Can I please ask for views on this searider

toonpirate · 09 August 2016, 19:19

I'm thinking of going to have a look at this Searider 5.4m ex Coastguard RIB. Its a 3 hour trip for me to get there and I have no experience of what to look for. The seller seems genuine and from what is described the boat well looked after.

Could I please ask for views on condition and price based on the photos (I know it is difficult). From the photo of the hull where the tubes meet, there looks to be some gaps, is this normal. Sorry for the questions I have no idea when it comes to boats ! It is either this or an ex RNLI D class I fancy !

Thanks again
Steve

https://www.gumtree.com/p/boats-kaya...rib/1181414178

Nos4r2 · 09 August 2016, 19:40

The only thing that makes me nervous about that is the transom cutout. It looks like it's either had a new ally cap or been cut down and capped.
If it's a later one with a solid GRP transom, it shouldn't be an issue, but if it's got a wooden core I'd be looking at it quite hard for water ingress.

toonpirate · 09 August 2016, 20:11

Many thanks for that. If it has GRP and been cut down is that an issue? Can I also ask what you think of these 2 bolts in the bow below the d ring?

Nos4r2 · 09 August 2016, 20:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by toonpirate

Many thanks for that. If it has GRP and been cut down is that an issue?

No, as long as it's been gelcoated/flowcoated after.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toonpirate

Can I also ask what you think of these 2 bolts in the bow below the d ring?

I think they're from an internal lifting eye that's been covered up by the home made anchor locker. Again, shouldn't be anything to worry about.

toonpirate · 09 August 2016, 20:45

Many thanks, much appreciated

jeffstevens763@g · 09 August 2016, 20:55

It looks pretty tidy but have a really good look round money seems ball park but try a knock down it will help to sort bits and bobs

toonpirate · 09 August 2016, 21:00

Thanks Jeff. I know my way around cars but when it comes to boats I'm clueless. I'm a bit worried about missing something expensive !

jeffstevens763@g · 09 August 2016, 21:13

No different to cars really saw dust in the gearbox and all that, engine wise see it running in gear and out check water tell tail look under the hood see if it's clean any damage exterior including prop sea trial best.trailer looks newish check bearings, Boat wise damaged hull odd chips scratches normal wear same with tubes odd bit of re-glueing but anything your not happy with or looks expensive I would leave unless you have the skills to sort from the pics it's not that bad nos hasent throw any alarm bells out other that the transom not my field that so many of these boats are re-furbed not sure of the original design but I think whisper on here does a few his opinion invaluable as is others but if it's a goodun coastguard spec and all that great boat good luck.

Cheers

Iancostello · 09 August 2016, 22:11

Its all about the engine make sure that is ok don't worry to much about the boat repairs they will never be as expensive as a replacement engine also make sure tilt & trim is all ok as new motors aren't cheap either check engine has a good flow of water check for leaks/cracks feel for any excessive heat put into forward and reverse when running on hose if your good with cars I imagine you would spot something iffy good luck.

toonpirate · 09 August 2016, 22:19

Thanks for the replies, I'm feeling a little more reassured. I've pm'd whisper to ask about the transom.

Poly · 09 August 2016, 22:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iancostello

Its all about the engine make sure that is ok don't worry to much about the boat repairs they will never be as expensive as a replacement engine .

New tubes on a SR probably more than a reasonably new engine. Professional transom or deck replacement will be painfully expensive too.

idsebby · 09 August 2016, 22:54

Buy yourself a compression tester. Check the compression on all the cylinders. Should be within 10% of each other. It's a pretty Normal process for buying a used outboard.

idsebby · 09 August 2016, 22:58

Also check for soft spots in the deck and, check and make sure the internal baffles are intact. Just deflate one chamber at a time.

toonpirate · 10 August 2016, 10:15

Thanks for the advice. I've a compression tester so will certainly undertake this test.
I'm still debating the RIB / SIB thing. My heart is saying ex RNLI D class. My head is stating this RIB !

Nos4r2 · 10 August 2016, 10:38

You'll have more fun with a Searider than a D class and your weather windows will be wider

Poly · 10 August 2016, 10:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by toonpirate

I'm still debating the RIB / SIB thing. My heart is saying ex RNLI D class. My head is stating this RIB !

Sibs have many things going for them, but for normal domestic use D class doesn't really bring those benefits (relatively heavy, too big to fold up easily, 40hp heavy to manhandle). So unless you have a special need for a big tiller steered sib then you are being sacked in to the RNLI "pedigree". These days that usually means you get a very tired boat that has been well (ab)used before you get it, but with a premium exRNLI price tag.

If it's going to be used on a trailer anyway, the Searider is more suited to *most* leisure use.

idsebby · 10 August 2016, 12:30

I switched from a sib to a rib recently. Primarily because you can do more with them. Sibs are great but they have more limitations. The class D is for going out and doing rescues in rough weather where access is limited. I don't think that's what you will be using it for? Ribs are a little more user friendly and straightforward. In a non rescue situation you will rarely if ever benefit from having the class D.

toonpirate · 10 August 2016, 17:57

Many thanks. All good responses. SeaRider it is.