08-28-2003, 07:50 PM
[cool]Plenty of newcomers to the float tubing game make the mistake of not "topping off their tank" after setting the craft in water colder than the air temperature. If you inflate the air chambers properly...tight, but not seam ripping...any cooling will result in enough shrinkage of the chamber to wrinkle the cover. If the cover has wrinkles, you do not have enough air to get the full performance from your craft.
As fishfather suggests, it is better to use a good high volume hand pump than to air them up with a high pressure compressor. TubeBabe and I have an inexpensive and small hand pump that fits the valves on our Fat Cats. One of us carries it whenever we go out, and if there is a pressure drop in an air chamber, a couple of quick pumps and the cover is tight again. If the chamber keeps shrinking, you probably have a leak and need to take it apart and repair it...after you quit fishing for the day...not while on the water.
On many of the mini pontoons, Uboats and Vboats, underinflation not only affects handling of the craft...especially in wind or current...but also affects the rigidity and comfort of the seat. It is sometimes a delicate balance of having everything aired up and adjusted just right, to get the most enjoyment and comfort from the trip.
And...as fishfather further points out, do not travel with your craft fully aired up in your vehicle. Let some air out...if not all of it...before heading down the road. Otherwise it may sound like you have taken a hit with a rocket propelled grenade somewhere between the lake and the gargage. At the very least, you can hear the sickening sound or popping stitches, as the air chamber expands beyond the limits of the cover to contain it.
TubeBabe had that happen to a tube sitting in the living room one night, after being brought in from a cold garage and aired up for the next day's fishing trip. As we watched TV we could plainly hear the sound of popcorn, even though we had not put any in the microwave oven. By the time we discovered the source of the popping noises...float tube stitches...the damage was complete. A very large inner tube rested on the scraps of a disassembled float tube cover.
Got that, you newbies? Take care of your air pressure and it will take care of you.
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As fishfather suggests, it is better to use a good high volume hand pump than to air them up with a high pressure compressor. TubeBabe and I have an inexpensive and small hand pump that fits the valves on our Fat Cats. One of us carries it whenever we go out, and if there is a pressure drop in an air chamber, a couple of quick pumps and the cover is tight again. If the chamber keeps shrinking, you probably have a leak and need to take it apart and repair it...after you quit fishing for the day...not while on the water.
On many of the mini pontoons, Uboats and Vboats, underinflation not only affects handling of the craft...especially in wind or current...but also affects the rigidity and comfort of the seat. It is sometimes a delicate balance of having everything aired up and adjusted just right, to get the most enjoyment and comfort from the trip.
And...as fishfather further points out, do not travel with your craft fully aired up in your vehicle. Let some air out...if not all of it...before heading down the road. Otherwise it may sound like you have taken a hit with a rocket propelled grenade somewhere between the lake and the gargage. At the very least, you can hear the sickening sound or popping stitches, as the air chamber expands beyond the limits of the cover to contain it.
TubeBabe had that happen to a tube sitting in the living room one night, after being brought in from a cold garage and aired up for the next day's fishing trip. As we watched TV we could plainly hear the sound of popcorn, even though we had not put any in the microwave oven. By the time we discovered the source of the popping noises...float tube stitches...the damage was complete. A very large inner tube rested on the scraps of a disassembled float tube cover.
Got that, you newbies? Take care of your air pressure and it will take care of you.
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