Thoughts on Changing to an SR4

actions · 21 August 2012, 19:42

Im considering chopping in my Zodiac Pro 420 and getting an Avon SR4. ive found quite a nice one for sale. Its a fairly new boat fitted with a newish Yam 40hp 4 stroke.

Anybody got any thoughts on changing over, is it for the better?

Got some thinking to do before i really decide but thought id get some experts opinions to help.

gotchiguy · 21 August 2012, 20:20

PM Trevor G.

He has a 4m Searider and recently went out on a 420 which he found awful in comparison! We had a 420 for three years and really liked it but I've never tried an SR although from the cult following they have I reckon they must be quite a lot better. The 7 man is a very harsh ride it has to be said

actions · 21 August 2012, 20:28

Thanks gotchiguy. PM sent to Trevor G.

PeterM · 21 August 2012, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

Thanks gotchiguy. PM sent to Trevor G.

Think his is a 4.7 ? ( One of Whsipers many SRs)

I am tempted to get one ...first RIB I ever drove and loved it - that was 23 years ago.

actions · 21 August 2012, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

( One of Whsipers many SRs)

I have seen whisper is selling a 4.7 at the moment. Trouble for me is space getting it in the garage and increase in fuel costs with an engine almost double my current one. bugger.

PeterM · 21 August 2012, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

I have seen whisper is selling a 4.7 at the moment. Trouble for me is space getting it in the garage and increase in fuel costs with an engine almost double my current one. bugger.

4.7 is the rare one ( i think ) and maybe the best . I think you may find an SR4 a little cramped, but they are great hull, much heavier than similar boats and deeper V so a far better/smother ride than a 420 I'd imagine ( never driven a 420)

For small RIB not much at comes close to handling in waves I think .

actions · 21 August 2012, 21:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

4.7 is the rare one ( i think ) and maybe the best . I think you may find an SR4 a little cramped, but they are great hull, much heavier than similar boats and deeper V so a far better/smother ride than a 420 I'd imagine ( never driven a 420)

For small RIB not much at comes close to handling in waves I think .

I was wondering about the size on the sr4 so i've emailed whisper for some details on width / height of his 4.7 for sale to see if it will squeeze in the garage. Its the whole smoother ride thing that i'm looking for and the main reason im considering changing. Its fine when i'm on my own as i tend to stand up in rougher waters but the wife isnt so keen on that.

gotchiguy · 21 August 2012, 21:20

Difference between a 40hp and a 70hp on the fuel burn front is almost unnoticeable

Although I see you have a Honda on the 420..offt. We had a four stroke Suzuki on ours and that was heavy enough! Seariders only work with two strokes though....

PeterM · 21 August 2012, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by actions

I was wondering about the size on the sr4 so i've emailed whisper for some details on width / height of his 4.7 for sale to see if it will squeeze in the garage. Its the whole smoother ride thing that i'm looking for and the main reason im considering changing. Its fine when i'm on my own as i tend to stand up in rougher waters but the wife isnt so keen on that.

Seen a few of his set ups and they are all really really well done..... tempted myself....

actions · 21 August 2012, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

Difference between a 40hp and a 70hp on the fuel burn front is almost unnoticeable

Although I see you have a Honda on the 420..offt. We had a four stroke Suzuki on ours and that was heavy enough! Seariders only work with two strokes though....

Thats good to hear. Counts in whispers one a bit more then. The 4m one ive seen has a 40hp 4 stroke, so maybe not such a great combo then.

Hopefully whisper will be online soon to see his post, failing that i'll give him a call at some point as he's listed his tel on the sale thread.

Got to consider what id get for my zodiac now. its all in perfect condition (2005) with about 150 hours on the engine with service history and all original receipts. Luckily i can store it elsewhere so dont need to get rid of it first before getting another. Just dont tell the wife........

spartacus · 21 August 2012, 22:13

I had a Zodiac Pro 420 for 3 years. Fantastic boats in terms of finish and styling, but it slapped in the rough stuff. Fine for the Med, but round our coast you'd be better off with a decent deep v hull as invariably there's always a bit of chop when you're out. I'd suggest looking for a Searider 4.7, just because of size... or dare I say it... a Ribcraft 4.8m! My garage is 18' and mine fits!

Sell the Zodiac privately. Most dealers won't pay the sort of money you're looking for - with a 2005 boat, even if there's a 4 stroke engine. Price wise - this might help:
Zodiac Pro 420 Boats for sale Ireland, Zodiac Used boat sales, Zodiac Inflatable Boats For Sale Zodiac pro 7 rib for sale - Apollo Duck

Downhilldai · 21 August 2012, 22:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

I've never tried an SR

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

Seariders only work with two strokes though....

Treat this member's advice with caution. He's known for torkin bollox.

Mollers · 22 August 2012, 06:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotchiguy

Seariders only work with two strokes though....

Really?!!

Should I put a match to it?

actions · 22 August 2012, 07:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

I'd suggest looking for a Searider 4.7, just because of size... or dare I say it... a Ribcraft 4.8m! My garage is 18' and mine fits!

Price wise - this might help:
Zodiac Pro 420 Boats for sale Ireland, Zodiac Used boat sales, Zodiac Inflatable Boats For Sale Zodiac pro 7 rib for sale - Apollo Duck

Thanks for the suggestions. At the moment i think the ribcraft is out of my price league unless i wait till end of next season when i'll be able to put a bit more towards one. I shall measure up my garage and see what i can squeeze in.

Thanks for the link. If i can get around that sort of money that would be a result and i'd only be losing a little, well acutally by the time you add on all the extra's ive added more than a little but hey ho.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Treat this member's advice with caution. He's known for torkin bollox.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Really?!!

Should I put a match to it?

I'll count the other one back in again then.

I take it seariders go on for some time, only whispers one is a 1991 boat. So id be going from 2005 to 1991. Anything i need to be aware of or do they generally hold out ok?

Nick Hearne · 22 August 2012, 08:22

I would not rule out 4st’s, but do pay attention to the weights as I have a Sr4 with a yam 50hp 2st & it is quite tail heavy (I have Dolfins fitted which sort it out!) My brother in law had one with a yam 40hp 2st with out power tilt which was lighter & would keep up with me pretty much although not having power T&T is a right pain in the but! But I do love the growl of my 50 2st compared to my yam 115hp 4st!

Northern Tim · 22 August 2012, 08:59

What sort of speed could you expect from an sr4 with a Yamaha 2stroke 40hp on a flat day with just a driver?
I'm also looking at trading up from my 25hp 3.6m Tornado (built as a tender!)
Thoughts?

Nick Hearne · 22 August 2012, 09:34

Around 33 kt's

actions · 22 August 2012, 11:43

The Sr4 i had seen has been described as untidy and needs work to the hull and also potentially a fair bit of money spent on the engine, so that rules that one out.

So i'm now seriously considering Whispers 4.7, just got to see if it all fits in my garage. I know the a frame wont. Any one seen it or got any thoughts on the age, 1991?

PeterM · 22 August 2012, 14:17

You can take the frame off!.....

actions · 22 August 2012, 14:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

You can take the frame off!.....

Yep. Already spoken to whisper and he has he struts to replace if the frame comes off. Hopefully going to have a peek next week. What's the thought on age of tubes etc. Do they generally last for some time. My only experience is really with my newish zodiac. Just don't want to be worse off if that makes sense.