Inflatable Advice??

[FlyingSpud]

The other problem with the small, new inflatables is the size of the tubes.

My original was an old Avon picked up at a Boat Jumble, but after I had it 8 years the valves needed replacing (I think the Avon was about 15/20 years old by then) and stupidly I decided to ‘treat’ myself to one of the shiny new ones in a chandlery. Bloody useless, the small tube diameter made for a very wet ride and limited speed to very slow only, much less stable

Have gone back to Avons since then, and will never make the same mistake again., buy an old one at a Jumble


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[Birdseye]

Mike - you will have to give Avon packing lessons. I cant even get mine into the Avon bag without a great deal of difficulty!

Incidentally, Avon dinghies are now French (Zodiac) and Avon tyres are American (Cooper Ind). Broken up and sold off like much of the rest of British manufacturing.

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[Guest]

Avon ....

Had a Narwhal before ----- seams blew apart one day !! Talking to Repair shop - typical scenario.
Got an old avon - patched and old ..... but after 6 years still going, just had to have valves replaced. OK so it slowly goes down .... but it lasts the weekend - so no prob.

BUT - the ply floor slats broke, its heavy, cannot be packed away so small as the Narwhal, has the daft steel O/Bd bracket, one seat strop has parted so only 3 hold it in place now ......... but still its going strong and I suspect will last a few more years .....

I look at the smart new jobs going around the marinas etc. - but it crosses my mind - If I had to take to the dinghy even out in mid solent - would I like to be in one of those smart little jobs with low sides etc. - or be in my older higher sided Avon ???? Know what I mean - you always see them perched on the side tubes where there's room for the Bum !!!

Till the day my Avon goes 'phut' - I will leave my wallet in my pocket.


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
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[Talbot]

If you cannot find a decent 2nd hand avon, then this might be suitable <A target="_blank" HREF=http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2464522099&category=1296>http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2464522099&category=1296</A>

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[david_e]

We use ours in much the same way as you will use yours. Used to have a Plastimo 270, excellent value for money but very heavy. Sold that and bought a Quicksilver 230 (could be 240) lightweight which is easy to move around and bring on deck when packing away and goes well with a Mariner 3.3 (again light). Plastimo now do a 2.3m lightweight which is cheaper than the Q/silver - which is the one I would recommend. Thing about these inflatables is they sell quite easily for good prices second hand so chopping and changing is quite easy.

Weight is a key factor to consider IMHO. Good luck.

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[ChrisSnushall]

I have a Compass 100 Series, soft stern, but get the optional engine bracket aswell, now 3 years old. Very successful for taking 2 people across harbour to our Hurley 22. Can take 3 at a very tight pinch - calm water.
2m long, very light; I got it because I wanted to carry it in the back of my car; Deflating it slightly it fits easily into back of Renaullt Scenic, tows easily behind boat or can leave it safely on mooring. If you want you can pack it up into its valise approx 900x450x450mm - have been very pleased with ours. It is however much better with one person aboard than more; two is ok though. Compass Watersports also do a cheap 2m solid transom tender which looks pretty good. I also liked the Plastimo 2.2m.
Regards
Chris Snushall

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[charles_reed]

Avons

The secret to get them to fold properly is to get all the air out. I ended up using an electric pump for just that.

Great, long-lived tough tenders, but wet (with those minute tubes), a terrible lash-up for the outboard bracket, almost impossible to row and directionally unstable.

I still have a Redstart in the garage, having moved on to more utilitarian tenders.

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[charles_reed]

Re: Avon ....

In fact, if you look at the specs, Avons have smaller diameter tubes than most reputable modern rubber dinghies of comparable size.

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[Guest]

Re: Avon ....

Funny that .... but found that I was dryer in the avon .... suppose mind plays tricks ..

<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
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[charles_reed]

Going slower? nm

nm

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[alec]

Have to echo the thoughts of fellow sailateer's concerning a used Avon.

I have an old Redstart or Redcrest ( I can never remember) which packs away nice and small and has become a real mate over the years. Apart from the usual jobs we ask them to do, ideal platform for unwinding ropes round props.

Although there is no reason why a new PVC dinghy should not serve you well for many years, providing you look after it well and it meets your needs. PVC seams are heat welded ( no problem though) but Hypalon seams have to be hand glued by skilled people because of the material. This also pushes the price up.

PVC gets a bad press mainly from people in very hot climes where UV is a torture chamber for anything nautical - particularly PVC. Although with our current weather I could fancy a bit of torture.

Regards,

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