Avon replacement

[webcraft]

Our trusty Avon, bought for £90 seven years ago, is now going soggy in the aft section quite quickly. Might be the valve, might not, but I am thinking it might soon be replacement time.

Space is at a premium on Avy-J, so folded size and ease of folding is a major consideration.

Any suggestions?

 

[Tranona]

Depends on your budget and expectations. There are a number of lightweight inflatables such as 3D, O-Lite which are half the weight and much smaller packed up, but generally have smaller tubes and do not row particularly well plus they may not last as long. Certainly compared with a Hypalon Avon or the more recent PVC. However difficult to find used and new are £500+. I have a 3D 2.3m (Redstart size) and is fine for my occasional use. Good new PVC are from around £450 new upmarket brands around £700 and Hypalon £1200.

Huge potential choice used but pot luck finding one locally - really not worth travelling far for a £100-200 item. Personally I would look for another Avon.

 

[johnalison]

It should be easy enough to see if it's the valve, perhaps with soapy water, and replacing the valve might give you a better dinghy than a whole one for the same price.

 

[Refueler]

The question is how often and for what do you use ......

If its for regular out / from a swinging mooring .... regular anchored bays and trips ashore ... 2+ adults ... then a serious flubber is called for. There are cheaper alternatives than Avon / Zodiac that are produced for fisherman ... I don't mean the Supermarket stuff ... expect about 400 quid and up ... they usually have mounts for e-motors incl ... fold up smaller and lighter than the Avon of similar size.

If its just the occasional short bit to shore on occasional anchor - then there are cheaper flubbers available ... I bought one that incl an e-motor ... I know some were scathing on the thread about it ... that's their opinion - I bought and was surprised at the quality .. think it was only a shave over 200 quid all in ... I doubt it will get more than a couple of uses a season ... but it packs away neatly and small in its own bag ... oars are sectional and pack away as well. The e-motor is not enough to punch a tide of course .. probably wind chop would be enough - but its part of the combo ..

Thread 'Budget Fisherman dinghys ....'

3 Aug 2025

A thread has been made by another looking for a budget inflaatble dinghy. The usual chandler examples offered - but I linked to alternative based on the observation of many boats seen with 'fisherman' based dinghys .. lighter, more compact for folding away etc.
I decided to put my money up for one and see what I get ...

Inflatable boat Aqua Marina Motion T-18 255 cm with Electric Motor (2-person) - Price, Reviews - EASY-surfshop

2.55m LOA ... for two people .... inflatable floor with central ridge .... bag / oars / pump and E-Motor incl.

My needs are occasional - and rarely would...

• Refueler
• Replies: 38
• Forum: Practical Boat Owner's Reader to Reader

• 

I am not saying its the answer ... it all depends on what you want from the dinghy and how often you want to use.

 

[Ribtecer]

Stick a bit of Fairy Liquid down the valve opening, enough to cover the rubber valve. And then blow it up normally.

You might be pleasantly surprised

 

[Refueler]

Stick a bit of Fairy Liquid down the valve opening, enough to cover the rubber valve. And then blow it up normally.

You might be pleasantly surprised

Avon valves are easy to replace the inner parts ...

 

[jamie N]

Our trusty Avon, bought for £90 seven years ago, is now going soggy in the aft section quite quickly. Might be the valve, might not, but I am thinking it might soon be replacement time.

Space is at a premium on Avy-J, so folded size and ease of folding is a major consideration.

Any suggestions?

Would you be looking for a 'discounted classic tender'?

 

[webcraft]

Would you be looking for a 'discounted classic tender'?

Yes, but sadly it needs to be in the Algarve. Our Scottish Avon is still holding air.

 

[Graham376]

Yes, but sadly it needs to be in the Algarve. Our Scottish Avon is still holding air.

Portuguese and Spanish prices are far higher than UK for new tenders, if looking for new, maybe have a word with Lorie at Ayamar and see what she can find for you?

 

[Stemar]

It should be easy enough to see if it's the valve, perhaps with soapy water, and replacing the valve might give you a better dinghy than a whole one for the same price.

And, if it isn't, there are various goops that will seal pinhole leaks. I recently tried one on mine, and it fixed the leak. Well pleased for £15 for a lifetime's supply.

 

[mjcp]

I'm a positive owner of one of these. It deflates into a backpack style case, not a light backpack by any means, but it can be carried by one person/ can be hauled on deck etc. Its not as small as a 2.2m, but will *just* fit in the locker of my 80s vintage 33 foot boat. (though I tend to stash it in the saloon, wedged between the table and the bulk head)

£550 with a set of folding wheels.
Crewsaver Tender Air Deck

 

[Kola]

The quality of build and Hypalon material used in the Avon Red's was world-class. I have used the same 9ft Redcrest for over 30 years and its still good to go.