How can I keep it hard longer?

[Captain Larry-DH]

How can I keep it hard longer?

Yes, this is a question for the ages. Please let me know if you figure it out.

Eat only whole plant-based foods, and ditch animal foods and processed foods. SERIOUSLY! This is scientifically proven. It‘s documented in the scientific literature and shown in the “The Game Changers” documentary video (on Netflix). Also check out “Forks Over Knives” video for more info, or nutritionfacts.org
It will also improve your overall immune system, cardiovascular health, can reverse Type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease, improve liver and kidney function, and greatly reduce your chances of getting many types of cancer (e.g colon, prostate and breast cancer).

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Something like these?

Bravo In-line Inflatable Boat Pressure Gauge - Manometer - Inflatable Boat Parts

Bravo Inflatable Boat pressure gauge for Achilles, West Marine, Nautica, and Highfield Inflatables. Reads pressure while inflataing your boat. Up to 14 PSI. Works on Halkey Roberts Valves.

shop.inflatableboatparts.com

Achilles Inflatable Boat Parts | Bravo 9 HP Pressure Gauge - E136

Boat Specialists stocks fiberglass and inflatable boats from top brands like Zodiac, Sea Fox, Achilles, AB Inflatables, Avon and Inmar Inflatable boats; Outboards from Yamaha, Honda, Tohatsu, Mercury and Torqeedo.

www.inflatableboats.net

Big help ... thanks!

 

[Rick486]

Just a thought- perhaps in hot weather the air expands and pressure rises. The increased pressure causes some air to leak past the cap gaskets. Then as the temperature cools, the boat becomes soft.

When was the last time you replaced/cleaned the o-rings or gaskets at the cap?

Good one Rich. I didn't know there were such o-rings or gaskets. I will check that out.
Thanks

 

[Rick486]

Thanks everyone for your helpful ideas. I knew if I posted the title, I would get response .
So now I understand the design of these valves on my AB. From here I can troubleshoot, if there is trouble, the valves.
Thanks
Rick

 

[Tim Mills]

I'm guessing that nobody actually ever puts a gauge on the inflation. I've been wondering about it. How are you supposed to know how inflated it should be? My brand new Zodiac labels the chambers from 3.5 psi to 11 psi for the air floor. How are you supposed to know without over inflating?

My West Marine foot pump has a gauge built into it. Its a clear gauge with a red spring loaded indicator to let you know when your done.

 

[markwbird]

Hi all:
I have a 10 ft AB inflatable about 12 years old. It has been trouble free but has always seemed to be temperature sensitive. Whenever the temperature drops, the tubes soften. Of course the density of the air inside will decrease with lower temperature, which will tend to soften the tubes, and vice versa. However, the dinghy next to mine on the dinghy float is a brand new AB, same model as mine. I noticed that his dinghy seems to be less temperature sensitive than mine such that his stays hard and mine softens.
So, the question is am I doing something wrong here? Maybe I don't pump it up enough initially? How hard should it be? Or is there something else? How do you maintain your inflatable?
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks
Rick

Actually the density increases with lower temperature. The pressure decreases. Not much to do about it except to pump it to a higher pressure to begin with.

 

[jviss]

Some good advice I read about valve maintenance on the NRS site, is to spray the valve interiors with 303 Protectant, which will serve to both lubricate the valve parts and flush dirt, etc., away. Spray and then inflate through that valve.

 

[Rick486]

Actually the density increases with lower temperature. The pressure decreases. Not much to do about it except to pump it to a higher pressure to begin with.

Of course. Good catch!

 

[Ken13559]

From what I know, the valves of my WM Zodiac RU3 is designed to leak a little so that one could measure the pressure of the tube by attaching a gauge. To completely seal the valve from leak, just screw in the valve cap (has an O-ring).

Ken Y