Another inflatable query

[raquet]

I think I might regret the word inflatable! I inflated my trusty twenty year old Avon and it has stayed inflated for twenty four hours without appreciable loss of pressure. I acquired a Bombard AX2 with my boat so I thought I'd try inflating that. After a couple of hours it is deflated again. Copious quantities of soapy water later - I can't see any certain leaks but suspect that the built in pumps may be a bit iffy. Does anyone have knowledge of these things. Can the pumps be replaced? Are there better ways of testing for leaks?

 

[CalicoJack]

Our AX 2 goes down unless you tighten the outlet valves really tight. Once tight it stays up without topping up for at least 24 hours.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
Are there better ways of testing for leaks?

[/ QUOTE ] Provided you mean washing up liquid rather than real soap that's as good a method of locating leaks as you are likely to find. Brush it around all potential leak sites to begin with, then over the whole thing.

I expect there is some reason why you should not use washing up liquid so wash it off afterwards.

 

[jeremyshaw]

If the pumps were leaking I'd expect your soap test would have revealed that. I'd look for a leak in a seam around the floor - harder to spot there.

 

[raquet]

As always the forum has the answer. Although I could find no visible leaks this was after I had re-inflated and tightened the valves, I suspect, rather more tightly. It has now remained reasonably inflated for 24 hours.

I wish I had this forum forty years ago. Thanks all.