Difference between Avon SR4 and SR5.4?

[boatster_sr4]

I was wondering what handling and fuel consumption differences are there between the sr4 and sr5.4? Does the 5.4 handle significantly better or only a little better in the rougher conditions? Are there big advantages to the 5.4? I'm considering if I need to upgrade to a 5.4 with a 70 hp motor.

I love how fast, efficient and portable the sr4 is but its a bit cramped and I want that extra security for the rougher conditions. I hope someone has experience with both and could shed some light on the pros and cons of either boat against each other. Thanks all.

for reference my sr4 consumes roughly 10 gallons on a 52 mile round trip to the islands.

[Pete7]

There will be a huge difference in that you will have obviously a lot more room but also be able to travel at a higher speed in the rough. A 70 hp Evinrude will use 4 gallons an hour at 36 mph, thats UK gallons, say 18 LPH.

5.4m is still an easy single handed launch if you have a good sheltered slipway.

Pete

[Rogue Wave]

To be honest I can't comment on the SR4 cos I've never driven or owned one, Other than that one I either have or have had the complete set.

My favourit boat ever was Tumbling dice an Avon 4.7 with a 70 Yammie which I foolishly sold. I now have a 5.4 with a 90 Tohatsu and there is a big difference in the Handling. The 90 doesn't quite ride on so small a Pad and the extra length means it lands a little less harshly. I imagine the difference between a 4 and 5.4 would be significant and the seas it could handle would be enhanced. I loved the 4.7 because it was so Feisty!

I am taking mine out on the weekend, I'll find out what the consumption is for you. (it's a chore, but I guess I can manage it )

[boatster_sr4]

Wow Pete, those are some really good numbers!

Rogue Wave, the sr4 is pretty feisty too. I imagine the difference between the 4.7 and 4 aren't that big. My sr4 fuel meter says I'm using 4.4 gal/hr going 28 mph. Unfortunately I don't think its that accurate but its a pallpark figure. If the 5.4 gets something close to the economy as Pete says I'm sold on getting one. Fortunately we have the USCG here to pick up the initial tab on these boats. Figure that and the relatively few people that appreciate them and its a buyers market.

I know of one person selling a rare sr6 with dual 90s but the weight and stats on the boat don't follow linearly with its smaller brothers. Its only 2 feet longer but weighs twice the 5.4, 1500 lbs. Whats up with that?

I'd really appreciate the fuel economy stats on your 5.4. Thanks.

Boatster

[Biggles]

Hi Boatster,

I can tell you how a 5.4 handles compared to a 4 Meter Searider. I have driven a 5.4 over a few days when I did a course. I found it was significantly better at riding the rough stuff than my 4 Meter.

What I was suprised at though was that it didn't seem to have a lot more room inside it. And it still only seemed to be able to accomodate a 2 man jockey seat comfortably. You could possibly stretch to two single jockey seats but I would imagine that would be it.


Your fuel consumption seems quite high at present.

Might I suggest you look at getting a 4 stroke engine next time. I used to be an adamant 2 stroke fan but since converting to a 4 stroke would be hard pushed to go back. Fuel consumption at normal speeds is far less.

The only thing that would now stop me buying 4 stroke is initial cost, if a good deal comes up.

Go for the 5.4, it will be probably my next move.

Personally I would like the 4.7 meter boat. A compromise in all aspects, but they are like the proverbial "Rocking Horse Sh__" to find second hand in this country.

[boatster_sr4]

Hey Biggles,

Have you ever considered the Direct Injection 2 strokes? Evinrude E-tecs and Tohatsu TLDIs, simple mechanics, just as good economy as 4 strokes. I'm considering those options in the future. Right now I'm playing with the idea of a 5.4, or rather I'm in talks with someone selling.

With regards to space I would be able to pack more surfboards and gear into a 5.4. The sr4 is great fun though. I think I'm trying to justify hording another rib....sigh....

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by boatster_sr4

I was wondering what handling and fuel consumption differences are there between the sr4 and sr5.4? Does the 5.4 handle significantly better or only a little better in the rougher conditions?

The difference in seakeeping and comfort will be enormous. At this end of the size range a few extra feet in length makes a world of difference -- the 5.4 will feel like twice as much boat as the 4m.

John

[Swifty]

Just for the record my 5.4 does around 1.2 NM/L (5 GPH) at 24kn according to the Navman. Engine is a 2 stroke carbed 90. So thats really your worst case figure. Going upto an Etec would allmost halve the consumption.

I mostly launch and recover single handed as my regular crew is only 11.

The tag line says it all.

[Searider]

I would concur with Swiftys fuel consumption.

My 5.4 did a bit better than a litre per mile with a carbed Mariner 90 2 stroke. I tended to run around at more like 28 knots most of the time.

If you want to still have a "feisty" boat get a 90hp - a 5.4m will often chine walk over about 34/35 knots.

Can't remember what my 4 metre used but it was ok for use in the Solent with two 25 litre tanks - I never ran out!
3 cylinder Yamaha 50hp - pull start - no electrics to go wrong.
My 4 metre was less "feisty" - but this might have been because I had the back to back seats which kept the weight low in the boat.

Going for a new technology 2 stroke or a 4 stroke would make a huge difference to your fuel consumption. My 6.5m Scorpion with a 150hp Optimax uses the same amount of fuel as the 5.4m Searider did!

I really miss my 5.4m Searider. The Scorpion is a better boat, but is more complex and more difficult to launch. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.

I would also get another 4m if storage space became a problem.

Regards

[George8910]

Hi everyone
been off having babies over the summer (well not personally of course) and haven't posted for a while.

I have made the same move - had to sell my 4m searider due to storage problems, and have very recently bought a 5.4 ex navy with a 75 mariner berthed proudly on the lawn!

I haven't had the opportunity to take it out yet so can't comment on consumption, but on land at least it does feel a lot bigger - the 4m I found quite hard riding on 'solent chop' and felt very cramped with four people aboard.

The move up made sense to me - particularly as I paid less for the 5.4 in better condition - possibly due to time of year.

Need to get on the water and live near the grand union canal - does anyone know where I can by an icebreaker prow?