R I found the Avon Redcrest to be
  >my "perfect" dinghy. It is of top quality constuction; stows in a
  >small duffle bag; inflates and deflates easily; is very seaworthy;
  >rows surprisingly easy; transports 2 with no problem, four with a
  >little juggling, and 6 if you have to (in calm water); and has not
  >failed in any respect during the 20 years that I have owned it. AND,
  >the big thing: it is out of sight and out of mind when it is not being
  >used...which is the vast majority of time. It stows very nicely in my
  >sail locker in the port side of the cockpit. On my Seafarer 26, the
  >Avon Redcrest inflatable dinghy stowed under the V-berths - forward.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your very detailed reply to my request for information. We
live in the Seattle area and have lots of beaches to explore. San Juans
Islands are also a popular area. Most of our cruising will be in Straits
of Juan De Fuca. We have a 24' boat so space is at a premium. I have
checked my catalog and they still make Avon Redcrest and we WILL be
spending time at the Avon booth at the show next weekend.
How much is involved in maintaining your inflatable. 20 years is a a
good age for an inflatable. Do you wash it with fresh water and dry it
before stowing it? How hard is the salt water on it?
We will probably bring it home each weekend, wash it and leave it
inflated till it dries. Then deflate it and put it back in its bag and
then back in the boat. Will not be too much of a pain especially when
the benefits make it worth while.
Thanks again Bob. I will keep you posted on how we do at the boat show
this weekend. As you know boat shows can turn a cheep relaxing weekend
into an expensive stress full weekend (G).
Barry
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