I am now the owner of an Avon Searider 4.5 that I was given (yes, given..a freebie )
It was left in a field, deflated and unloved on what remained of an ungalvanised trailer. Inside some primeval ooze was busy evolving in the 'forepeak'. The owner didn't want it anymore.
Our old fibreglass boat has suffered from delamination so it had started a new career as a floating target at castlemartin range - its bright yellow so they should be able to hit it
Anyway, we got it home and my good lady & I attacked it with a scrubbing brush and a pressure washer and, well, it came up beautifully. The Tubes were pumped up and hold air. The seams are good as is the hull
It came with a neglected 40hp mariner - I might just flog it on ebat for spares. I have a spare 15hp Mercury to use for now.
I have been involved with Ribs since 1990 with work. I cut my teeth on a 4.5, then a 5.4 and more recently Delta and Halmatics - I topped out at 315hp. many a hours was spent on the irish sea getting paid
![smilie](https://www.rib.net/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
. Like most good things it came to an end when the old bill got boats and out management gave out work to them.
Anyway, its good to be back in a Rib, it might be slow & small but its ours, And it looks cute behind the soft top Land rover 110