Avon LT-2 Roll-Up Inflatable

The Achilles roll-up dinghy is a classic design. And to say I have performed a hands on test of the LT-2 is an understatement. For I have enjoyed more hours sitting on the floor of one of these dinghies than in any other boat of any size, style or class.

This fold-up inflatable with its wooden insert floor is renowned amongst cruisers worldwide for its ability to efficiently move people and cargo. It is the epitome of the tender as a pickup truck analogy. But what makes the LT-2 particularly unique is its size and weight. It's dinky. A shade longer than seven feet long, useable interior space measures five feet by a little more than two feet. In spite of that size restriction, its carrying capacity is quite impressive. Under USCG rules the LT-2 is rated to transport two passengers with a total payload (passengers and cargo) of up to 640 pounds. That's enough room for two goodly-sized adults plus about 240 pounds of groceries and jerry jugs.

Because the LT-2 is a roll-up, this diminutive dinghy folds away to neat, petite package, making it easy to find storage space for it onboard smaller boats. Deployment after storage is as quick as a green flash. LT-2 can be unrolled, wooden floorboards inserted, tubes inflated, outboard motor attached and the boat launched in just a few minutes. After dark, because it's so small, many boaters haul LT-2s aboard by hand and leave them inflated on deck. Obviously this task is made easier by removing the motor from the transom first. Similarly, at the end of the season, the lightweight and compact dimensions make the dinghy easy to get ashore for long-term storage.
You should also know the LT-2's floorboard inserts lend the hull a modicum of rigidity and also provide a large, flat surface for supporting the outboard motor's fuel tank and provisions. Another benefit, the floorboards make it easier to clamber into and out of the boat.

The tube's exterior skins are Hypalon, a fabric famous for its resistance to the ravages of ultraviolet rays. Hypalon also survives gasoline and diesel fuel spills. During lay-up the hand-glued seams are overlapped a full inch and reinforced with seam tape in order to maximize strength and longevity. No big surprise, the boat's warranty terms runs for a generous five years. My favorite feature: The check valves are double capped for safety sake. Believe me that seemingly insignificant feature matters. More than once with other designs I've inadvertently kicked a valve cap and watched in horror as it popped out of its threads and the air began to rapidly spill out of the tubes.

While the LT-2 is a potent performer in a small package, it does come with a number of compromises. For example, it's rated for a maximum of 3 horsepower. So while fuel economy will be miserly, top speed is limited. Even with the outboard wound out to wide-open throttle you won't make more than a few knots per hour. Forget about getting onto plane. Also, there is no keel; so true tracking requires a fairly steady hand on the outboard tiller handle. Rowing is a challenge.

Standard items include the fold up wooden floor; a fold down lacing oar system replete with aluminum oars and removable blades. There's also a D-ring at the bow plus lifelines, and adjustable rowing seat. Finally, LT-2's big brother, the LT-4 is little more than a foot longer, with two-inch larger diameter tubes. It also boasts an extra foot of room between the bow and transom and only weighs about 26 pounds more