Questions on Avon Inflatable Dinghy Floorboards

I've just bought a second hand Avon S250 dinghy (the one with the inflatable keel held in place by a fixed 'floorboard') and am struggling a bit with the wooden floorboards (a quick google indicates I'm not the first!)

I have a couple of questions:

1. The boards consist of a sheet of ply with a reinforcing strip around the edge on one side. My understanding was that the boards fit with the reinforcing strip facing up (ie visible) giving the smoothest hull form, but the previous owner fitted the boards with the smooth side up. Which is correct?

2. What's the easiest way of fitting the boards? The only way I've found is to slot the side trips on first, push the boards back to the transom, then use a screwdriver or similar to lever the front edge of the boards behind the fixed board. Is there a better way?

Thanks

Chris

The floor in my Zodiac works slightly differently, but once the tubes are inflated I can't posisbly imagine an easy way to get them in or out. Maybe a good thing, as they won't be falling out when the dinghy is hauled up with a davit or even towed in rough seas.

Maybe Avon floors are supposed to be inserted and removed with the boat inflated. I would guess more likely not- but it would be a guess.

The trouble is there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get them in with the boat deflated.

Thanks

Chris