deflated fender

[torcano]

I went to use some fenders that were included with a boat I recently purchased. They were fairly deflated. Can these be pumped up? Do they need a special pin such as the pin used to fill a football? I haven't looked at them carefully as I needed to use right away.
Thanks,
RK

 

[bomar76]

Re: deflated fender

Yes
and
Yes

 

[Boatist]

Re: deflated fender

Some do have the inflation valve and yes the same as a football, basketball, volleyball, soccer Ball.
Also many do not have valves.

If it has a valve do not over inflate. Remember as it gets hotter it will self inflate and also if you go up in elevation it will inflate. So if it still cold where you live do not inflate too much if at all.

 

[torcano]

Re: deflated fender

Thanks for the advice. It is still cold here in the northeast. I'll go look to see if there is a valve today.
RK

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: deflated fender

wait till it warms up the cold could just have the pressure down. put them out in the sun for awhile, and see what happens.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: deflated fender

I echo the warm up routine for an additional reason. If the inflation valve is not made of a soft compound then when it is cold it might not seal and you would be worse off. I have had several air matresses and a few balls do this to me. When they were warmed up the troubles went away.

If you are as anxious to get back on the water as I am, bring them inside, warm them to the temperatures you are dreaming about on the water, inflate them as needed, stroke them and put them away slowly while dreaming still.

Spring is here!

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: deflated fender

stroke them dreaming! you got it bad EC. hope spring comes soon 4 u

 

[torcano]

Re: deflated fender

I bought a hand pump and pin and put some air in them since my boat is already in the water and I needed some immediate protection. They seemed to hold the air without any problems. I'll check them again in the morning. I assume I can always bleed some air out of them as the weather gets warmer. Thanks for your suggestions.
RK