11-01-2005, 06:27 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Welcome to the tubing funhouse. As you probably guessed, you need to prepare yourself more than your craft. Wear good neoprene waders and enough layers to keep you from becoming a tubersicle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As far as your U-boat goes, the main consideration in cold air and water is making sure you are properly inflated. Air your craft up to tight and then let it sit in the cold air while you finish getting dressed and ready. Check the firmness of your craft again. If it has shrunk a bit, in the cold, then top it off once more before launching. Some tubes can seemingly shrink quite a bit when the air contracts in the cold. You will have a better handling tube if you keep it properly inflated. Less effort to kick around, etc.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]For storage, you can deflate it completely and fold it up for more compact storage, or you can just partially deflate it and hang it from the wall or rafters in your garage, from one of the D rings. Keep it away from extreme heat and cold. Heat can expand the air chambers and split seams or burst bladders. Too cold and it can freeze the bladder and cause it to crack if you move it before letting it warm a bit.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Hope you get to use it...successfully. Give us a report.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As far as your U-boat goes, the main consideration in cold air and water is making sure you are properly inflated. Air your craft up to tight and then let it sit in the cold air while you finish getting dressed and ready. Check the firmness of your craft again. If it has shrunk a bit, in the cold, then top it off once more before launching. Some tubes can seemingly shrink quite a bit when the air contracts in the cold. You will have a better handling tube if you keep it properly inflated. Less effort to kick around, etc.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]For storage, you can deflate it completely and fold it up for more compact storage, or you can just partially deflate it and hang it from the wall or rafters in your garage, from one of the D rings. Keep it away from extreme heat and cold. Heat can expand the air chambers and split seams or burst bladders. Too cold and it can freeze the bladder and cause it to crack if you move it before letting it warm a bit.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Hope you get to use it...successfully. Give us a report.[/#0000ff]
[signature]