Avon Inflatable Repair

[Fire99]

Hi People,

I've got an old Avon Redstart Inflatable which has a few roughed up patches on the bottom. This is the non-inflated part of the rib so it's not holding back air or anything.

Anyway there's already one 'heath robinson' patch on there prior to me buying the rib so we're not talking the prettiest of ribs.

Anyway is there any cheap material I can use to add additional patches over the worn bits? Hypalon seems really expensive and to be honest is probably a bit overkill for the bits i'm doing.

So any nifty DIY tips for old Avons Folks?

Many thanks,

Nick

 

[VicS]

An Avon is worth caring for properly.

Whatever you do you will need the proper adhesive. That and material for patches etc can be obtained from http://www.polymarine.com/
Also see the technical advice sheets for useful info.

 

[30boat]

I had poor results with the two part glue.It became sticky and the patches came off after a year or so.The patches that had been put on with the single component glue held much better.

 

[Fire99]

An Avon is worth caring for properly.

Whatever you do you will need the proper adhesive. That and material for patches etc can be obtained from http://www.polymarine.com/
Also see the technical advice sheets for useful info.

Cheers VicS. Well it is rather old and a bit shabby round the ears but I see your point. I saw how much a new RedStart would be and nearly fell off the chair!

I'm tempted to leave the XM down the boat park rather than take the Avon down there but the Avon is no use sitting in my house.

 

[VicS]

Very surprised that the 2 part adhesive should be troublesome. No bother with Bostik 2402.

I think the actual adhesive is the same in both the single pack and the two pack. Curing agent recommended for permanent use.

Fairly accurate masurement of the two components may be necessary.

Came back to say that the materials will cost less tha £30 including a can of solvent. A little cheaper just buying a tube of the single part adhesive.

A PVC dinghy will suffer if left out in the sun. Hypalon seems unaffected. Look after the Avonand it will outlast you and several PVC ones

 

[Fire99]

I had poor results with the two part glue.It became sticky and the patches came off after a year or so.The patches that had been put on with the single component glue held much better.

Thanks.. I was thinking about the single compound glue. I'm probably gonna give that a try.

 

[Fire99]

A PVC dinghy will suffer if left out in the sun. Hypalon seems unaffected. Look after the Avonand it will outlast you and several PVC ones

I forgot about the PVC issue. Well I wouldn't like to guess how old the Avon is. It still has it's original pump I think since the bellows are also Hyperlon and it has leather strips to hold it shut. Definitely a bit of a classic!!