Assistance- My 'New' Avon W520

djshan2 · 28 June 2016, 19:51

I just purchased a 2000 Avon W520 at an auction. As you can see its spent its life as a rescue raft for the Dallas Fire Department. I'm having a hard time finding recommended PSI for this craft, and definitively whether its hypalon or PVC. As you can see its in great shape and it BIG. With its roll-up aluminum floor it weighs over 400 pounds - the boat alone.
I customized an older trailer for the boat and have a Mercury 20hp 4 cycle that pushes it along at about 20 mph.
If anyone can tell me what the fabric is, and what the recommended psi is for the floor and tubes that would be great.
Thanks, and happy boating! Dave

95gstnj · 28 June 2016, 21:25

Nice boat. I'd be VERY suprised if it is not Hypalon. Tubes and keel are generally 3psi.

djshan2 · 28 June 2016, 21:35

Great- thanks for the reply. I'll try that this weekend. I had the keel at 2psi and the tubes at 1psi and it did pretty well. A little rolling pulling out of the hole- that's probably why- I had the pressure too low. Again I appreciate the info!

Squid Boat · 29 June 2016, 00:53

The boat is hypalon.

Cheers

djshan2 · 29 June 2016, 01:23

Thanks Squid Boat. Really appreciate it!

Squid Boat · 29 June 2016, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by djshan2

Thanks Squid Boat. Really appreciate it!

Look on your hull plate for inflation pressure. I run my hull at 2.2 psi and 2.5 in the keel.

Cheers

office888 · 29 June 2016, 12:40

Most older Avons spec the pressure at 200 (3.0 psi) or 220 (3.2 psi) mbar.

After Zodiac purchased Avon, it became 240 mbar (3.48 psi)

As long as you keep the pressure between 2.5 - 4.0 psi, you'll probably be fine.

jyasaki · 29 June 2016, 14:20

You should see very little flexing in the hull when in chop/small swell (in large swell, you shouldn't be staring at the tubes.)

My boat runs 2.5 psi; Zodiacs 3 to 3.5 psi. Anywhere in that range should be fine, assuming the tubes are in good shape.

Don't remember if the keel is inflated higher or not at this point (been a while since I had my SIB; but I suspect it's the same pressure.)

jky

Squid Boat · 29 June 2016, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Most older Avons spec the pressure at 200 (3.0 psi) or 220 (3.2 psi) mbar.

After Zodiac purchased Avon, it became 240 mbar (3.48 psi)

As long as you keep the pressure between 2.5 - 4.0 psi, you'll probably be fine.

Sorry for the dyslexia

Cheers

office888 · 29 June 2016, 15:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

You should see very little flexing in the hull when in chop/small swell (in large swell, you shouldn't be staring at the tubes.)

This is key. If it flexes, your hull is going to hook, and the boat is going to perform like trash.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squid Boat

Sorry for the dyslexia

Cheers

Haha, happens!

djshan2 · 13 March 2020, 22:00

I've had this craft for 4 years now and its doing great. 2.5 to 3 psi works like a charm, although I usually top it at 2 psi and by the time I make it to the lake its at 2.8-3.7 due to the Texas heat. Thanks for all the help gents!