Avon have about the longest record going when it comes to making inflatable boats. The Searider, perhaps the best known and most successful of all their range, must have clocked up more sales worldwide over the years than any other RIB afloat.

Twenty six years or so of production has seen little change in terms of styling, although the true commercial version of this craft in my opinion, still represents one of the finest large ‘work’ RIBs available in the world today Avon of course, unlike many of their contemporaries are a multi-million pound business. However, like many big corporations although they might responsible for the origination of a concept, their size alone means that they can be less able or desirous to address change at the same speed to which a smaller company might considerate necessary. A case of the larger wheel of industry turning more sedately than the wee cog! Mind you, in recent years Avon’s Mediterranean range has interpreted Italian styling and the sun orientated market more convincingly than most and in doing so has enabled Avon to address their developing overseas leisure market considerably.

However, whether for the reason stated above or for cautious business purposes, it has not been until now that they’ve chosen to address the public’s demand for an all purpose open sports/cruiser, showing that Avon have at last recognized ‘Ribbing’ as an actual pastime in itself.

The Adventure range is the new product by which the company intend to enter this particular market.

Though the boat may be badged with a new name, its actually not as new as one might think. The largest Adventure in the four boat series and the subject of our test at least, is basically a customized Dive 5.60. (The remaining three in the range are based on the original Avon Searider.) Don't get me wrong, the Dive 5.60 is a good boat and very much of the standard one would expect from Avon. As the name Dive suggests though, the original 5.60 comes void of any frills and whilst perfectly capable as a multi-purpose offshore craft, it simply doesn't intend to directly take on the more complex requirements of the leisure Ribster.

All change then with the Adventure, for now instead of the mandatory orange of the 5.60 as nice as it may be, you can now order your Avon Adventure RIB in a white or blue livery, as well as good old rescue orange of course. (It's a shame I think that the third colour isn't red, as opposed to orange, bearing in mind the Avon Adventure is every inch a true blue British boat.)

In terms of the RIB's fitting out, purchasers of the Adventure range will have a further degree of flexibility extended them by means of the dealer responsible for selling them the craft. Various seating options etc. can be ordered according to the clients needs, though in general, it is expected that most will settle for a similar configuration to the one displayed on the boat pictured here. All internal GRP consoles and fittings, including the moderately shapely helm console on the test boat, were of Outhill Boatbuilders Ltd origination. A company whose experience also goes back a considerable way and who now make a whole range of units for a number of the UK's leading RIB manufacturers.

The Adventure on test featured a semi wrap around stern bench seating unit. Although a bench seat is a good idea from a passenger carrying point of view, as a seat for helmsman and navigator it's just about useless. The tried and tested un-glamorous jockey seat still remains by far the best option when it comes to comfort and overall suitability. It's good to see, there­fore, that Avon have amalgamated the best of both concepts with a jockey up front and a bench behind. The positioning of these key items was good and I liked the design of the helm unit which allowed for a sensible amount of instrumentation placement as well as stowage.

The deep-vee hull of the Adventure range obviously has a very impressive track record, hence even though the product may only be new in some aspects, it still comes with a much respected pedigree. The sea keeping ability of the boat is reassuring and whilst it may not provide the most exciting or sparkling of rides, it nonetheless does all that it should when asked of it -running level and true and giving a dry ride. The test boat's Yamaha Pro.V 100 outboard is an engine of excellent reputation and delivered the power on the day of test in a smooth and efficient manner.

The 5.60 in the range, unlike the smaller Searider styled models, possesses a distinct sheer to her squared bow. Though gradual, this increase in height from the boat's mid section to her bow, provides the RIB with an added offshore characteristic that assists in her following sea capability. Plus, with a bit more in front of one, you naturally feel just that bit more secure.

Talking of security, one thing I didn't like at all were the nylon strap type life lines to the top of the Hypalon sponsons. Their nature was wholly unsuitable for the purpose for which I take it they had been designed, plus they flogged and vibrated endlessly against the tubes and generally looked cheap and unconvincing.

Avon state this new range of RIBs will "allow virtual freedom of the seas, a true go anywhere do anything type of craft." I personally think that statement might be pushing author's licence just a little. How effective the new Adventure range will be in terms of appealing to the `new age Ribster' who wants to buy a RIB not as a Dive boat or a safety boat, but simply because he wants to go Ribbing, only time will tell. Coupled to the optional equipment available, the Adventure 5.60 is theoretically at least, capable of possessing most of what you would want in a 5 metre leisure RIB the trouble is, the very thing it lacks is the one thing that would probably ensure its success more than anything else excitement!

With over 30 years experience of building RIBs, I feel it's a pity Avon have chosen to address this growing market simply with revamped versions of existing models. If they had chosen to utilize their wealth of experience by producing a fresh concept that went the whole hog they could probably knock the competition into a cocked hat instead, they have chosen to play it safe.

HMS

Builder

Avon Inflatables Ltd
Dafen,
Llanelli,
Dyfed,
South Wales SA14 8NA

Tel: +44 (0)1554 741155
Fax: +44 (0)1554 774997