Hi Mike,

As you may know, Avon is owned by Zodiac.

Zodiac boats (including Avon, Bombard, Zoom and Typhoon) are manufactured by Zodiac France and are imported into the US and Canada by the North American distribution company, Zodiac North America [ZNA]. The pricing to ZNA is dictated by Zodiac France and the cost for the Avon models increased so dramatically for 2011, that ZNA did not even bother with a 2011 price list to their North American dealer network.

There are some dealers, who took a strong stocking position in 2009 and early 2010 before the prices started soaring. Most of those dealers have sold through what they bought and cannot get more product at that old pricing. If you are contemplating pulling the trigger, make sure the dealer has it in stock before you give him any money. There are a lot of dealers still "offering" the Avon product and they cannot get it.

It is my hope that the pricing drops sometime soon, as the Avon line was a great line. The Compact RIB Lites were great boats.

The most popular alternative is the Achilles HB300FX [new for 2011]. It is, in my opinion, a better boat than the Avon 310-Lite as it has bigger tubes for greater buoyancy, has a bit or interior cockpit space and is an Achilles (the best line on the market today from a quality & warranty service perspective.....again, my opinion). Product link below.

If you would like to discuss, give me a shout.

Regards,

Stephan Lance, Defender