Anyone deflate their sib with vacuum pump?

[Oldman2]

I just chose the afternoon of the hottest day of the year to deflate and pack away my Elling on my own and boy did that take it out of me. I removed the air floor as usual and folded it.
The boat I set the valve pins to deflate and folded it into itself, same as usual, but while leaning on bits to vacate the air I wondered if there is mileage in using the pump to do the hard work for you?
It should make it so much easier not having to sit on it.


My sweat must have helped as that boat is getting smaller 60x40x110 bagged without the vacuum.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Oldman2

I just chose the afternoon of the hottest day of the year to deflate and pack away my Elling on my own and boy did that take it out of me. I removed the air floor as usual and folded it.
The boat I set the valve pins to deflate and folded it into itself, same as usual, but while leaning on bits to vacate the air I wondered if there is mileage in using the pump to do the hard work for you?
It should make it so much easier not having to sit on it.


My sweat must have helped as that boat is getting smaller 60x40x110 bagged without the vacuum.

Every time, you haven’t a chance of getting it back in the bag otherwise.

[willk]

I vac the tubes on the big RIB for transport. Same on the SIB for winter storage. It works but over vaccing will result in rigid material that is difficult to fold. Vac out and then leave valves open while you roll it.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by willk

I vac the tubes on the big RIB for transport. Same on the SIB for winter storage. It works but over vaccing will result in rigid material that is difficult to fold. Vac out and then leave valves open while you roll it.

Yup, just what I do. Also, line up the folds/seams/creases whilst it’s vaccing out, makes it easier to fold/roll.

[Fenlander]

Going to be contrary here... never vac the air out just do a pre roll to expel the air then unroll and roll up neatly. Usually beat the makers pack on any brand I've owned.

But yes a vac down does work as long as you don't vac it to unfoldable.

[Yabadabadoo]

I use Fenlander’s method, I roll up to a rough packed shape with valves open, sit on it/have a break, then un-roll.

I then spend a few minutes lining up the fabric nicely and it quickly goes to factory spec packed size or better.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Going to be contrary here... never vac the air out just do a pre roll to expel the air then unroll and roll up neatly. Usually beat the makers pack on any brand I've owned.

But yes a vac down does work as long as you don't vac it to unfoldable.

+1

[Oldman2]

Looks pretty much like a 50/50 split. I may just try the pump next time just to see how that method suits me.

[Fenlander]

Yep it really doesn't matter which way you go... just the one that gets you the best pack size.