Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

[gjferg]

Hi all. Just bought an older Avon Redseal inflatable in pretty decent shape. Two quick questions. I know it's supposed to be inflated to 2 or 3 PSI. All I have is a foot pump, how do I know when it's inflated enough?

Also, the boat has four floorboards, can I use the boat without the floorboards if I'm just rowing?

Thanks!

--Greg

 

[cpubud]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

without a guage its hard to tell what psi you are at but just inflate till the tubes are firm,you can use with-out the floor boards but the floor will be very unstable, plus you run a greater risk of folding the tubes in when moving around.

 

[gjferg]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Thanks bud!

I was reading here that inflating it by feel, the tubes should be harder than you think.

I guess it's like torquing a bolt without a torque wrench...Blow it up till it's good-n-tight.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Thanks bud!

I was reading here that inflating it by feel, the tubes should be harder than you think.

I guess it's like torquing a bolt without a torque wrench...Blow it up till it's good-n-tight.

Yeap quite true, if you have never inflated a sib to it's real working pressure (3-3.5 PSI) with a gauge, you will never know how hard it feels without one, a must have one issue if best sib/engine performance is wanted. Other alternative, get a nice electric pump, the ones you can set the pressure you want to, will shut off once set pressure is reached.

If using sib without floorboards, will ruin floor fabric.

Happy Boating

 

[DanoNJ]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Don't forget the pressure will fluctuate with outside temp. The colder the temp, the less pressure in the tubes.

 

[kandil]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

You could tell by keeping an eye where the transom meets the tube if it is kinked and floppy you need to add air I use the foot pump and finish it off with the hand pump.

 

[George Zeck]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

I'm no expert on this topic, but that's never stopped me before.

I'd add air to the floor. Helps distribute the weight over the tubes better and probably less stress on the seams connecting the floor to the tubes.

George

 

[CCDave]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Gj - when I called Brig tech support to ask that very question about the foot pump, he said pump it until your leg is tired, and pump it some more...basically he said tilll you can't pump anymore. I would not recommend running w/out floorboards.

 

[jspringator]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Other alternative, get a nice electric pump, the ones you can set the pressure you want to, will shut off once set pressure is reached.

I have one of these and wouldn't be without if. Get the one that has the rechargable battery in it so you can top off on the water.

 

[Dry Diver]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Could you please post a link to the pump that you have. I am very interested in getting one. I like the idea of having it shut off automatically.

Thanks

 

[jspringator]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

http://www.waterstrider.com/raft-air-pumps.htm#kitepump

I have the high pressure Bravo pump with the battery clips. If I was buying one now, I would spend the extra for a built in battery. I bought mine here, but I can't vouch for the price. I would google the model number and see who else has it. You will need an adapter from the end of the pump hose to a valve that fits your boat.

 

[John the Barber]

Re: Inflatable newb...two quick questions...

Zodiac dealer I know in here, says pump with the foot until no more air will go. He stated, "Then your good". For whatever that's worth.