Question about pumps

[AeroAlex]

Im ashamed to admit it but my aerotec 380 has been sat un-loved in the garage now for a few years. But thast going to change as i have the means of getting it and the family to the lakes now!

My pump died a while back so i need a replacement, looking at the bravo 12hp super turbo but heard bad things regarding reliability, and they arent exactly a cheap unit. So are there any others that will get the floor up to the required pressure. Its the one thing about the bravo thats pulling me in, getting the floor to pressure with a foot pump was always a bit of a pita.

Any suggestions welcomed!

[Fenlander]

Many problems reported with Bravo pumps are down to insufficient voltage or using beyond a sensible duration hence overheating.

I used my Bravo for each outing for over 9yrs before it needed replacing... and to give it credit it would still pump to full floor pressure just that the setting change button went faulty. Easy choice to go Bravo again.

I still think they are the best pump due to their high output in the turbine phase to fill the chambers... many of the budget (£40-£50) pumps just run a low volume HP pump from the start. Some folks on here have bought at the £80-£90 price point and been pleased with the result but for me that's getting close to the Bravo anyway.

See post #18 in this thread... https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/bravo-...ues-78536.html

But I really have no axe to grind if folks prefer the cheaper ones.... it's whatever suits you.

[AeroAlex]

Still sounds like the bravo is the one to get then, thanks very much for the info just been out of the game for so long!

My intention is to run the pump directly from my car battery (car running) like i did with my old pump so hopefully that shouldn't allow any drop in voltage and allow the pump to get the floor right up to where it needs to be...or thats my hope anyway!

Well that was simple..bravo!

[Oldman2]

Plenty of Bravo BTP12 pumps with case on ebay for around £85 delivered. I have to assume they are Bravo and not copies. I bought one and it seems the real deal. I cant see anyone paying £264 for one at the other end of the price range!

[Fenlander]

You were brave to buy one if from the same supplier as the £85 ones listed at the moment. Similar listings with odd sellers names and the same spelling mistakes carried across the apparently different sellers. Also one refers to shipping from Australia, another from a UK warehouse.... but they are all seller accounts registered in China.

If yours arrived OK and looks genuine Bravo then OK but those listings do flag up worries.

[AeroAlex]

Originally Posted by Oldman2

Plenty of Bravo BTP12 pumps with case on ebay for around £85 delivered. I have to assume they are Bravo and not copies. I bought one and it seems the real deal. I cant see anyone paying £264 for one at the other end of the price range!

Ill have a look at them cheers.could be worth a punt but im always carefull

[Oldman2]

If they turn out to be copies hopefully the Chinese have learnt from Bravo's early mistakes and made the internals stronger

[pagick]

My bravo died early (3 years) but I decided to stay with it due to cost of other 2 stage pumps. When it arrived I realized I could splice the two hoses together and with my pump secured in a tote for the loose bits. I can reach all 4 corners of my boat. But this might just benifit me due to adjusting pressure mid and end of day due to high temp fluctuation.
All that said I have found the fastest way to fill your boat with the low pressure is a leaf blower. Open the valve and you don't even have to be in contact with the boat. just aim it close to the valve. Seems to just be seconds per section.