Well, all things considered I went for the SR4. This gives me the chance to keep it on my own drive, launch and recover on my own, and it comes with a warranty etc - so less of a risk. I can upgrade to a bigger boat later when funds allow and I will have more choice - fingers crossed. Piccys attached - hope to collect her next weekend - now where to launch for a shakedown cruise?
It was a really tough decision. The 4m came from a dealer, and as such has had an engine service, the trailer is 2 years old but has never been used - but they replaced the wheel bearings as it had been stood, and they have given a warranty. Also, to get back into Ribbing, the 4m will be easier to store, easier to launch and recover. We can then get back into the routine before getting a bigger boat. The 5.4 is a great boat - but is a big heavy beast - and on a huge rollercoaster trailer - so more to handle. Hopefully we can have a season or so with the 4m and then see where we go from there.
I wouldn't be surprised if you love the sr4 so much you end up keeping it as well as another boat when you move up. I really regret selling mine but I couldn't use 2 boats enough to justify keeping them both.
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That would be great - funds allowing etc etc. How often and where do you get out and about? I need to find a nice easy slipway with some nice cruisng for a first launch in the next couple of weeks or so - hoping to pick up the boat next Friday. Now I have a whole list of stuff I need - looks like a few hours on Ebay !!!
That would be great - funds allowing etc etc. How often and where do you get out and about? I need to find a nice easy slipway with some nice cruisng for a first launch in the next couple of weeks or so - hoping to pick up the boat next Friday. Now I have a whole list of stuff I need - looks like a few hours on Ebay !!!
Why not come to the solent searider gathering posted in the cruise section, September 20th... should be a riot!
The RIB is early 80s I believe. For the last 5 years she has been owned by a Scout Group as their safety boat. The had a Mariner 25 on the back, but for the last 3 years she has been unused. The Trailer was new 2 years ago and looks brand new - has had new bearings in the last month and comes with new winch and spare wheel. There are keel rollers and 2 'beds' - have never used this type before - always had roller coaster - but I guess it must work OK. The engine is an ex lifeboat 40 which I am told is about 7 years old. The engine still has the tiller and controls with it in case I sell it it can go with the tiller. The RIB has a few scrapes around the bow, and some of the pain inside is faded, but the deck itself has been repainted with a non-slip surfact, has new control lines and new fuel tank. The Tubes seem tohelod presure well, and are goos for their age. If you look at the pictures she has the Avon Badge on each tube twards the stern - which I think was onlyh done on the earlier models? Just want to get her on the water now and see how she handles.
The Searider gathering sounds good fun - just need to convince the olther half that you can go to the IOW in a 4 metre boat. May struggle to keep up with you guys though. Where will people launch from for this?
White Noise
