Proper pressure with inflatables and mods ideas

[onlyvous]

Hi forum,

After some research and debate, I just got my very first inflatable boat, an Intex Excursion 4, for less than $80 on Amazon. Sevylor seems more popular but I really don't like their new valve so I wen with Intex which has the Boston valves. I have tried to fill it up using the hand pump and followed the 10cm ruler that came with the package comparing it to the markings on the back of the boat. After I'm done, the air chambers still feel quite soft and the creases are not entirely out. I took it into my pool for a test and find the main chambers easily fold when I tried to enter the boat from the side (I'm 260). Since the boat says it holds up to 880lbs I feel that the chambers are probably under-inflated, or maybe its just my weight. I wonder if you have experienced anything similar? Shall I keep inflating more or shall I solve the problem with hard floor?

On the other front I've been considering making two rigs to the boat, a fishing rig and a sailing rig. I've seen but one fishing rig on this model on youtube, and no sailing rigs at all, and wonder if anyone can shed some light on what to do with the sailing rig, especially if I want to include a jib sail.

Thanks a bunch! I will try to post videos on the making of these two rigs.

 

[ssobol]

Re: Proper pressure with inflatables and mods ideas

Hi forum,

After some research and debate, I just got my very first inflatable boat, an Intex Excursion 4, for less than $80 on Amazon. Sevylor seems more popular but I really don't like their new valve so I wen with Intex which has the Boston valves. I have tried to fill it up using the hand pump and followed the 10cm ruler that came with the package comparing it to the markings on the back of the boat. After I'm done, the air chambers still feel quite soft and the creases are not entirely out. I took it into my pool for a test and find the main chambers easily fold when I tried to enter the boat from the side (I'm 260). Since the boat says it holds up to 880lbs I feel that the chambers are probably under-inflated, or maybe its just my weight. I wonder if you have experienced anything similar? Shall I keep inflating more or shall I solve the problem with hard floor?

On the other front I've been considering making two rigs to the boat, a fishing rig and a sailing rig. I've seen but one fishing rig on this model on youtube, and no sailing rigs at all, and wonder if anyone can shed some light on what to do with the sailing rig, especially if I want to include a jib sail.

Thanks a bunch! I will try to post videos on the making of these two rigs.

I don't know about the Excursion, but I have an Intex Mariner 3. I pump it up until it is fairly hard. The fabric will give slightly if pressed with my thumb. This pressure provides plenty of rigidity for two adults in the Mariner 3.

I used to have a RIB boat. When I first got it, I went to an inflatable boat shop to buy a pressure gauge. The guy who ran the place said "You don't need one of those. Just pump it up 'til it is hard." That's what I've done since and it always worked out fine.

A couple of things to consider. The fabric on a new inflatable boat needs to be inflated fully for awhile before you use it the first time. The first inflation will stretch the fabric some and this will lower the pressure. I inflated my boat fully and left it that way for a few days before I used it.

Pumping up the boat on the ground and then throwing it in the pool will cool the tubes quite a bit causing the tube pressure to drop. You need to pump it up, put it in the water, and wait a bit for the tube temperature to stabilize. Then check the pressure and top it up as necessary before you get in.

 

[onlyvous]

Re: Proper pressure with inflatables and mods ideas

Thanks a lot for the tip! Just in time for my first trip on Saturday!

I don't know about the Excursion, but I have an Intex Mariner 3. I pump it up until it is fairly hard. The fabric will give slightly if pressed with my thumb. This pressure provides plenty of rigidity for two adults in the Mariner 3.

I used to have a RIB boat. When I first got it, I went to an inflatable boat shop to buy a pressure gauge. The guy who ran the place said "You don't need one of those. Just pump it up 'til it is hard." That's what I've done since and it always worked out fine.

A couple of things to consider. The fabric on a new inflatable boat needs to be inflated fully for awhile before you use it the first time. The first inflation will stretch the fabric some and this will lower the pressure. I inflated my boat fully and left it that way for a few days before I used it.

Pumping up the boat on the ground and then throwing it in the pool will cool the tubes quite a bit causing the tube pressure to drop. You need to pump it up, put it in the water, and wait a bit for the tube temperature to stabilize. Then check the pressure and top it up as necessary before you get in.