F-Ribs And Sibs - Inflatable Boat Community

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently a SIB owner Mercury 430HD (hypalon) 30 hp. I'm fretting a decision as whether to buy an old Avon SR4 here in Canada. The boat in question by my best guess at least 20 yrs.old and has suffered some neglect from Canadian winters. The inboard hull is white while the keel was poorly painted black. The is no evidence of bow ballast holes. I can see fibres slightly showing on the rear port side tube,part of the strake has rubbed away on the same side, a small superficial crack lines in the gel coat. It comes with a bench seat and radar arch (stainless) that in itself is worth at least a few hundred $$.
I have experience with fiberglass repair and have used rubberized paint for touch up work on my boat.
The owner wants $500.00. Would I be any further ahead to buy the boat, restore the hull and order new tubes from the UK.
I intend on using this boat mostly on Lake Superior. Would love to hear opinions from members, including one like "you haven't bought it yet!!" or "it may be beyond your skill level unless...."
Thanks in advance for all your advice.
PS I did send pictures of the boat to Avon (France) they were able to confirm it as an SR4 but cautioned due to age not to put too much money into it.

Hi Antony and to the forum!

Unfortunately I’m not much use when it comes to ribs, but I think @PeterM and @Si Crowe might be able to help you.

Do you have any pictures of the boat in question?

Hi Anthony - firsly the SR4 Avons are great boats - great handly , size , build etc but.....

Given what you say it may be a lot of money needed to get it back to sensible condition compared to something else .

Have you got any pics you can post here so we can get a feel & see it ? The lack of clear holes in the bow would be a concern for me as over the years these boats get 'messed with' - meaning they can suffer from water ingress in the decks & transom.

Does it have stainless transom braces or moulded into the deck ?

If you can post a pic we can help more, but I'd be cautious if you are even at this point saying its been neglected through Canadian winters ( which must 100 times more serious winter than we have here in the UK where most of these old RIBS live .

These Avon SR4 boats were however built very very very well and I've had a few myself over 30 years old with no issues in either GRP or tubes - but really need to see it

Hi Chris and Peter, thanks for the quick reply, not sure how to post pictures here.

If you click on ' reply' then scroll down there is a 'attachement' tab (next to options in a darker blue colour) - hit that & select a ' add files'

Hi Peter,
Pictures are from seller, a little light on clarity. I hope they are useful.

Ok... nice pics. First thing is that isn’t a sr4 or sea rider. More likely a sea sport or super sport. These have a much flatter hull , no under deck flooding ballast (so no holes in the hull) and are lighter built.

I have to say I'm surprised, I never knew a smaller model Avon other than the SR4 existed. My RIB fantasy is for the SR4 I guess that makes this decision easier.

Yep, @PeterM is on the money, definitely a Supersport S4.00 I’m afraid