Inflatable Help

[Guest]

I'm trying to buy a new inflatable and I would appreciate some advice on how much to spend for a 3.20m to 3.4m.
An Avon of this size will go for aroung £1500 and a Suzuki for £650. Which one would you go for ?

 

[PaulJ]

It depends very much on the use you are going to give it. I'm afraid I can't give you the technical details but basically there are two types of fabric in common use and the more expensive one is much harder wearing and particularly, more UV resistant. If all you want it for is occasional weekend use around the UK a cheapy will probably give good service but if it is for long-term use in sunny climes then go for the Avon every time. Just look around - There are hundreds of old Avons that look as though Noah had bought them at a boat Jumble but how many old Suzukis/ Maxons etc. do you see ?

 

[billmacfarlane]

A good quality alternative to the Avon is the Tinker Tramp/Traveller. The only drawback is their weight.

 

[DoctorD]

If you want an inflatable to last Avon or Zodiac are worth the expense, and can stand harder use.

Graham

 

[quaelgeist2]

Cheaper ones are made from some kind of PVC-material, e.g. the Plastimo products. Do the trick, but have little UV and sand/rock resistance.

The other makes have hardly a difference in material, but the thickness and gluening/sewing as well as the design is company specific.

I am using an AX mini, relatively light compared to other makes, but so far pretty durable.

chris

 

[robp]

As other posts have said, it depends on the useage you will give it. The more expensive inflatables are made of Hypalon I think it is? It is more durable than PVC. I've got a Lodestar which seems to be a very well made PVC boat. Somewhere in the middle?

 

[Guest]

Love the Tinker

Made of Hypalon, really solid. Mine's 13 years old now... I bought it aged 10 for £200, and it'll still be going strong in 5 years. Henshaws, who make the thing are really helpful, spare parts, repair kits and the like are delivered in no time. Excellent dinghys, heavy as said, but feel the quality!

 

[billmacfarlane]

Hear , hear

I've just taken delivery this week of my second one.

 

[pvb]

I think you basically get what you pay for...

Avons are outstanding, but they cost more. For durability, they're hard to beat - and not just in the tropics, because they'll cope admirably with the wear and tear of regular use in colder climes too.

Avon use Hypalon fabric, which is very strong. It's relatively easy to repair too. Most cheaper inflatables use PVC-coated polyester fabric, which isn't as durable (hence shorter warranty periods).

My old Redcrest has been great value over the years. Only thing I don't like is it's got a plain floor. The latest inflatable floors make a lot of sense, giving better usability without increasing the weight too much. I think it's important for the inflatable to be able to be manhandled by one man, especially if it's stowed in the bottom of a cockpit locker where it's not easy for two people to get a grip on it.

 

[Avalon]

Tinker Drawbacks

I know Tinkers have a dedicated following. On the positive side, they row exceptionally well (for a rubber duck) and will plane nicely with a small motor.

On the negative side, they do appear to disintegrate fairly rapidly in the Caribbean sun and the low bow is a real drawback in any kind of sea - and potentially disastrous when landing/launching through surf.

For sheer longevity you can't beat an Avon. I have a 20-year old one which is still as tight as a drum.

The small Caribe and AB RIBs are excellent. Big tubes to keep you dry, built to take the sun and good value.





Phaon Reid, S/Y Avalon of Arne
www.sailingontheweb.com

 

[nightjar]

An Avon is the best value longterm; I bought a second hand Redcrest in 1978 for £250 and sold it last year for £200. It was still in reasonable nick however the crew and me had reached the point where more buoyancy was urgently needed!
Bought an Avon R280 as a replacement and yes its keeping the crew bums dry so far, however some comments:
- It takes forever to inflate compared to the Redcrest
- The pump now supplied by Avon is inferior to the original I got 24 years ago!
- The weight is at least double the Redcrest and possibly more with a floor fitted
- It takes up loads of locker space.

If you are going to need to stow the inflatable in a locker rather than carry on davits then I would make sure you have adequate space and can lift the thing
in and out unaided otherwise the cheaper PVC stuff may be the right solution.