12v inflator

mparrish

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Does a fixed / fitted inflator exist which can remain connected, allowing you to just plug in the "air line" to inflate the dinghy and toys. I'm trying to avoid having to connect up the electrics everytime and having a rapid pump inflation device available. The kids now have a standup paddleboard, but we need to inflate/deflate it each time to avoid carrying it on deck inflated when underway.
I have seen battery ones, but I'm trying to simplify the whole setup !
 
Thanks jrudge. Good plan, but you still have to unpack the inflator. What I would ideally like is one where the inflator was permanently fitted and wired in so that I just had to plug in the airline. Only problem being I haven't seen one !:(
Thanks
 
An inflatable SUP needs a very high pressure to work properly, otherwise it'll bend too much in the middle, so you'll need a twin stage pump. I have a Bravo II, but it isn't great as just the resistance of the valve on the SUP means it kicks straight into high pressure/low volume mode while the SUP is still deflated. I'd investigate alternatives, though there aren't many available.

It must be possible to build one in, but as a simpler alternative, do you have a suitable locker in the cockpit where you could install a 12/24v plug, and leave the inflator permanently attached in the locker, so when you want to inflate you just open the locker door and away you go?
 
We have the same a JRudge, trouble is with the paddle board, you will probably need to finish off with a hand or foot pump. All 12v pumps I have used have a safety cut out when certain bar is reached.

Ours is in the garage and it's just a case of plugging in the adaptor, the unit stays there all the time and is velcrod in.
 
Does a fixed / fitted inflator exist which can remain connected, allowing you to just plug in the "air line" to inflate the dinghy and toys.

Yes, they do. I've seen some kits with a neat little panel for exactly this purpose. Trying to remember who makes them...

EDIT: Here's one I was thinking of: http://www.ibsparts.co.uk/electric-.../518-bravo-turbo-max-console-kit-12v-24v.html . I thought I remembered a range of them, including with separate compressors plumbed to a panel, pressure gauges, etc - but maybe I imagined all that :)

Pete
 
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Yes, they do. I've seen some kits with a neat little panel for exactly this purpose. Trying to remember who makes them...

EDIT: Here's one I was thinking of: http://www.ibsparts.co.uk/electric-.../518-bravo-turbo-max-console-kit-12v-24v.html . I thought I remembered a range of them, including with separate compressors plumbed to a panel, pressure gauges, etc - but maybe I imagined all that :)

Pete

Thanks Pete, that's the sort of thing, although rated at 3.6 psi won't be enough as the kids normally pump the SUP to 20+ psi, so it would need finishing off with the ordinary pump. I see that some of the Bravo pumps go to 12+ psi so the idea of fitting one in a locker may be a better compromise.
 

Looks like it's piston-only though, so high pressure but low flow rate. Fine for the paddleboards it's designed for, but tedious for a dinghy or big towable toy.

Bravo's better pumps have both piston and turbine parts inside, they whoosh in most of the air with the turbine then switch to the piston pump to bring up the final pressure. And then the more basic pumps are turbine-only and might need to the final pressure adding by hand or foot. Annoyingly, the console one seems to fit into the latter category, which seems poor when you're going to the effort of installing it so not a budget option.

Pete
 
Thanks all. This one looks like reasonable compromise with 14.5psi max - getting close to the requirement for sup, plus 450l/min for rapid dinghy inflation. Looks like, as with everything boaty, it's about finding the right compromise for our needs !
 
We bought one of these about 5 years ago.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-12-230-Rechargeable-QuickPump/dp/B00QLWYZB6

It's fantastic for pumping up the dinghy, about 3 mins per side. Just then needs 3 pumps with the foot pump to achieve final pressure.

A charge in the rechargeable battery lasts for ages, I've only charged it up about 3 times.
Cordless, high volume, good battery life, and cheap. What's not to like?
 
I bought one of these for tender, not cheap but has high flow and then high pressure pump. Digital display where you enter required pressure.

http://www.rib-shop.com/bravo-btp-inflation-pump-digital/

I've one of these too and it's brilliant for blowing up my Avon 2.8 rib. Takes literally a minute or two. I also wanted to mount this in the garage to save on faffing but I find it so easy with a small battery pack that I haven't felt the need.
 
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