Four Stroke Avon Se 320 Jet SC Rib - Good or Bad

[Paul_f7]

I was thinking of part exchanging my 2 stroke Avon Jet Rib for Avon's new four stroke version - anyone any experience of the new four stroke - any details would be great

 

[Nick_H]

I looked at them, I guess it would overcome the smoke problem with the 2 stroke, but I couldn't justify the crazy price (£16k list!) They're also about 50 kg heavier than the 2 stroke, and i reckon a 300 kg jet rib (with fuel and oil) will take over a knot off your top speed.

I bought a RIB and 30 hp outboard instead, it'll still do all the watersports, but i reckon will be much better as a boat to shore tender and was a third of the price.

 

[jfm]

I'm in the complete opposite camp to Houghn on this. I love the jetrib. Have 320DL at the moment and thinking of swapping for 4 stroke. Saw it at LIBS and liked the design a lot. I thought weight was same but will stand corrected, and dont have data to hand.

The engine is Weber supercharged as used in Williams. Forum poster Magnum had the Williams for a year and reported the engine to be ok (he had other issues with Williams, which I think is a far inferior design to Avon btw).

The 4 stroke price is pretty scary though I'd get it ex VAT at least...

 

[RogerRat]

Nice looking litle boat that. What make and size is it?

Looks a good fit on the swim platform too. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jfm]

Houghn I dont think it'll be as much as a knot. On our boat (58ft, same length as yours give or take) we see a knot difference between empty/full of fuel which is 2000kg ie 2 tons. Midships admittedly. Our water is 1000kg/1ton and aft, and you can't tell the difference between full and empty

 

[Nick_H]

Its a Zodiac 340R, the reason I went for a Zodiac rather than an Avon is they're designed for heavier 4 stroke outboards. They have the transom a bit further forward (so the tube ends extend either side of the outboard), the transom is supported by two oversize GRP channels to support the weight, and the hull has a slight kick to it at its aft end, sort of like moulded in trim tabs to keep the bow down.

 

[Nick_H]

Paul f7's boat is a phantom 46 or 50 I think, we used to lose a knot on the T46 with the jet rib on, although on the T46 most of the weight overhangs the transom, whereas I think the phantom has a wider swim platform and the hull extends further back, so may not affect speed as much.

 

[jfm]

Ah yeah I can see you losing a knot on a smaller boat, though the phantom hull does extend right aft as you so (as does the Sq58's)

You still want a berth, or all sorted? Have a plan, Antibes berth avaialbe all season, will emial you if you still interested. Where is your boat now?

 

[Paul_f7]

Thanks, I am less concerned about the consumption as we already have a 2 stroke version therefore its only the difference in weight that counts, However we use our Passerelle to lift out the rib, which is only rated to 250kg, so I'll need to check if the 4 stroke is actually heavier.

I've had mixed reports on the williams ribs so am a little concerned over the use of the same engine. But I still like the idea of less smoke and smoother performance.

 

[Nick_H]

Boat is in Jersey. We haven't been on board since we owned it due to a big transaction at work, but that was finished on Monday so we fly down tomorrow morning for four days, yipee.

Its then going on a ship to Toulon leaving Southampton 15th May, and yes i'm definitely interested in the berth, in fact more than interested, if its available and not a silly price then consider it sold to the strange looking bloke in the corner /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Can you pm me the details, i've got the feelers out with a few people but not much coming back at the mo'

Sorry for hijacking the thread Paul_f7, but i did at least post about the jet rib first /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Coupe]

Hi Paul_f7.

Which Phantom is she - it's hard to tell in the avatar.

Regards,
SV.

 

[DAKA]

Have you checked that there is an Avon in stock and ready to go ?
If you wanted one this season it might have a bearing on your choice.

Avon could have played a dirty trick in giving mass advertising to a future product in order to stump Williams sales.

 

[mjf]

I think also that you have to consider what use you are going have with either o/b or inboard jet. This aside from the 2/4 stroke issue.

In the Uk we use our tender a lot in river estuaries , which are very frequently surface ridden with river crap - a jet would not be a good choice here. But as a 'blue water' tender, fun machine then the jet is 100% my choice.