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AIR PRESSURE
The service pressure for the buoyancy tube and keel is 240 mbar/ 3.4 PSI.
The boat is fitted with a pressure indicator, which provides a quick, efficient readout during inflation.
It is important to foresee pressure changes: Check and adjust pressure in the inflatable
compartments (by reinflating or deflating) when temperature changes occur (especially in tropical
areas where day-night temperature variations are high). Make sure the pressure is within the
recommended zone (220 to 270 mb/green zone).
Temperature of the surrounding air or water
will proportionally influence the level of
internal pressure in the buoyancy tube.
Ambient temperature
Pressure inside the
buoyancy tube
+1°C
+4 mb / 0.06 PSI
-1°C
-4 mb / 0.06 PSI
RISK OF UNDER PRESSURE
Example: The boat is on the beach exposed to the sunlight, the temperature is 50°C, and the boat
pressure is the recommend one (240 mb/3.4 PSI). When you launch the boat into 20°C water,
temperature and pressure inside the inflatable compartments will both decrease (to 120mb).
Consequently the boat must be topped up in order to recover pressure loss due to the difference in
temperature (between the surrounding air and the water). It is also normal to experience a pressure
loss at the end of the day when outside temperature decreases.
warning
WHEN UNDER INFLATED, THE BOAT LOOSES RIGIDITY IN
NAVIGATION AND WILL PERFORM POORLY. IT ALSO TENDS TO AGE
PREMATURELY.
RISK OF OVER PRESSURE
Example: The boat is inflated to the recommended pressure (240mb/3.4PSI) at the beginning or end
of the day (low outdoor temperature =10°C). Later i n the day, the boat is exposed to full sunlight
(50°C) either on the beach or on a yacht deck. Temp erature inside the inflatable compartments will
increase (up to 70°C) especially with a dark colour buoyancy tube, causing the pressure to double
(480 mb). Deflating is then necessary to bring the pressure back to the recommended level.
warning
IF THE BOAT IS OVER INFLATED, THE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE
EXERTED ON THE INFLATABLE STRUCTURE CAN RUPTURE THE
SEAMS.
IN CASE OF UNDER PRESSURE
Do some topping up:
A - The buoyancy tube valve
B - The high pressure floor
A
B
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