Norm wrote:
Any pros and cons on Avon inflatables? I found some one who wants to do an trade for my Hobie Outback. I don't know anything about Avons.
Norm M15 #172
Norm, Avon has been among the top-of-the line inflatables for many years. Their construction was first rate, and they used 'Hypalon' coated polyester rather than PVC coated material. The Hypalon coating is supposed to hold up better to UV exposure over time. They were recently bought out by Grouppe Zodiac, but it is my understanding that little has changed with respect to quality, construction, or models. You did not indicate which model you were being offered. There were/are several different model groupings. The smallest are the Redcrest/Redseal models. These are 'doughnut' boats--meaning that they have continuous inflatable tubes, and do not have the characteristic pointed pontoon ends at the stern, nor do they have a solid (usually painted/covered plywood) transom for outboard mounting. These smaller boats did, however, have the capacity to carry a *small* outboard on an optional tube-mounted bracket. Some were supplied with plywood floor boards, and some later versions with coated slats in sleeves (roll/stow more easily). The advantage of the Redesal/Redcrest is that it stows more compactly than comparable sized 'sport boats' (a catchall label for the hard transom/pointy pontoon style). The next step up is the 'Rover' series. These fall into the 'sport boat' taxonomy, and have the hard transom and pointy pontoon ends mentioned above. These can accommodate larger engines and payloads, but do not stow quite as compactly as the 'dinghy' series above. Floors varied by year and model. Next are the 'Rover RIB' series. These have a rigid (usually Fiberglas) v-shaped hull bonded to pontoons similar to the standard 'Rover' series above. These boats track well, are extremely fast (when sufficiently powered), and can stand up to groundings and beachings that a standard inflatable cannot. On the other hand, they are extremely heavy, do not fold for storage, and must be either hung from davits (obviously not on any M-boat!) or towed. Transportation is by trailer only, though some of the smaller versions will fit in the back of a full sized pickup when the tubes are deflated. These 'RIB' models would not be appropriate as a tender for any M-boat. You can view the current line (many models have not changed substantially in 20 years) at: http://www.zodiacmarineusa.com/products/avon.html Perhaps as important as the particular model is the age and care of the boat in question. Ideally, these boats should be stored out of the sun when not in use. Preferably storage should be in a dry, rodent-free location, with the boat 'softly inflated.' I would steer clear of boats that have been stored outdoors (especially in the sun), or have been stored tightly rolled for long periods of time. If you are in doubt, take the boat in question to a good inflatable service center or liferaft repacking station for inspection. They will be able to tell you whether the boat has been well cared for, and how much life is left in it. You did not state whether this boat was to be used as a tender for your M15, or for other purposes. If it is to be used with the M15, smaller is certainly going to be better. I have used an 8'6" West Marine RU-260 (manufactured by Force 4 in New Zealand) with my M15 for extended trips in the Northwest (the newer version of this is manufactured by Zodiac). I recently picked up a new West Marine RU-200 (Zodiac built--the equivalent Zodiac model is the 'Cadet 200'), and at 6'7" overall, is more appropriately sized to the M15 (though is admittedly very tiny inside). Both of these are of the 'sport boat' variety, and I have occasionally taken the Honda 2 off of the M15 and put it on the hard transom of the inflatable for longer journeys. Finally, there is the question of inflatable vs. hard dinghy. I agree with many of Connie's assertions regarding the superiority of hard dinghies, and have had both hard and inflatable tenders over the years. Still (and with apologies to Connie and the Pardeys), I now choose to use inflatables on both of my boats (M15 and Flicka) for several reasons: 1) I want/need the ability to stow the boat(s) for rough passages. Yes, it is a pain to have to deflate/inflate, but I have on at least three occasions been in conditions where I would have had to cut a hard dinghy loose (not in the M15, thankfully). The RU-200 will fit inverted in front of the mast on my Flicka, only weighs 35 lbs, and doesn't bash the mother ship upon launch/retrieval. I will leave out/tow the inflatable in conditions far worse than I would a hard dinghy--in part because I don't worry as much about the consequences of it flipping or getting swamped, and because it does not become a torpedo chasing the mother ship. 2) While I don't yet have enough experience with the RU-200 to comment, my RU-260 rows quite well considering. I am in no way saying that it is on par with a good hard dinghy, but I have rowed several miles round trip against sloppy water and headwinds and made reasonable headway. 3) About 80% of the sailing I do is gunkholing in the Pacific Northwest. We are usually out for 1-3 weeks at a time, and the dinghy gets constant use. We go ashore for stern ties, to collect water, provision, hike, swim, etc.,--often several times each day. The stability of the inflatable is such that we can stand on the side of the tubes without consequence. We can load the boat mercilessly with little change in performance or trim. We can (and do) carry the boat easily up long beaches/rock shores so that we can stow it above the high tide line (this can be a considerable distance in areas with as much as 15-20' tide differences). 4) I like not having to worry about the hard dinghy bashing against the hull of the mother ship. Even if it does surf down a wave and bump the transom, it does no harm. I don't have to worry about fenders or rubstrakes when it is alongside--the inflatable is, after all, one big fender! It makes little or no noise as it rests against the hull at night. 5) My wife loves rowing the inflatable around/exploring whilst I fuss with the never-ending projects of the mothership. Again, I admit that a good hard dinghy is much more enjoyable to row, and certainly more beautiful to look at. I also acknowledge that the inflatable is vulnerable to damage (read deflation!). Everything boat is a compromise. I just find that for my particular purposes and cruising waters, the inflatable seems to serve me better. Try both if you have a chance! Sincerely, Scott M15 #478 Flicka #392 PS: West has discontinued the RU-200, but the exact same boat (save for color scheme) is available from Zodiac (Cadet 200). Mercury (formerly marketed as Quicksilver) makes a nearly identical model. Plastimo also makes several comparable (very small, high quality) dinghies worth a look.