01-11-2007, 09:40 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Looks like you have already gotten some pretty good input. First, you need a pump capable of pushing in enough air to make the cover good and tight. You will never have enough pressure to need a pressure gauge, but you should be high and hard on the water. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]And, as others have suggested, a downward temperature thing, like taking a full 'toon out of a warm van and into cold air, or putting it on cold water, will cause the air volume to contract and your air chambers to shrink. It is a good idea to top off your ride when you first get to the water, put it in the water, and then check it again before you go out. Often you will need a few more strokes on the pump to tighten the cover back up. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The reverse situation is also a potential problem. If you launch fully inflated, early on a cold morning, your craft will expand when the sun comes up and the radiant heat warms the air chambers. Push on the cover once in awhile. If it feels rock hard, bleed some air from the bladders or you risk either splitting a seam on your cover or a burst bladder. Ouch.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You should also dump some air from your ride before cruising down the road. It only takes a few minutes to pump more air back in, and you will keep your cover and air chambers healthier if you don't over stress them.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you notice that your craft is softening out on the water, after you have reaired it earlier, you may have a leak in the valve or from a pinhole in the air bladder. That is a whole nuther problem.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I'm betting that it a simple matter of proper inflation at the start of the trip. Try using a more powerful pump and making sure the cover is firm when you launch.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]And, as others have suggested, a downward temperature thing, like taking a full 'toon out of a warm van and into cold air, or putting it on cold water, will cause the air volume to contract and your air chambers to shrink. It is a good idea to top off your ride when you first get to the water, put it in the water, and then check it again before you go out. Often you will need a few more strokes on the pump to tighten the cover back up. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]The reverse situation is also a potential problem. If you launch fully inflated, early on a cold morning, your craft will expand when the sun comes up and the radiant heat warms the air chambers. Push on the cover once in awhile. If it feels rock hard, bleed some air from the bladders or you risk either splitting a seam on your cover or a burst bladder. Ouch.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You should also dump some air from your ride before cruising down the road. It only takes a few minutes to pump more air back in, and you will keep your cover and air chambers healthier if you don't over stress them.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you notice that your craft is softening out on the water, after you have reaired it earlier, you may have a leak in the valve or from a pinhole in the air bladder. That is a whole nuther problem.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I'm betting that it a simple matter of proper inflation at the start of the trip. Try using a more powerful pump and making sure the cover is firm when you launch.[/#0000ff]
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