Limits of an Avon Searider with 50hp

Steviebaby · 16 July 2007, 11:42

I am interested in other peoples opinions of what the maximum conditions they would take out a 4m Avon Searider with 50hp outboard. At the moment, I won't go out of the harbour in anything approaching a Force 5.

The RIB is fitted with a centre console (GPS, Fish Finder, VHF) and an aray of safety equipment.

Tim M · 16 July 2007, 11:44

Nos4r is your chap to ask when it comes to extreme searider useage. He took his (4m, 50 Mariner) out on the October Solent cruise when it was something crazy like force 8.

Tims Osprey · 16 July 2007, 12:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

I am interested in other peoples opinions of what the maximum conditions they would take out a 4m Avon Searider with 50hp outboard. At the moment, I won't go out of the harbour in anything approaching a Force 5.

The RIB is fitted with a centre console (GPS, Fish Finder, VHF) and an aray of safety equipment.

It depends on your experience and type of sea, sea states will vary and using the Beaufort scale to predict how dangerous the sea state can be is not always wise? some people can take a small rib in a big sea and get home safely with a big smile on their face while others with less confidence would get back terrified and very wet, if they manage to get back without capsizing that is?

Rogue Wave · 16 July 2007, 12:56

it eally depends on our sea state more than wind force. e.g niing into the solent and hitting some chop at force eight is a lot safer than shhoting out of Sunderland Harbour in a orce 6!

I also think you ar eright to err on the side of caution what's your operating area?

also remember the boat is a lot tougher than you, so the boat might be able to take the hammering but can you? and if you can for how long?

Sixy_the_red · 16 July 2007, 13:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim M

Nos4r is your chap to ask when it comes to extreme searider useage. He took his (4m, 50 Mariner) out on the October Solent cruise when it was something crazy like force 8.

Or out off Old Harry at full tidal flow in about a f7...

I'd agree with Tim M in that you can't really go of wind strength alone. To an extent it depends on where you are - the solent (particuarly west solent) can be evil in strong wind, (*cought* windovertideheadingfromYarmouthtoCowesinthe5.4 *cough*) but off Poole for example the wind doesn't seem to have that bad an effect.

You won't break the boat (unless you tip it up) but you might break yourself...

Steviebaby · 16 July 2007, 13:19

Thanks for your replies. It was really the maximum sea states that I was after, I just use the wind speed as a starting point to gauge wether it's worth looking into the conditions any further.

I mainly launch within Chichester and Langstone harbours. I use the Chimet and Cambermet services to give me realtime info on what the conditions are beofre I make a passage plan.

codprawn · 16 July 2007, 13:27

Big huge waves are often safer than short steap breaking seas.

Just watch your local inshore lifeboat and you will get an idea of what a small inflatable can go out in.

LURCHER · 16 July 2007, 15:15

Chi bar can be very nasty in wind over tide conditions especially a southerly as we had on Saturday with a big ebb flowing but it was only blowing about 5 - 6 .

Nos4r2 · 16 July 2007, 19:05

Or Shambles bank off Weymouth in F6 on springs. That was a bit hairy...

You need to be confident in your boat and engine for a start. You also need to trust your own judgement-and be realistic about it. If your head is saying 'I'm not sure about this' then you shouldn't be there.

Having the flooding hull helps a LOT with stability at displacement speeds in big waves. The flappy thing I put on it helped too-it meant if I had to back off to displacement speed for a moment and then bang the throttle open the flooding hull hadn't filled and the boat would take off like a scalded cat.
I scared myself on a few occasions as well but that was part of the buzz of doing it.

DISCLAIMER-I DO NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM ADVOCATE GOING OUT IN EXTREME/MORE THAN CAT C RATED CONDITIONS IN AN SR4 TO ANYONE.

al40 · 16 July 2007, 22:01

They are incredibly capable boats for their length (I had 50 Tohatsooo on mine) but they also ride quite low in water compared to the 5.4 for example and also have fairly small diameter tubes.

I came back from Arran on the clyde in what I guess was a F6 or 7 with very confused sea and it was extremely wet with waves crashing into the boat. The boat felt secure enough but it was fairly uncomfortable and I was very wary about broaching. With no tide, the waves would be bigger but probably less steep and less confused.

So, yes they are capable boats but it really depends on the wave types and size (and of course experience of the helm) rather than just purely the wind force.

Biggles · 16 July 2007, 23:05

In summary I would say that as a previous 4m searider owner and one that would go out all year round. You will chicken out first. Once you have the experience that boat will do far more than you want it to. Yes you will get wet and you will get knocked around but they are brilliant boats. With a good 50 on the back they are fast and with a bilge pump and elephants trunks fitted they will clear any water from mishaps.

Just get one with a centre consol rather than the 70s style Capri seating and you won't regret it. I didn't.

By the way I miss mine. 2 miles per litre is not to be scoffed at.

Rogue Wave · 16 July 2007, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

By the way I miss mine. 2 miles per litre is not to be scoffed at.

There is a very outside chance it might be on the market again and I've got first refusal

Biggles · 16 July 2007, 23:15

Stu,

I thought you were up north playing Pirates or something

NR.

Rogue Wave · 16 July 2007, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixy_the_red

I'd agree with Tim M in that you can't really go of wind strength alone. To an extent it depends on where you are - the solent

Rogue Wave · 16 July 2007, 23:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Stu,

I thought you were up north playing Pirates or something

NR.

Yaeh I am Cappn Fkkn Jack Sparrow at your service. It was a bit rough and we broke the Jet Casting so it's a being REPLACED.

Biggles · 16 July 2007, 23:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

Yaeh I am Cappn Fkkn Jack Sparrow at your service. It was a bit rough and we broke the Jet Casting so it's a being REPLACED.

Is that the Royal WE ?

Rogue Wave · 16 July 2007, 23:24

Nah, not guilty M'lud. but as you know I work hard to be a team player!

Any way to get the thread back on track why dont you offer to go out in the 4 mtr with young Stevie Baby!

Biggles · 17 July 2007, 00:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steviebaby

Thanks for your replies. It was really the maximum sea states that I was after, I just use the wind speed as a starting point to gauge wether it's worth looking into the conditions any further.

I mainly launch within Chichester and Langstone harbours. I use the Chimet and Cambermet services to give me realtime info on what the conditions are beofre I make a passage plan.

As Roguewave suggested I'd be quite happy to go out with you. I spent 4 years going out of Chi after launching at Fishery Creek and quite often Langstone when i had my SR4 so I'm well used to Chi harbour entrance and Langstone. PM me if you want. I do 4 on 4 off shift work so can get quite a lot of sea time in.

If you can put up with those two harbour entrances you will be well capable of navigating anything the Solent might throw at you.

Nick R.