Inflation sequence

[Tommy c]

I've just picked up a boatworld 3m air vee floor but it has no inflation guide. The previous owner used it once when purchased 2 years ago and hasn't got any info. The chamber pressures are on the boatworld site but does anyone know the sequence of inflation. I've seen some YouTube videos of the honwaves showing front first followed by sides but the seller thought sides first followed by front?
Thanks

[Daibheid]

Most inflatables/RIBs it's rear chambers first as the bulkheads are usually fitted to inflate forward for minimum stress on their joints. So they will add pressure to the forward chambers. If you've an inflatable keel (or hijackers on a Zapcat), it's easier to get some pressure in that after inflation of the main tubes. The low volume means it'll soften as the main tubes extend it but blowing the keel up first can help pull an inflatable into rough shape before inflating the main tubes. Just top it off when finished. Also plan for cold water reducing air volume on launch so you might need to top everything up again - same sequence.

[Fenlander]

Boatworld are very helpful so if you phone or email I'm sure they will be happy to tell you if that model has any specific sequence. What is most important... whatever the sequence is... only filling each of the tubes up to volume in turn before going round again to inflate to pressure.

[jwalker]

Do both rear sides first and leave them just a tad under inflated. The baffles will move forward on both sides. Now inflate the front up to pressure and the baffles will move partially towards the rear, this ensures all chambers are at the same pressure.

[GuyC]

+1 to what Fenlander has said.

I'm not sure what Daibheid says below is necessarily the case. Whilst there are examples of baffles being fitted that require a back to front inflation, the front to back inflation order is at least as common.

There is hours of reading if you search for "baffles".

https://www.rib.net/forum/f8/baffles-82562.html

Originally Posted by Daibheid

Most inflatables/RIBs it's rear chambers first as the bulkheads are usually fitted to inflate forward for minimum stress on their joints.