Avon Searider

Noddy · 16 July 2003, 21:54

Hi All
I am very new to this, having just bought an Avon Searider powered by a 50hp Mercury 2 stroke Outboard. We have limited ourselves to Chichester Harbour and ventured as far as Langstone last weekend. Also recently visited Fishguard area with it. Already having lots of fun but would like to know if there are any books devoted to RIBs ie what you can and can't do with them?? Also would be interested in joining the occasional cruise but work seriously limits weekends off.
Any advice would be gratefully received

Richard B · 16 July 2003, 22:04

Hi Noddy,

For books, look no further that here... http://www.rib.net/publications.htm

John has kindly done a section specially!

The Dag Pike and Colin Jones books are out of print now, but you may find them "remaindered" in some high street shops.

As for what you can do with a RIB, Alan Priddy's Transatlantic epic and his later round-the-world probably summarise it, but also Enda O'Coineen's book is excellent - transatlantic in a 5.5m boat!

Biggles · 16 July 2003, 22:14

Hey Noddy,

I've just started cruising in the area you are in.

I have a 3.6m boat with 40 HP 2 Stroke, nearly run in.

I have spent a couple of weeks now sailing around Langstone Harbour and Chichester Harbour and if you look at my RIB Gallery thread I even got over to the IOW on tuesday of this week.

I also have trouble getting off at the weekend as I am a shift worker so am always on the lookout for company. The next time you go out give me a shout on this web site and we will see if we can meet up. At very least we should get some good pictures.

Best of luck

Nick R

thewavehumper · 16 July 2003, 23:00

For two newcomers to Ribbing you really have bought excellent boats. Well Done and Welcome

narked · 16 July 2003, 23:33

Agreed, Avon boats are bloody nice, especially the seariders. Great fun to be out on, occasionally a bit wet, not the fastest of boats, but seriously good fun. Spent much of the North Wales cruise on one of 'em, and loved almost every minute. Seems it's also possible to sleep on the deck of the things, though I haven't tried that one out myself yet, not enough room for me to lie down. Beats me how Helen slept through that Ian! It's not exactly a soft padded deck is it.

Matt (off for bed, I'm gonna feel well in the morning!) Brown

Nghost · 17 July 2003, 08:36

Hi Noddy.
We live just up the road from you in Oxford.
A 4M RIB… You could rule the world with that. A few weeks ago a friend and myself went round the IOW in a 3.4 SIB with an 8 Hp Yamaha (have a look in the gallery section) starting from Pool 100 miles in all.
I have just got a little 3.45 Avon RIB with a 25 on the back (don’t tell Keith). So will hope to do the same again but quicker.
Good luck with the new boat I have a real soft spot for Avon’s (and not just the sponsons

)

Noddy · 17 July 2003, 10:03

Thanks to all for your replies and assistance. NickR may well take you up on your offer and will get in touch if I get some time off in the week. Btw where do you launch in Chichester Harbour?
Regards

Biggles · 17 July 2003, 14:30

I will E Mail you.

Nick R

Biggles · 17 July 2003, 16:21

Just found a space in my diary.

Just found out I,ve got an extra day off next Weds 23 Jul 2003 if your free Noddy. Oh and if the weather improves.

Nick R

gavin · 17 July 2003, 22:04

Welcome guys two good boats. I had a Searider and took it out to an Island 7 miles from Dublin and back same hp of engine 50 Merc conditions really will dictate what you are comfortable with good luck