Will this guy make it? 1700 miles in Searider

[J3JCV]

Genuine question on what you think.

Will he circumnavigate the UK in an Avon Searider, undeniably a fantastic little boat and I think its just about capable in the right hands.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ECm7k1jzY

Maybe a moot point and people already know whether it was achieved or not.

[J3JCV]

Simpo Two said:

So they beached the boat, went ashore, pulled the boat up the beach... but instead of tying it up there for the night, they pulled it back down the beach, drove it out to sea a bit, anchored it and swam back to the beach.... then had to retrieve it the next day...

My thoughts too.

I wasn't sure if I was just being a boat handling bore, or rightfully concerned that they got it so wrong so quickly.

Just seem under prepared in every way possible.

[J3JCV]

dhutch said:

What a loon. Why not.... ...also like the foam mining video.

Only reason why not is how dangerous it can be and these guys seemed to be completely unaware of how to deal with the boat or weather.

[J3JCV]

He does seem to be doing better now. He mentioned it was September and we had some very lumpy rides between the Solent and Falmouth in that month, so looking fwd to seeing what happens next!

[J3JCV]

Well he had the best conditions I've seen for Portland, in fact checking my pics the flattest day I've had was also January (2018) and looked similar. Think I prefer it when they are tested a bit

[J3JCV]

I know, guess this last episode was just before lockdown. Hoping next stop is Falmouth.

[J3JCV]

Ritchie335is said:

Wait until he reaches the N / NE Coast of Scotland, I used to work 12 & 20m Dive Ribs, out of Peterhead.
You think the above sounds like a big RIB?
It feels fking tiny leaving PD with a stiff North Easterly.
I've actually cut both engines out with oil pressure alarms due to the oil pickup pipes drawing air due to the boat being in mid air. (admittedly, I might have been a bit heavy on the throttles )

I think he is doing a great thing, he's a very likable guy and I hope he succeeds but if he buggers up his forecast he is going to st his pants.

I share the same sentiment, I wish him well, but feel so far that good luck has played as much of a part as planning. Fairly certain they/he have learnt a lot since the 1st episode though.

[J3JCV]

andyb28 said:

Another great episode. Loved the island tour.

Did anyone else spot the GT Turbo at the start?

Camera operator certainly did.....

[J3JCV]

I met him on that leg and they are as fun to be with off camera as on, lovely people and inspirational too. I would say Harry is well aware of what is facing him further along on this trip and will put a lot of effort in to get there. Very much willing them to succeed and would offer help where possible!

Edited by J3JCV on Friday 11th September 20:19

[J3JCV]

dhutch said:

This really.

Loved boat tour and the classic speedboats at the start.

Porkpies, classic backup plan. Bang on,


Daniel

When I saw he had made it to Falmouth I contacted him to offer our yard to re-launch for the next leg.

His brother lugs the boat and crew about the country in his Discovery and its just Harry or whoever is on board filming, as low key as it gets - but great fun people to be around.

I did the facility / boat tour at the beginning and had a mic, but Harry just walked around holding a camera, that simple. Shows he's talented as he pulls together a compelling story despite having to work with rank amateurs like myself!

[J3JCV]

Watchman said:

ecsrobin said:

So when’s the PH tour..... lovely boats you’re making!!

They really are.

Thanks - it’s good to hear as it takes some effort!
These were my rides today....




If you’re in the area PM me and I can show you around...

[J3JCV]

dhutch said:

Hello, nice to close the loop and have you on the site and hear how the filming was for you.

As said, while it appears very relaxed an on-the fly (sounds like it was for you too) the end result is also of a great quality, which shows the mans talent. And while again on the surface he appears woefully under prepared/experienced in a boat not really up to spec for the job. Actually he has clearly done the background research, is in one of the most seaworthy 4m ribs going, with all the import kit needed, and makes it look effortless.

As said, you boats look lovely. Just seen the detachable roof 'limo' project. I had a tour of the Patterson Boatworks site in Windermere as few years back, totally different in many ways, but also on the 'traditional boat builder in the modern world' tack. I would order one of their Elektra
“Fast Electric” craft in a heart beat if funds allowed.

Daniel

Thanks, the Elektra does look good and I’m certain electric boats will be more prevalent in time. We have a Hybrid 42’ in build but it seems our popular engine of choice is the silky smooth Yanmar 8LV.

[J3JCV]

StephenP said:

I read elsewhere that the transom was being replaced and the engine upgraded, plus some new electronics in the dash (and repairing the tube!) . It was nice to see on MarineTraffic that it was out on the water again yesterday

She's definitely having a good going over! Without a doubt the most high tech a Searider has ever been.

[J3JCV]

thegreenhell said:

ecsrobin said:

MartG said:

Goodwin is getting a major makeover in the latest episode

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6HEwWtbERM

Wasn’t a PH’er a part of cockwells?

The OP of this very thread, no less.

I've gone from being the armchair critic of not believing what I saw in episode 1, to fully supporting the boat and doing our best to make sure it gets round. I stand by Harry as being one of the most fun genuine people you can meet. Either that or he hypnotised me in to some kind of benevolent trance.....
If you can help him in some way, do it, but be prepared
He puts fun back in to everything.

[J3JCV]

EmailAddress said:

ecsrobin said:

EmailAddress said:

I'm all caught up now.

Love a Series to binge but frustrating when you hit the current wait!

Viewed up to Ep.18
I don't really understand why that boat place went to all the bother of spending hundreds of man-hours getting the finish on the hull just so, but didn't remove the inflatable rim.

Either, that's a massive oversight, they are quite incompetent, or; the whole excercise was a synical view grab and they cut the corners to give a good perception, but actually only slapped a bit of fibre glass on and called it a day.

If that was a vehicle restoration / fix it would be akin to a respray without removing the windscreen.

The transom looked quite tidy, but the state of the lip would surely be your first port of call after removing any rot.

Big job I'm sure. But they were 80% there through what they did already. Bizarre decision making.

I’m guessing you’ve not read the thread but “that boat place” is a PH’er so I’m sure he will be happy to answer your questions on if it was an oversight, incompetence or “a cynical view grab” as you put it.

I await, to find out why they half-arsed it for exposure, sure.

Ha ha this is good, like always on boats the job grew like mad and honestly we just fitted the work in when we could. Obviously we were aware Harry would film and make an episode, but didn't clock quite how much. I was very clear that if we got anything out of it what I would love is to appeal to potential employees and hopefully help with recruiting. So yes there was a motive to doing the work, No slapping anything on though - making that old bucket capable of handling a big heavy 4 stroke 50 is one thing, however also a massive concern is the ridiculous but fantastic radar arch and associated gear... keeping that from ripping off at sea requires significant effort. Those parts didn't break so I'm happy I'm fairly certain adding strength in places we did, moved the problem. At the end of the day he's a guy you just want to do stuff for and I'm ever in awe of what he does. Most people who live or work around the sea, know too much to ever do what he is doing.

[J3JCV]

EmailAddress said:

ecsrobin said:

EmailAddress said:

I'm all caught up now.

Love a Series to binge but frustrating when you hit the current wait!

Viewed up to Ep.18
I don't really understand why that boat place went to all the bother of spending hundreds of man-hours getting the finish on the hull just so, but didn't remove the inflatable rim.

Either, that's a massive oversight, they are quite incompetent, or; the whole excercise was a synical view grab and they cut the corners to give a good perception, but actually only slapped a bit of fibre glass on and called it a day.

If that was a vehicle restoration / fix it would be akin to a respray without removing the windscreen.

The transom looked quite tidy, but the state of the lip would surely be your first port of call after removing any rot.

Big job I'm sure. But they were 80% there through what they did already. Bizarre decision making.

I’m guessing you’ve not read the thread but “that boat place” is a PH’er so I’m sure he will be happy to answer your questions on if it was an oversight, incompetence or “a cynical view grab” as you put it.

I await, to find out why they half-arsed it for exposure, sure.

Ha ha this is good, like always on boats the job grew like mad and honestly we just fitted the work in when we could. Obviously we were aware Harry would film and make an episode, but didn't clock quite how much. I was very clear that if we got anything out of it what I would love is to appeal to potential employees and hopefully help with recruiting. So yes there was a motive to doing the work, No slapping anything on though - making that old bucket capable of handling a big heavy 4 stroke 50 is one thing, however also a massive concern is the ridiculous but fantastic radar arch and associated gear... keeping that from ripping off at sea requires significant effort. Those parts didn't break so I'm happy I'm fairly certain adding strength in places we did, moved the problem. At the end of the day he's a guy you just want to do stuff for and I'm ever in awe of what he does. Most people who live or work around the sea, know too much to ever do what he is doing.

[J3JCV]

ecsrobin said:

Huntsman said:

Way back in episode 1 it looked like he was a dead cert for a watery death, it now looks like he's going to actually make it!

Agreed. I believe one of the early videos was him doing some training which I believe was before he set off but it doesn’t make up for experience which has shown through all the episodes as it grows.

This was exactly my thought when I watched the 1st episode and posted here, I was horrified and worried - the rest is (a costly) history.

He has the right attitude to be good at sea, mindful of dangers, asks a lot of questions and comes to critical decisions quickly. Top bloke really.