I agree that Avon seems pricey. I bought the 3.15 when we were in New
Zealand -- the cheapest way to buy it was from a dealer in the UK and ocean
freight to NZ -- they're much cheaper in the UK. Fintry is in the UK, so
the new 15 footer will come over the Atlantic with her.

If you buy PVC, you might think about putting a slipcover on it
permanently -- a lot of the circumnavigators did this and it made them last
longer. Of course tropical sun 365 days a year is a lot more damaging than
a couple of sunny days a year off Cape Ann. (I race out of Marblehead and I
suspect I was in a long sleeved shirt most of the time.)

You can always just paint the varnish -- not as pretty, but an inflatable
isn't very pretty anyway.


--
Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com


..
"Alex Moore" wrote in message
m...
Hey Guys: Thanks for you replies. Ken, I'm in the rough waters of New
England (Gloucester, MA. "Home of the Perfect Storm") & a Sea Eagle
wouldn't hold up too well (IMHO). As for Avon, there simply too much
money. I know they have an excellent rep. but I want to keep it @
around $1000.00. This is my second inflatable & will be used very
little.

I have narrowed my choices to a Zodiac "Cadet" C260 (8'6" 52 lbs. PVC)
w/ slatted floors. No keel. Cost $895.00 (excellent price). Also, we
have a Zodiac dealer in town that can service the boat if it has any
issues. The Zodiac looks well built, although I know that had some
issues in the past.

Then of course, the Achilles LEX-88 (8'8" 78 lbs. Hypalon) w/ wood
floors, inflatable keel & comes in @ $1010.00. Again another excellent
price. The weight issue bothers me a little. Also, these are varnished
floorboards & transom. That=some work to keep them looking decent!

As you can see, I'm really leaning towards to Zodiac. I know I won't
get the life out of it like a Achilles or Avon but if I could get 5-7
years, I would be happy.

Just an FYI. There's a Avon R260HP (air floor) that can be had for
$1675.00 but I think it's too much. Maybe I'll buy it. Damn, I wish
this could be an easy purchase. Thanks to everyone who chimed in!

Regards,

Alex


PS: If you in the market for an inflatable check out www.defender.com
These guys have the best prices & a HUGE inventory. They are in Conn.
so it's only a 2 hour trip for me so I can save $ on the shipping
charges.