Avon repairs

[Petercatterall]

Recent posts claim that a 30 year old avon is as good as a new 'cheapy' so I thought that I should give mine a refurb rather than buy new. Can anyone advise on the following: can I order spares (I need an A4 valve) direct from Avon or are there some spares specialists? I saw an article about replacing these (fiddely items but cant find it on this forum possibly PBO?? There is no floor, can I just make one with some 3/8s ply?? I will have to buy one of those metal frames to provide an engine mount (about £50 in PBO) what size of engine is advised?)
Should I forget it and buy new!!??



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[Aja]

I bought new this season - BUT - kept my old Avon Redstart.

The new Wetline 180 is great - inflatable floor and everything - although I will have to throw the (mild steel) outboard bracket overboard at the end of the season.

Reason for buying new was the Avon really was a disgrace. 20 something years of being dragged up and down beaches has taken its toll.

Reason I kept the old Avon, though is that fundamentally it is an OK dinghy. I need to replace a valve in the seat (its an old type rubbery thing). It doesn't have a floor, but I'm sure I could do something with plywood, stick a few patches on it and give it a paint. it really would be good for a good few years, and if I need a dinghy to take that type of (disgraceful) use, I will have one in the loft.

Dont think I would buy an Avon from new though. £1100 ? I think not.

Donald

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[vyv_cox]

You could try calling Polymarine <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.polymarine.co.uk/>here</A> to get some idea of what is possible.

IMHO a 30 year old Avon is about as good as a 30 year old car. OK, so it has lasted 30 years. It's still years out of date so far as design is concerned. It will float, so if that's your criterion, fair enough. Not my idea of safe, comfortable tendering, though.

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[pete]

Hi
I see you live in Lancashire try EURO CRAFT in Leyland I have found them very helpfull in the past for glue, parts and service
EUROCRAFT 01772 622856

Good luck
Pete

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[Petercatterall]

Thanks for the various replies, phone numbers etc. Not convinced that a 30 year avon can be compared to a 30 year old car, designe/shape,tube size is v similar to modern tenders. If the fabric was perished then I would worry.

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