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Inflatables in Australia
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Author:  ddriver [ Thu Sep 17, 2009 1:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inflatables in Australia

Well yes I agree , and initially that was the prospect that really excited me , but sitting in the cockpit of my boat , the reality hits , "how am I going to get a 9ft boat in here , and inflate it ?.".
I'd need to secure it , I believe , over the side , then inflate it.
Then having done that , tow it , till I'm done , then secure it over the side to deflate it , or do that back on shore.
I do have more photos of my boat , but don't know how to put them up here.
Regards Rob J.

Author:  Roadrunner [ Sun Sep 20, 2009 10:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Inflatables in Australia

ddriver wrote:
I thought I'd post the site that has some photos of my boat , and see if people can suggest ways I could use an i9 as a tender.
If I carry it in the cabin , how do I blow it up , and deflate it ?

Rob, that's a handsome looking double ender you have! You don't really need a flat surface to inflate the i9. All you need is access to the inflation valves. As it takes shape it will spread across whatever surface it's sitting on. Looking at your boat, why not spread a tarp over the doghouse or foredeck (to keep sharp objects away from the inflatable) and start pumping? If it droops over the side of your boat, who cares (as long as it doesn't fall off)? Here's what it looks like deflated and inflated:
Image Image

Once while sitting on the local dealer's i14 in the water, I deflated 2 of the 3 air chambers and then attempted to reinflate them while sitting on the one remaining chamber (theoretically I wanted to know if it was feasible to repair and reinflate while at sea). By hooking my foot under the deflated chamber valve (to keep it above the water) it worked out fine. Again, all you need is access to the valves. Here's a pic refilling the starboard (left below) and port while sitting on the (inflated) center chamber:
Image Image

Deflation is easy -- just open the valves and start folding. You might have to slide it around a bit as you fold, but then it doesn't weigh much. Again, a tarp underneath should protect the hull from any deck gear. 8)

Author:  ddriver [ Mon Sep 21, 2009 12:54 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Inflatables in Australia

Thanks for your reply.
For a number of reasons , I wouldn't want to try inflating or deflating anything on the cabin , or foredeck.
Like you , I think I'm just going to have a try , and see just what I can do.
I believe I'll have to do it in the cockpit , the sides are clean , and low.
Regards and thanks Rob J.

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