RIB newbie needs advice

[MBWhite]

Hi all,

I just bought a 1999 Avon 3.41 RIB, know nothing about them and haven't been able to find an owners manual online either.

So I have all sorts of questions- it says inflation pressure is 2.5 lbs but haven't investigated how to add air and how to check pressure yet.

Fabric is in very good condition, except for some mold/mildew stains. Any particular cleaner to use, and recommendations for a UV protectant? There are no holes or patches.

Any other advice is appreciated! It has a 20 hp motor (rated for 25) and is on a trailer at the moment. It will be stored under a roof.

Thanks for reading!


MBW

[SailFastTri]

Inflation: Most manufacturers say to inflate the aft compartments first, because of the way the internal baffle seams (between compartments) overlap. If you inflate the bow to high pressure and the stern is deflated it will cause the air pressure to peel back the internal seams. Not sure if that's the case with Avon... perhaps someone can chime in. Meanwhile don't inflate to hard pressure.

As for mildew -- a bleach solution of about 1 cup bleach to one gallon of water, and a soft scrub brush will have it clean in no time without requiring a lot of effort. Rinse liberally to get the bleach off, especially flushing with fresh water in the cracks along the sides of the floor, etc. Wear gloves. Bleach is bad stuff and you don't want it to sit too long.


Follow up with 303 UV Protectant.

[cgoing]

Those older Avons are great boats. I am looking at buying one right now with a Yamaha on it for my kids to play in. A good quality inflatable boat cleaner will help such as Aurora or Mark Kate inflatable cleaner. No cleaners with petroleum or silicone should be used and unfortunately a couple major brands of cleaner do have that in them. Either 303 or aurora protectant will work best. If it is mold it may be in the fabric and only lighten but not come out fully.
Be sure to get a pressure gauge and keep it at the correct pressure. The older boats like that tend to have more fabric failures from under inflation than the newer fabrics.

Best of luck with it.