Have
you thought about getting a towable tube to enjoy this summer? If you’ve been looking for one you’ve
probably found that you’re not familiar with some of the terminology that’s
being used to describe this product and its features. This list of frequently asked questions and
answers should be of some help when shopping
for towable tubes and other inflatables:
1. What
material is used to make these tubes?
They are made from 600-1000 Denier Polyester plus
26-28 oz. UV treated PVC. This is the same material that many ocean-going
inflatables and inflatable military boats have.
Every seam has been heat-welded to provide maximum strength. At key stress points, the welds have been
doubled.
2. What
is neoprene and why is it used?
Neoprene was developed as a synthetic rubber. It is used to cover the handles and knuckle
guards to provide the rider with a protected and more comfortable grip. The more riders an inflatable tube can
accommodate, the more handles will be required.
Neoprene is also used on knee pads to protect the knees from chaffing
while riding a towable
tube.
3. What
is the advantage of an “E-Z Connect”?
An E-Z
Connect towing harness is the hardware used to allow
for an easier and more secure hook-up.
It also provides a better pull.
4. What
do I need to know about a 30 vs. 60 gauge bladder?
A 30 or 60 gauge bladder refers to the thickness
of the inner tube of the inflatable
towable, which is called the “bladder”.
5. What
is PVC and what is it used for?
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and this is a
form of plastic which is used in inflatable
tubes. The
advantage of using this on the “shell” or outside of the tube is that it is soft
and flexible, while at the same time being strong and durable. It’s fairly inexpensive and very easy to work
with.
6. What
are boarding straps and are they necessary?
Boarding straps, also called handles, are
necessary because they help tube riders pull themselves back on the tube from
the water.
It depends on several factors such as whether
there are varying temperatures; if so, it may be necessary to add or let some
air out to keep your tube at the ideal firmness. If you’re using your tube all the time, it
will be necessary to add air more often than if you’re using it less
frequently.
8. What’s
a Boston Valve and is this necessary?
This type of valve is a one-way valve with two
separate caps. These are commonly used
on inflatable tubes, blow-up beds, boats, floats and other toys
used in the water.
The advantage of this type of valve is that it lets air in, but won’t let
air out unless someone is intentionally deflating the tube. This makes it much easier to fill up the boating
tube. It inflates and deflates much more quickly as
well.
9. What
can I do to make sure that the Boston Valve is working properly and not
leaking?
There is an O-ring which needs to be placed
properly in the valve body. Make sure it
is in place. Also check to make sure
that the valve isn’t scratched or nicked.
Make sure there is no sand in the threads that would prevent it from
being screwed down as tight as it needs to be.
The valve body needs to be threaded straight into its base so be careful
not to bend it.
If the plastic retainer ring that keeps the valve
body from separating from the base gets pulled out of its groove, it can
sometimes get trapped between the O-ring and the base. This can happen when the valve body is being
screwed into the base and is usually the case when the valve is found to be
leaking air. To fix this you must
reinsert the plastic retainer ring into the groove in the base. Otherwise you can clip off the ring to make
sure it won’t interfere with the O-ring seating the way it needs to on the
base.
10.
What is a “self-bailing drain vent”?
This is also called a “self-draining floor vent”
and it is used for releasing excess water that tends to collect in the
depressions of a deck
tube.
11.
Can I use my inflatable tube in salt
water?
Inflatable products are made to be used in fresh
and salt water. But it only makes sense
that if you are using your tube in salt water for extended periods of time you
need to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water and dry it completely before
storing it.
12.
What is the best way to care for and
store my inflatable product?
When not in use it is best to store in a cool, dry
place where it will have little or no exposure to the sun. This product has been made with UV inhibitors
to withstand exposure to the sun but extended exposure can affect the
appearance of your product. All sand
should be hosed off as well as any other dirt or debris. It should be cleaned with mild soap and fresh
water. Before storing it should be dried
fully so that no mold or mildew takes hold.
The storage area should not be subject to extreme variations in
temperatures.
13.
What are the dos and don’ts for towing
an inflatable tube?
The towing
harness and ropes should be the proper kind and be
higher than the water. The tube needs to
be inflated properly. It is recommended
that it not be towed at speeds over 18 mph.
Never have more than the recommended number of passengers for the size
of your
inflatable tube.
Riders should sit towards the back of the hull when towing. Also, never tow without the cover on.
14.
Sometimes the cover doesn’t fit right
over the valve/cup holders, why and what can be done?
Sometimes the inner bladder moves inside the cover
when deflated. This causes poor alignment
of the bladder and cover. You can
partially deflate the bladder and adjust before re-inflating it.
15.
If my tube gets cut or nicked can I
fix it myself?
Most
inflatables come with a small kit that has
everything you need for putting a patch on a damaged cover or bladder. There is a zipper access in the cover that
can be used to remove your bladder. The
damaged area needs to be clean and dry before using the PVC patch to make the
repair.
Follow the directions in your
PVC patch repair kit but if the cut is too large for you to repair, you may
need to buy another bladder or cover.
