We took two Avon rollups around the world and I wouldn't buy anything else.
(We started with a 2,85 and after side by side tests in New Zealand, bought
a 3.15).

You're right, of course, that Avon is expensive, so this is more about
Hypalon than Avon.

Consider:

1) Avon is made in the UK and widely used there as a workboat, lifeboat, and
utility boat. While Maine winters are colder than most of the UK, I suspect
your pleasure use will be in weather no colder than the UK. The dealer's
comments about Hypalon were either wrong or misunderstood. see
http://www.avoninflatables.co.uk/page/fd_mac

2) Among the 'round the world people we met on our circumnav, Hypalon was
generally preferred (as a guess, not hard data, 70-30 over PVC). Those with
PVC boats generally made covers for them that stayed on all the time.

3) Hypalon is glued together with very good glues. PVC is welded together
by melting the PVC. Gluing is only as good as the glue, while welding is a
strong joint, but weakens the material.

4) Most (maybe all) of the serious inflatable applications are Hypalon.

5) Fintry will have the Avon 3.15 and a 15' Avon RIB -- she'll be based in
Boston and spend part of each summer in Maine, so my money is where my mouth
is on this.

6) Our 3.15 is now 8 years old and had heavy use during 2/3 of a circumnav
and is essentially like new. It had one leak that we finally had to have
professionally repaired since it was in a hard to repair spot, but otherwise
no problems at all.


--
Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com


"Alex Moore" wrote in message
om...
Hi All: Just purchased a new Eastern 24' boat. These boats represents
a "Maine" lobster looking type of boat & it will be for pleasure only.
I want to buy a small inflatable that I will keep on top of the roof
(outside) of the cabin. Hence, I want to keep the weight down
considerably, so it will be easier to remove & throw into the water.
Also, I just bought a small 2HP Honda four stroke that weights in @ 27
lbs.

I looked @ some Achilles inflatbales (LEX88)& they are made from
Hypalon. I was told that Hypalon holds up much better then PVC
inflatables. I spoke with a Achilles dealer & he said Hypalon in glued
together vs. machine made PVC & that Hypalon holds up better in warmer
climates. We live in New England, so this doesn't apply up here. I'm
saying to myself "Geez...This guy is a Achilles dealer & he's saying,
don't buy Hypalon inflatable if you live in a colder area" Doesn't
make any sense! Is he not trying the sell a boat or what? Maybe he's
just being honest.

I like the Achilles a lot. I do have a older (6 years old) "Force
Four" rigid-hulled inflatable that's PVC & it's been a gem!!!! I just
deflate it every year & store it under our deck outside & put a cover
over it. Force Four are no longer sold in the US anymore, what a pity
considering I would buy another one on the spot! I guess I'm looking
for some insight from you. Should I buy a PVC or Hypalon inflatable?
BTW, keep in mind that this inflatable will get used maybe 10 times in
a short New England season.

Here's a couple of other inflatables I looked at:

West Marine (Made by Zodiac): Not bad looking rig.
Avon: Great but way too expensive for me!
Quicksliver (Mercury) line: On the ropes with QS. Heard that their not
the best.
Zodiac: Too pricy.
Achilles: Looks good @ a decent price!

That's about it.

Thanks for listening!

Alex