Bombard AX2 Packing

[seaesta]

My new AX2 came nicley packed. I inflated it for a test run and cannot get it back into the cover/bag. The manual shows me to tuck the sides forward of the transom into the centre but I cannot make this happen!. Never felt so useless! Anyone had the same problem and come up with a good method for packing?
Martin

 

[reeac]

Our Bombard is currently hanging up in an inflated state in our garage so I can't have a quick revision but I agree that getting it back into its cover is a close thing. As far as I recall I fold the sides inwards as per manual but I think that you need to be careful to expel all the air which is most easily done with a two-way pump. Rest assured that it's possible, anyway!

 

[Robin]

Have you got all the air out? We use a footpump with a 'suck' feature as well as a blow on our Zodiac and Avon dinghies to get the last of the air out. If you are at home you could maybe try a test using the vacuum cleaner but remember to open the inflation valves first then close them quickly after the hose is removed or air gets sucked in again.

 

[vyv_cox]

When I bought my Quicksilver I photographed the unpacking stage by stage, expecting to suffer the same problem as you. We have exactly the same difficulty. You need to push quite hard.

Maybe these will help.

 

[MoodySabre]

The insructions for the AX2 are that you roll it up from the stern. This doesn't work well as the air valves are on the sponsons so the remaining air gets trapped at the bow. The trick is a) to get the tubes inboard so they touch and the whole dinghy is only as wide as the transom and then b) roll it from the bow to get the air out and then re-roll it from the stern. That way I get it back it the cover and hence in the locker. This operation is easiest on the pontoon - if doing it on board I just do my best and leave it tied down on top of the boat to sort out later!

 

[aquaplane]

I do what MoodySabre does, ie roll from the front to get the air out then re-roll from the transom to pack it up. I don't have a bag to put it in though so when it's persisting it down, it takes much more room in the car than when I take more care over the job.