Avon Inflatable vs. What Else?

I also have the 2.8 and its had exactly the same issuesas you describe. The rubbing strake was repaired under warranty but is coming off again. Avon used to have a number of technical bods who would come to your boat to make repairs but that is no longer the case since Zodiac took them over. Biggest issue for me is the sheer weight of the 2.8; it weighs a ton and is a real sod to manhandle from locker to foredeck. My original Redcrest vintage 1978 was much better made and and could carry 4 adults; Avon need to buck up and produce a higher quality product to justify the price.
 
Those 3D look good

My Avon is old...very old. It is a Redstart, I think, and it does fold up nicely. But I have no experience of the new ones.

Graham
 
30 years plus out of an Avon

I bought my Avon Redstart in 1980.

About 10 years ago I stored it in the garage. It hung, half deflated, from the roof trusses. Over the years it gradually lost air. Wouldn't we all?

Last week I took it down. It was quite dusty. I squirted the garden hose at it and the dust washed off. It brushed up rather well and looked pretty smart. I connected up the pump and it inflated. It stayed inflated.

I have given it to a friend who wanted a tender. I would not be surprised if it did not give good service for another 30 odd years.

Of course Avon are no longer made here but are manufactured by a French company, Zodiac, and perhaps quality is not what it was, but certainly Avons were made to last. Indeed, they still may be.

I'd have no hesitation in getting a used one with a pedigree...but make sure there are not too many patches.
 
Thanks all - need to widen the search....

Anyone have experience of Excel dinghies? Seem to have a good warranty.

Rob
 
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