Avon restoration

ReelRaider

Cadet
Joined
Aug 23, 2001
Messages
7
Is there anyway to restore the rubber on an Avon? I have tried the Seapower cleaner without the results I was hoping for. Anyone have a better solution?<br /><br />Thanks - Al
 

Gav

Cadet
Joined
Sep 22, 2001
Messages
10
Re: Avon restoration

I myself have built many Avon ribs and the only cure is a new tube. With simple instruction anyone should do this task themselves. E-mail for details.<br />Alternativley when Inext visit the states i'll do it for you.............If you buy the beers!<br /><br />G
 

Wan Zai

Cadet
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
16
Re: Avon restoration

I hv an Avon Workboat 4.0 meter soft bottom. I had it since 1997. How long would it last before I have to change to a new tube [boat] in tropical condition.
 

Gav

Cadet
Joined
Sep 22, 2001
Messages
10
Re: Avon restoration

Sudden impulse.<br />It really depends on weight,use and the color of the tube. On a 4mtr you probably have 900grm hpln. A lighter cloth but in keeping with its length. Use could be lesiure or being soft bottomed probably not commercial.Thirdly the color, basically the darker the better. I know this goes against logic as in white reflects light but believe me U.V. will perish a white tube in tropical conditions if not cared for in 5-8 tears. Yet a grey tube in a like for like enviroment and again not cared for would expect to last 9-16 years. Obviousley if both boats were cared for you could double these figures but the golden rule is if you want value for your money go for grey.
 

Wan Zai

Cadet
Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
16
Re: Avon restoration

Thanks for the info. I hv a grey color Avon inflatable. I currently put it on top of the pontoon at a marina because of barnacle problem if I leave it on the water.<br /><br />I spray and wipe with Armor All to maintain the tube as protection from UV. My pressure gage is faulty and I just estimate the hardness of the tube by slapping the tube. It does not work very well today when the boat actually folded into 2 while I was speeding through a wave. Thank god, it unfolded back after the engine cut off but I got a lot of bruise slipping through the anti slip deck.
 

zorro1

Seaman
Joined
Oct 30, 2001
Messages
55
Re: Avon restoration

Sudden.<br /> You made me laugh about the folding situation although it must have been scary!<br />Anything you apply to the tube will benefit it appart from the re-coating tins of yuk that are supposed to make the tube look like new. If its a preventative lotin then good. Anything that claims new youthfull looks (sound familiar!)avoid like the plague!!!!!!!<br />Happy boating my friend.<br />Gav.
 

boatster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 13, 2004
Messages
331
Re: Avon restoration

I hear your not supposed to use Armor All. I use 303 3m protectant.
 

burnboyy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 19, 2005
Messages
48
Re: Avon restoration

I hear armorall is bad preservitive period. I know many people who claim it caused their dash in their car to crack prematurely. It does make tires look new as well as most vinly type products, but rumor has it you can lose half the service life, food for thought, there is a good discussion at this website http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-193368.html <br />it also discusses some alternatives (not specifically for avon)
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Avon restoration

I heard Armor-all actually gets into the material, though I'm not sure how true that is. I'd like to bet it'd make patches hard to stick...
 

bayman

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 2, 2000
Messages
669
Re: Avon restoration

Is it possible to buy new tubes then? Do you have to take it to a repair place?
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Avon restoration

I wouldn't bother if you're in the USA-they cost more to retube than they do here-and it's the equivalent of $2500 for a retube here. It's a specialist job-don't try it at home etc.<br /><br />you might find cheap biological washing powder (the stuff you put in your washing machine) mixed to a sloppy paste helps to clean them-it did on mine.<br /><br />If they hold air ok I'd leave them alone.
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Avon restoration

Armor-all is no good for hyalon. Don't konw about that 3M product, but 3M makes good stuff so if it says ok for hypalon I wouldn't worry. I use something by Starbite that is made specifically for hypalon, don't remember what it's called, comes in a red bottle.<br /><br />Replacement tubes are available, either from Avon or other sponson manfrs. And as mentioned, kind of a big job to do. If/when I need to replace the tubes on my 31-year old Avon, I'm going with these:<br /><br /> http://www.wing.com
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Avon restoration

Is that the acid based cleaner 18R?
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Avon restoration

Sorry for the delay, don't nornmally look way down here in the boat manf forums.<br /><br />My understanding is that hypalon is impervious to acids. I have had the cleaner for years, a very mild abrasive in a liquid. Came in a red squit bottle. I think you can see the same product in newer packaging at the manfr’s website. <br /><br /> http://www.starbrite.com/ <br /><br />Go to [catalog] – [marine] – [cleaners / washes] – [inflatable boat] to see the product.<br /><br />I just stumbled on this, also worth reading:<br /><br /> http://www.affiliateace.com/testimonials.html <br /><br />Here’s the manf’s website:<br /><br /> http://www.islandgirlproducts.com/ <br /><br />Since I am almost out of the Starbrite product, I’m going to get some of this stuff and try it. Will let you know how it does.
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Avon restoration

Cheers. I had some of the acid cleaner that Avon recommend but it's so evil I had to wear thick rubber gloves and use it outside. Not a pleasant experience!
 

c5inflatable

Cadet
Joined
Feb 26, 2006
Messages
9
Re: Avon restoration

i got a couple quotes for new tubes for my 14 foot quicksilver/HBI rib. 5,600 dollars from the builder (HBI), and 6500 dollars from WING. yeah, take good care of your tubes:) <br /><br />andy
 

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: Avon restoration

If you plan to keep your boat for awhile, get the Wing tubes. Yeah, costs more, but they will last a long time. Same tubes the USCG now uses on their Avons.<br /><br />Fwiw, my Avon is a 1975, still using the original tubes. Only patch is a small 4-in circle patch inside next to where I was once working on the fuel line.
 

Nos4r2

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 12, 2004
Messages
1,533
Re: Avon restoration

It'd be cheaper to ship it back over here and get Avon to do a proper retube with the original spec tubes than it would be to have it done over there-might be worth a thought.
 
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