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Do Avon still make boats?
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Avon Inflatables, Ltd is a manufacturer of inflatable boats, RIBs and marine safety equipment. The company is based in Dafen, near the town of Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, Wales, and supplies the leisure, commercial and military markets.
In 2010 Avon replaced the entire bottom of their Special Edition boats with 40oz.1100 denier polyurethane fabric. This 80% Hypalon/Polyester Core has the Hypalon calendared, not sprayed on the base.
What are Avon Inflatables made of?
The construction of an Avon inflatable is complex and unique. These boats are made with Hypalon coated fabrics, which are stronger and more wear and weather resistant. These fabrics are then layered with adhesives, fiberglass components, inflation valves, and polychloroprene CR materials.
Summary: PVC inflatable boats will last anywhere between 2-10 years depending on the manufacturer, the use, and care it receives. Welded PVC boat will outlast those made with glues/adhesives. Hypalon (CSM) boats usually last 7-15 years, but can last as many as 20 years.
How do you tell if your inflatable is PVC or Hypalon?
Do the seams look to be glued, or welded? Hypalon is glued, with lots of material overlap, PVC has narrow overlaps and welded impressions. PVC also shows fabric print-thru because the material is thinner.
When did zodiac stop using Hypalon?
Today, all Zodiacs are made from their proprietary material called Strongan, which is a PVC. Before 1968, however, many models were made from Hypalon. This means that any repairs you set out to do yourself will require Stabond as the adhesive unless the boat was made before 1968.
When did zodiac buy Avon?
In 1998, Zodiac Nautic purchased Avon Inflatables and moved production to the USA, where they have earned the reputation as one of the most sought-after yacht tenders on the market.
Do Avon still make RIBs?
Avon manufacture an extensive range of inflatable craft from small, fast dinghies to high capacity RIBs capable of supporting heavy loads. Avon RIBs are highly versatile making them suitable for both family fun and high speed boat performance.
How do you fold an Avon dinghy?
Where should inflatable boats be stored?
If possible, store your boat in a dry place. Keep it off the floor and away from the wall. Besides avoiding objects that can puncture your boat, you’ll help keep it away from mice. Don’t keep an inflatable a metal shed.
If you plan to transport your dinghy while it is inflated, you can transport it either by trailer or the roof rack on your car (if applicable). If you plan to use a trailer, small ones like the Harbor Freight trailer are a great option.
What is the fastest way to deflate an inflatable boat?
How do you store an inflatable boat in the winter?
When choosing a storage location, keep in mind that rodents like to chew on fabric, including inflatable boat material. If space permits, store the boat spread out with some air in the tubes. If this is not possible, store loosely rolled with the natural air remaining in the tubes.
What pressure should my rib tubes be?
Most RIBs run around 1.3 – 1.7psi.
How do you inflate an Avon?
How many psi should an inflatable boat have?
Inflating & Deflating Rafts
The tubes should be filled to a maximum of 2.5 psi (pounds per square inch). After the main chambers are inflated, inflate the thwarts until each thwart takes shape.
Do you need a Licence for an inflatable boat UK?
To simplify the answer, if you want to paddle on virtually all the inland waterways in England you will need a licence. This includes narrowboats and unpowered craft such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies, rowing boats, paddleboards, and light inflatable craft.
All you have to do is cut off the top of a plastic water bottle and tape it to the end of a hairdryer using a little bit of duct tape. Make sure to use the small nozzle side of the water bottle.