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?Thanks - Al
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.Alternativley when Inext visit the states i'll do it for you.............If you buy the beers!G
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.
Sudden impulse.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.
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.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.
Sudden. You made me laugh about the folding situation although it must have been scary!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!!!!!!!Happy boating my friend.Gav.
I painted up an old Quicksilver with this stuff............http://www.inflatablefix.com/paint.htmLooked like a new boat. Course, I sold it right away.......
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/arch.../t-193368.htmlit also discusses some alternatives (not specifically for avon)
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.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.If they hold air ok I'd leave them alone.
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.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:http://www.wing.com
Sorry for the delay, don't nornmally look way down here in the boat manf forums.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. http://www.starbrite.com/Go to [catalog] – [marine] – [cleaners / washes] – [inflatable boat] to see the product.I just stumbled on this, also worth reading:http://www.affiliateace.com/testimonials.htmlHere’s the manf’s website:http://www.islandgirlproducts.com/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.
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!
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 tubesandy
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.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.
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.
Originally posted by Nos4r2: 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!
i used the src tuff-coat paint for my avon tubes and it worked well. just be sure to clean the tubes very well (i used starbright boat soap and MEK solvent for the toughest areas-be sure to rinse these areas after using any solvent) and then after you put the undercoating you must wait for it to fully cure before topcoating. if you are in a dry area it cures in a coupla days, if its cold or humid let it dry longer. the stuff was easy and looks pretty good i hafta say...
Avon restoration
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