trailer ...