| Inflating Instructions |
The inflating system includes the inflation valves, and depending on the model a foot or hand pump with its valve connector.
The Inflation Valves :
The
inflation valves are plastic, therefore non-corrosive and double sealed
for safety. The valve is divided into two pieces, one is located on the
inner side of the buoyancy chamber. The other is screwed to the afore-mentioned
piece from the outside of the buoyancy chamber. This last piece is composed
of a one-way check valve, a diaphragm and a cap. This screw-on system
enables you to remove and replace a damaged valve very easily.
Inflation Valve Hand Pump Foot Pump
To Inflate:
Make sure the plunger in the centre of the valve is out. Push the end of the bellows hose with the correct valve connector into place on the valve as far as possible and turn clockwise until the valve connector locks in place. Compress the bellows or hand pump by pumping gently and unhurriedly. When inflated, screw the plastic cap onto the valve until it is fully seated.
Inflation Valve of inflatable keel
Warning
Never use a gasoline service station or high compression pumps to
inflate your boat. They could damage the buoyancy collar or inflatable keel.
Air tightness is obtained partly by means of the plunger one-way check valve that is set in the base
of the valve insert; complete air-tightness is ensured by the properly fitted valve cap.
Before screwing on the cap, check that the valve is clean, free from sand, weeds or other debris.
To deflate:
Remove the cap and with your finger, push down the spring loaded plunger in the centre of the valve. To deflate totally you may want to lock the plunger down.
The Foot Pump :
To inflate your boat properly, the bottom part of the foot pump should lie flat on the ground. Connect the valve connector appropriate for the valve. The boat inflates quickly if you pump gently and unhurriedly. The top part of the bellows must rise fully at each stroke. The supplied foot pump has a capacity of 5lts. (1.32 gallon) The foot pump comes with two connections; one for inflation the other for deflation.
The Hand Pump , also called Cylindrical pump:
To inflate your boat, connect the valve connector appropriate for the valve. Put the pump in an upright position and step onto the tongues, located at the bottom of the pump. The hand pump is a double-action one. Each time you lift or push the handle, 4lts. (1 gallon) of air will enter the buoyancy chambers. The hand pump comes with two connections; one for inflation the other for deflation
The Inflatable Keel :
The
boat must be completely assembled when ready to inflate the keel. The
correct pressure of the keel is 0.20-0.25 bar (3-3.75 psi) in order to
obtain the correct outline of the boat and keel. (A pressure gauge is
not included with the boat)
The Buoyancy Chambers :
Depending on the model you have chosen it will have three or more air chambers. For specific information on your boat turn to the chapter on Specifications. The more chambers it has, the safer it will be. Each chamber is divided from the other by a special baffle system that keeps our multiple air chambers completely sealed off from one another, while working to equalise air pressure between compartments. It is advisable to inflate your boat properly and check the pressure frequently. The pressure should be maintained at 0.20 bar (3 psi) in the buoyancy chambers. (A pressure gauge is not included with the boat)
A good rule of thumb is: When you cannot depress the tube more than 1 cm (1/2 inch) with the pressure of your finger, you have then reached approximate working pressure.
Important:
The correct way to inflate the main air chambers is by inflating the aft chambers first, and then those towards the bow. When the inflatable keel and the buoyancy chambers have been inflated, screw the cap on the valve properly in order to secure final air-tightness. The buoyancy tubes must be inflated to the recommended pressure otherwise the craft will perform inefficiently. When the buoyancy tube cannot be depressed by finger pressure, the approximate working pressure has been reached.
NOTICE
The pressure of the boat fluctuates with change in temperature. Pressure increases
after prolonged exposure to sun, and falls when the boat is launched and when in darkness.
Do not worry about this. We have seen experienced people send boats over for repair which
were in excellent condition that either lost air due to a loose air valve, or because of shifts in temperature.
Warning
Care should be taken not to allow a boat which has been fully inflated
in the cool of the morning to stand in direct sunlight. Buoyancy pressure will quickly raise
with the temperature and could strain or cause serious damage to the buoyancy tube.
The boat must be completely assembled when ready to inflate the keel
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