soft inflatable?

[chubby]

Had to replace our XM260 inflatable mid cruise and bought a waveco 260 as a near replacement, yes a bit bargain basement at just over £300 but you could buy several for the cost of an avon or zodiac BUT with the supplied pump whih seems to push in and twist it is really difficult to get a good seal, to get the tubes really hard and it goes softy quickly. It is too early for this to be the difference between PVC and hypalon, Anyone else had this and any hints for getting it really well inflated?

 

[Searush]

Probably weeping valves. Make sure they are properly screed in place, check for any debris under the valve flap, is the rubber sealing ring inside the top cap in place & I good order? Blow it up as hard as you & throw some water over the valves to see if there are any leaks.

 

[westernman]

There should be a rubber seal on the end of the tube which you push and twist into the valve. If it is there you should be getting a good seal and it will be easy to inflate until the tubes are hard enough. My guess is that you have lost the seal!

Most of the pumps have a little cap in the middle you can remove to be able to appy a much higher pressure (don't over do it). However, on the lower pressure setting (with the cap firmly installed), you should be getting enough pressure for the tubes to be pretty hard anyway.

 

[landlockedpirate]

It shouldnt lose air. Are you topping it up after its been in the water for 15 mins ? Little sibs lose a lot of pressure with the initial temperature change when they hit the water.

The best thing I ever bought for the dinghy was a Bravo high pressure 12v pump. Set the pressure, press inflate, sit back with a beer, job done.