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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Inflatable Air Loss

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existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/18/2006 : 09:48:20

How long can you expect an inflatable to stay inflated in changing temperatures. I purchased a used Mercury Quicksilver 230 inflatable and patched one obvious hole. It seems to slowly loose air in the 3 main tubes. I've gone over it with a spray bottle and haven't found any more obvious leaks. Do the fill valves on these require periodic lubrication? Does the PVC gradually become porous? It has an air floor and that stays solid, hence my questioning that I've missed something on the tubes.
Thanks for any advice.

Rick

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2006 : 10:31:47

If its got movable interior wall chambers, the direction the walls move in, will give you an indication where the leak is.

Most quality inflatables have chambers that move towards the leak to minimize air loss. If its made of Duratex or Hypalon, it will likely have a 10 year warranty, which if you take it to an authorized repair depot, can at least defray the cost of repair.

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takokichi
Captain

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USA
321 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2006 : 12:48:34

Rick - It could just be temp change. You're going to find that you need to top the thing up every day or so up here. During the day, the sun will heat the air and increase the pressure. At night, the cold water will suck the heat out and decrease it. You do not want to ride around with the tubes soft or you will ruin the boat over time by causing it to fail where the tubes meet the transom. At the same time, you don't want to over pressureize it either. So - if rock hard at noon, you let some air out. In the evening, you might need to add some.

I think this happens less where there is less difference between the air and water temps.

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tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2006 : 01:23:53

You don't say how long it takes to go down. Last time I had a leak I used very soapy water and a wash cloth to get a sheet of water soap film to coat each area and the valves. FYI Don,t drop the rolled up dingy from up on the cabin to the dock. I shattered the valves
:( Then after I replaced them I discovered that the pieces had put several small holes in the tubes.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.