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AIR PRESSURE
NOTICE
In a boat equipped with valves, put the valves in Inflation position in
order to control the pressure.
The service pressure for the buoyancy tube and keel is 240 mbar/ 3.4 PSI, and 1100 mbar/ 16 PSI for
the H2P floor.
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 PRESSURE LOSS
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 OVERPRESSURE
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 in the day, the boat is exposed to full
sunlight (50°C) either on the beach or on a yacht d eck. Temperature 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.
