What type of pressure gauge do I need.

nightstalker

Chief Petty Officer
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Dec 10, 2003
Messages
570
I've got a West Marine SB 310 inflatable. The pressure gauge they sold me isn't the right type. The gauge I need has to have a protrusion in it to push down the valve to let the air pressurize the gauge. I've been all over with no luck. Even the West Marine guys don't have what I need. My valves have the black twist on covers. I've got her pumped up pretty good. Afraid to put in any more ai
Nightstalker
 

Sea Rider

Supreme Mariner
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Sep 20, 2008
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12,345
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

Could be any brand model gauge, you'll need to match valve entrance to sib air valve to have accurate readings. Take a clear pic of your valve to have a look, is it a Halkey Roberts type ?

Happy Boating
 

nightstalker

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Dec 10, 2003
Messages
570
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

It has a screw in dual threaded piece that has a one way diafram inside. The foot pump slides into this valve. After it is pumped up, you screw the top cap on it to prevent any air leaks. The gauge West Marine sold me wouldn't release the diaphram to allow air through it. The guys at WM were like a bunch of key stone cops trying to get it to work on one of their floor models. When this gauge was slipped on the pump, it would only read up to 3 psi no matter how much air I put in it. No adapters provided with this gauge made it work. The guys ar WM said they couldn't even figure it out. Another marine store had one with a protrusion that would have worked, but it wouldn't slide into my valve. My rig is hard as a rock. I'm about ready to deflate her until I can find the correct gauge.
Niightstalker
 

Sea Rider

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12,345
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

Don't know WM sib air valves just Halkey Roberts type and all their variations, if you could provide a pic to see valve thread and interior diaph would be great so to have an overall idea on how it looks/works like. Is it the one with a spring middle pin or it's a springless flat diaph valve Zodiac type ?

Happy Boating
 

nightstalker

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Dec 10, 2003
Messages
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Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

It has the flat diaphram that you depress with a blunt object to release the air. They are black .
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nightstalker

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570
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

I found out that the valves I have are simply called the "standard valve". Any ideas on what type of pressure gauge fits these valves and where to get one ?
Nightstalker
 

abdiver7777

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 1, 2010
Messages
48
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

Deflate your SIB until you have a gauge..........

I had the same problem but I found a generic gauge on EBAY and modified it by splitting the fill hose. Any pneumatic guage will work and you can find them in Grainger or a Refrigeration supply house. You need a 0 - 10 psi gauge and you just watch it as you slowly pump air into the chamber.

Most inflatables should be 4-5 psi.....

Check your manual for your specs.......

PS: There are air pumps out ther with gauges on them...........
 

nightstalker

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
570
Re: What type of pressure gauge do I need.

I found the gauge I needed. It can be special ordered from West Marine. These are Boston Valves. The part # is 10967677. The gauge fits into yhe foot pump.
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