Hutchinson Inflatable

[Scousedeli]

We have been given an old hutchinson inflatable, but I cannot figure out how to inflate it, the valves have a thread on the outside with a square bolt head in the centre for closing the valve. Anyone any history with these boats who could help me out?

Lee

[m chappelow]

seemed popular with some diving clubs pre -popular r.i.b days ,they changed the inflation valves around 1976 or 1977 from metal to nylon ones and they had a screw cap bit like the old zodiac one,always seeemed to have wooden keels dont think they ever did one with an inflatable keel or i never saw one ,hutchinson company was taken over by french firm loisirs in mid 70s then became Hutchinson -mapa of paris,i havent seen one for years seemed to fizzzle out in very early 1980s ,

[Scousedeli]

It has a wooden floor, how do the metal valves work? Does anyone have a fitting for the valve so I can pump it up, I seem to have misplaced the original one!

[m chappelow]

if you have a pump can you sleeve the end with some smaller or wider rubber or plastic tube and push it over the valve ,or have a look around the house or garage its suprizing what some plastic soap shampoo bottle caps can be used for .or try a garden hose fitting .

[sp2k06]

Originally Posted by Scousedeli

We have been given an old hutchinson inflatable, but I cannot figure out how to inflate it, the valves have a thread on the outside with a square bolt head in the centre for closing the valve. Anyone any history with these boats who could help me out?

Lee

Got one of theese not long ago mine has the metal boston valves, there should be valve covers which have a cut out which fits the square post inside the valve use that to unscrew it and then you should be able to inflate your boat hope this makes sense and helps?!.

[Scousedeli]

unless I'm doing something wrong, when I undo the square bolt , inflate the sponson and remove the pump from the valve it begins to deflate immediately until I can tighten the bolt again!!

[sowter]

Hi I was given this Hutchinson mapa inflatable 3m lg, What pressure does it need.

[pauljcon]

Hi,I also have one,have you sourced any valves yet.