PVC inflatables

[Peter2B]

So the time has come the walrus said to buy a new dinghy. The ancient Achilles just isn't worth another patch. I plan to head off down the islands in a couple of years and I'm told that PVC infltables won't last as long in strong sun as the hypalon ones. Anyone have any evidence of this?

 

[hlb]

Yep. Retired my 14 year old avon and replaced it last year with a Suzumar. It's rotting away as we speak. I reacon that within a couple of years, the Avon will be back out of retirement.

 

[HenryB]

My Plastimo inflatable (PVC) began to degrade (go sticky) after just 3 years in the heat of Greece and Turkey. The answer is to get a cover made up for the top half of the tubes and keep it fitted all the time. Anywhere with a liveaboard community will have someone who earns a few bob making them.

 

[Talbot]

as has been said, a canvas cover does the biz:

 

[KellysEye]

If the floor is PVC you need to make a cover for the floor also.
Avon used to make Hypalon dinghies with PVC inflatable floors that they didn't mention was PVC in their literature (and may still do) so check carefully. The bottom line really is just buy all Hypalon if you're going where the sun is.

 

[1317]

since the post was from Venezuela, one should seriously consider the Caribe. Made there and excellent material and workmanship. Most of all you can save a bundle, if you buy it there.

 

[DeeGee]

[ QUOTE ]
If the floor is PVC you need to make a cover for the floor also.
Avon used to make Hypalon dinghies with PVC inflatable floors that they didn't mention was PVC in their literature (and may still do) so check carefully. The bottom line really is just buy all Hypalon if you're going where the sun is.

[/ QUOTE ]No, they do state it is PVC.

 

[KellysEye]

> since the post was from Venezuela

It's not me looking to buy one but one of the cruisers did a survey of other boats before buying, concensus was:
AB in first place for quality and build.
Caribe a close second.

> No, they do state it is PVC.
Ah good, glad to hear that. They certainly didn't state it when we bought one and to their credit they have just agreed to replace our floor (and we'll make the cover).