Searider 5.4 + setback bracket

[ErikaZ]

Hello,

Maybe someone has fitted a setback bracket to Avon Searider 5.4m or similar size RIB and can share their opinion?

Im thinking on moving my engine 12" to back and gain some deck space at stern (no cables, higher transom).

All recommendations and advices are appreciated

[C-NUMB]

I would rather do a hull extension like in this thread, than a pure setback bracket :

http://www.rib.net/forum/f45/willard...ect-37298.html

Moving the engine without extra buoyancy/planning surface would change balance a lot, the hull of a SR 5.4 is pretty small.

In the past I had a planning leisure boat that due to space reason had a similar type hull extension. No particular issues on that design and handling was ok.

No idea how such extension would impact handling on a SR though.

[Maximus]

...I'd Rather get a Bigger Boat!

[ErikaZ]

If i had an option where to store the boat then i would say yeah, lets go with bigger, but now the boat is fit tightly in the garage and bigger would not get there... Also the searider narrow hull will perform better in rough conditions than a wide one...

Hull extension looks intresting.

Any more opinions?

[ErikaZ]

No more opinions?

[ncp]

I've never been in a Searider. I thought you had to put weight up in front already too account for performance issues? (Or maybe this was due to putting heavy 4-strokes on the transom in some cases). If that's the case, a full flotation bracket that extends the planning surface would be the way to go (like Ryan did with his Willard). That sounds expensive and very custom.

Otherwise, set back brackets are cheap- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jack-Plate-J...-/290214332939
Just move your console and fuel forward!

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by ncp

I've never been in a Searider. I thought you had to put weight up in front already too account for performance issues? (Or maybe this was due to putting heavy 4-strokes on the transom in some cases).!

No, you've just got to get the boat nicely balanced.
It's not really to ' account for performance issues', more that you can get them to sing like Shakira covered in baby oil and to do otherwise to such a nice hull would be a shame.

[C-NUMB]

Originally Posted by ErikaZ

No more opinions?

-keep the engine on the transom

-build a stern/transom bench. This way you can keep either fuel or other stuff under the bench, and also use it as a twin seat. Further it can be used for strengthening the transom.
If You build it little off the transom, balance will be better

Maybe not solving all your targets but less risks in screwing the boat in this approach IMHO

[ncp]

Originally Posted by ncp

to account for performance issues?

So, "performance issues" is probably the wrong term... I've met two guys that love the hull and they're obviously popular for a reason!

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

you can get them to sing like Shakira covered in baby oil and to do otherwise to such a nice hull would be a shame.

But, now I understand why you guys talk about balancing them out so nicely. Though, I don't think this Avon ad is what you had in mind..blond, but not Shakira, and definitely not balanced properly!

[ErikaZ]

Anyway changing the deck floor and transom will change the performance of the old searider, so adding a 12" bracket, pod, or jackplate will only can be as an upgrade to a new experience.

As concerning the blocked hull can make boat unstable, i would go for jackplate which will not add bouyancy.