Is my pressure gauge correct?

[ba_fisher]

My Mercury RIB comes with a hand pump and a pressure gauge.

Mercury Double Action Hand Pump

I attached the pressure gauge to the top of the pump. If I block the hose with a wet towel and pump, I can see the gauge move.

However, when I am pumping into the tubes, the gauge always stays at 0 (whether I am pumping or not). This is my first inflatable boat so I don't know how hard the tubes should feel when inflated to spec (manual says 3.5 PSI).

Anyway, I pumped enough that the tubes feels as hard as, I don't know, breast implant?? The gauge still reads zero. If I open the valve air will blow out like crazy.

Is this normal, or should I get a different pump?

How hard does 1 PSI feel?

[willk]

Originally Posted by ba_fisher

Anyway, I pumped enough that the tubes feels as hard as, I don't know, breast implant??

How hard does 1 PSI feel?

It's been a while, but last time I felt a breast implant, I was definitely over 1 PSI

Anyhoo, I have the same pumpset and 1 PSI isn't hard and won't register. You'll need to pump until the tubes are actually hard (more Rihanna than Madonna). If you can bounce a fist of the tube and the gauge still reads zero - it's horsed. Silly question I know, but is the gauge on the right side of the system - i.e. in the hose leading to the tube?

[ba_fisher]

Thanks. I was afraid that I might bust the tubes, but now I have more courage to keep pumping.

After a while, the gauge started to show a reading, and I pumped the tubes to about 2 PSI as indicated by the gauge. Now they feel harder somewhat than a beach ball, but much softer than a basketball (which I think should be about 8psi).

I'll keep watching the tubes and if they don't bust, I'll pump them up to spec (3.6psi).

Now, what do I do with my back pain?

[willk]

Originally Posted by ba_fisher

Now, what do I do with my back pain?

Keep away from the breast implants, sit up straight and buy one of these:

Bravo BTP pump - digital 12 volt electric Rib inflation pump