How long should rib stay full of air for

[Jmeddy]

Hi can any one tell me how long a inflatable rib keep its air fully for thanx

[BumbleAbout]

Forever (if there are no leaks) ...

That is not the same however as the tubes remaining fully inflated - because that largely depends upon the temperature of the air in the tubes (and the temperature when they were filled)

[Poly]

It depends!

Some manufacturers are reportedly better than others. Temperature also affects tubes. If you have over pressure release valves this will let air out when very warm, which will need refilled when it cools.

Some people claim months or years between top ups others add air every day.

[Ribtecer]

I can honestly claim that I have had my Solent 5.4 for coming up 3 years and I have never had the caps off the valves.

Right now it is in my cold barn, and at this time of year it looks a bit sorry for itself but wheel it out in to the sun and bingo its "back in the room".

Henshaw tubes are up there with the best if not the best - I think.

Toby

[Jmeddy]

That's sound advise thanx people I I bought it last week it's only used once built in 2011 it's a little 330 excell r with center console it was full of air last Sunday but just noticed today it's lost a bit of air I hope it's nothing to worry about,it's me first rib and can't wait to get out on it and give it a blast,it's got a new 15hp so should go pretty well, thanx again.. John

[chewy]

Given the temperature change up here over the last week I wouldn't worry if its lost a little.
Whatever you do don't pump it up now as once the weather warms up the tubes will increase in pressure which "could" lead to leaky seams or worse.

[martini]

Originally Posted by chewy

Given the temperature change up here over the last week I wouldn't worry if its lost a little.
Whatever you do don't pump it up now as once the weather warms up the tubes will increase in pressure which "could" lead to leaky seams or worse.

And we all know what can happen when pressurised containers get warmed up

[Anchorhandler]

Hmm, i'm starting to worry about you Matt... :-)

[Erin]

I'd be very worried

[Mercury]

Originally Posted by Jmeddy

Hi can any one tell me how long a inflatable rib keep its air fully for thanx

My SR4 was made April 1974. Still holds air very well in fact extremely well, I dont have to top it up in the summer. But stored in my garage in the winter it looks a bit sad, but only a bit. It just goes rather floppy, but still keeps its shape.

[Razorbill RIBs]

Originally Posted by martini

And we all know what can happen when pressurised containers get warmed up

Only an aerosol would make jokes like that Matt....

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by Razorbill RIBs

Only an aerosol would make jokes like that Matt....

<offtopic>
Many years ago I worked for a skip company.
We had an old metal wheelie bin in the yard that the yard scrotes used to chuck wood into and burn to keep warm in the winter.

Favourite sport was to stick a chunk of steel drainpipe into it and drop aerosols in top down to see how far they'd fly-until a burning one landed on the office portacabin

</offtopic>

[mister p]

"Scrotes", "aerosols", "drainpipes".............shotgun cartridges sound right up your pipe dude.
But really.......your ribs will stay inflated for as long as you hold your breath. Unless you open your chops for a "deep clean".
Anyway Scotland lost.
Damned shame.
Glad England won though.

[Jmeddy]

Thanx for the info guys

[9D280]

5 sections.

2 stay up indefinetly.
2 take a fortnight or so to get to the point you might want to think about adding a bit of air.
1 I wouldn't leave it on a mooring overnight 'till I can track down the ***ing leak! :rolleyes


During the summer I pull it out the garage with toobs slightly soft. 15 mins on the road and I watch the toobs self inflate in the mirrors!