New Searider owner

[learning to fly]

I am a new owner of a used avon searider and wanted to intro duce myself. I have read a lot of good info on this sight and wante to just say thanks for a lot of helpfull info.
Scott

[boatster_sr4]

Congratulations. Is it an ex-coastguard one? Post some pics. I'm working on a sr5.4 right now myself. I got it in January.

Welcome to Ribnet

[codprawn]

Yet another Yank - maybe they really are waking up to Ribs at last!!!

Yes hurry up and post some photos please.

Avons are great boats - maybe I am biased as I live about 10 miles from the factory.

Avons leisure site is crap but they commercial/miltary website is much better.

http://www.avon-workboats.com/

Seems Avon are the leaders in River Rafting as well.

[Andy Young]

I have several metres of orange Avon boat making/repair material on a roll. How can I tell what type of material it is and is it of any use to anyone on this site? If so what is the value per square metre?

[gaviotapete]

hello ribnet members. I just got myself a searider 4m yesterday and now i want to restore it with a product called tuff-coat that you paint on in a two step process. so i was wondering if any of you have tried this specific product and what your experiences with it were? i also seem to have a slowly leaking front valve and wonder what's the best remedy for that. any and all comments welcome and appreciated!

[boatster_sr4]

Hi GaviotaPete,

I used to live in Santa Barbara. Launch a 10' inflatable from there for... well you know.

I have no experience with this product but I think the general feeling is painting hypalon tubes should be avoided unless they absolutely need them. If your toobs look decent but your trying to make them look "better" or "like new" you'd probably be better off not painting them. Well thats my take at least. PVC tubes however would probably be the ideal candidate. Your Avon boat would have hypalon tubes unless it was somehow retubed in its life which is highly improbable.

Welcome to rib.net Maybe one of these days I'll run into you up there.

[gaviotapete]

thanks for the advice boatster. hope to see you in the water

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Yet another Yank - maybe they really are waking up to Ribs at last!!!

Or, at least, the Internet.

LTF; congrats on the boat. Welcome to the forum.

Gaviotapete: Might check this place out; it's right down the road from you in Ventura:

http://www.inflatableboatspecialists.com/

jky

[gaviotapete]

thanks jyasaki. any advice on the feasibility of beach launching
singlehandedly? i've got 16" wheels on the transom and i'm wondering
if i'll be able to drag a searider4 with a 2stroke 40hp on the back?

[dctucker]

Welcome from another US member. Nearby (relatively) to boot. I'll have my SR 5.4mR down in Newport a bunch this summer for regattas. Where in RI are you?

I suddenly feel like an old-timer here, with all the new US RIBbers showing up all of a sudden, lots with Seariders too!

BTW, I think you're out of your gourd if want to beach launch that boat by hand.

[boatster_sr4]

Whoa...! You could do it but I think thats a bit of a boat for beach launching at Gaviota. Its a bit of work to launch my 10' inflatable with an 8hp, boards, and food etc. I couldn't imagine doing it with my sr4. I think if you take into account, gas, motor, boat, boards, extras. You'd be damn wasted after surfing to load that thing onto a trailer in the sand and then drag it up the beach. Launching might be doable but getting it back on and up the beach is another deal. I personally use the hoist if I use the sr4 but a 10' inflatable works fine.

[learning to fly]

thanks for the response, Im in prov. RI I will post some pics soon, I have been away for the weekend and am waiting to start to get the boat the way I want it. Im looking for some good ideas for getting a lightbar, or ski tow bar for the rear. while allowing for some seating. I would love to see any pics of other seariders. Especialy the interior setups. Thanks and will post again soon with pics