RIB for dummies

[rwappleton]

So we go to the PB boat show and buy a RIB. Then we let it sit in the crate for two months.

Last week we get the bright idea to get it out of the box and play with it at the lake. All looked to be well as we were unpacking it. Unpacked the pump and went to pumping.

It's two days later and we can not get it above 2 psi! We have pumped this thing for hours ! According to the manual inflation pressure is suppose to be 3.6 psi.

Do they make a super duper pump?

Help!!!!!!

 

[magnawake]

I dont really know what my RIB's pressure is and how to measure it. I just pump it up with a foot pump until it feels firm. Maybe the foot is designed to prevent you from over inflating. Does it feel like air is going into the tubes while you continue to pump? Sounds like your pump is faulty. I can pump mine up, possible over inflating it. Thats why I'm careful not to put too much air in it. Plus I have a leak somewhere so I'm always having to inflate it.

 

[Beckytek]

My foot pump has a relief valve in it to prevent over inflating. Maybe yours is adjustable and it is set wrong. Your manual should explain it. I can hold my hand over the outlet of the valve to increase the pressure if I want to. See if you hear air escaping from the pump as your pumping. Maybe you can borrow another pump from somebody and try that one. good luck

 

[Jon]

At the risk of sounding condescending (because you do not say in your post)…are the tubes firm, if so why care what the PSI is?

 

[Bill Allen]

Take your shop vac to it, of course reverse the hose. Bill

 

[sgharford]

This came with my mercury inflatable and will pump to 6 psi - http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|215570|294|88529|320521&id=128251. I have a cheapy 120v air pump that only goes to about 2 psi that I use for bulk inflation, then I have to finish off with this one.

 

[Mambeaux]

My foot pump has two places to put the hose. One side is fast fill, once you get it firm you move the hose to the other output to finish it off. Drum tight is what you're looking for.

 

[rwappleton]

We have the Mercury inflatable. It has the pressure marked at all three inflation holes on the boat. We have the pump that SG posted from defender. We put it in the water at 2 psi and it is doing OK but a little spongy.

I have a 110v pump and the shop vac just need to rig an adapter. Was hoping for the magic bullet!!!!

 

[krush]

I had an 18foot zodiac and still have another inflatible (not RIB). I use this pump to get me going and then top off with the hand pump: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OF92KA/ref=wms_ohs_product?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That little 12v pump is pretty amazing, it would inflate a huge 18foot Navy Seal zodiac in a few minutes.