New Rib losing pressure in one section

[Ian_st]

Hi all, am new to ribbing and need some help and advise

The rib is a new Humber Assault 5.0m.

Have used it once without issue, but am noticing that the rear tube is losing pressure (significantly). Thinking originally that this was cold related I reset the pressure in the tubes so that the 2 adjacent tubes were the same pressure. For 10 days all ok, and on Monday was working on the boat and it was all ok as I was looking at the transom adjacent to the area.

Go out tonight to find the tube deflated once again.

Cannot understand why this is the case as if it deflated gradually it would lead to a slow leak, but this seems to be fine then a big leak. Have done a search to look for the leak, but it seems very puzzling.

Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Ian

[mister p]

Where's your boat parked up? I found school kiddies letting air out when I left the trailer on the drive overnight before a run. The little blighters even do that on campsites.

[Ian_st]

It's in my fathers back garden... Now although he is a P.I.T.A at 73 I doubt I can blame him. It would have been in the garage but its 6 inches too long.

[Ribstore]

Hi Ian, You say you have 'done a search' but have you done the usual soapy water test of the whole tube and valves? See our guide here. Chris

[Ribshop]

Hi Ian, just lake your father in law these leaks can be a PITA. The first place to check is the valve. If you can imagine there is a rubber diaphragm inside the valve that is sprung loaded and seats its self against a plastic base. All the while there is high pressure behind the rubber it seats well but if it is slightly damaged or there is dirt on the seating area it will leak faster the more pressure decreases.
Fitting a new diaphragm is easy and you can find the instructions here:
http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat
If it is not the valve move on to areas that are pushed up against something when the tubes are inflated, where the tube joins the top or bottom of the transom are common area or where the tube fits the hull.

If you are still having problems one of us will be happy to talk you through it on the phone.

Kieron

[BogMonster]

I'd vote for the valve too. If I reduce the pressure in my VM tubes for storage, it then doesn't hold air unless the valve cap is on tight, and goes completely flat. Pumped up to operating pressure, and with the cap on, no problems at all.

[Rokraider]

Is it not a warranty issue, if it is a new Humber? f it is under warranty and you have had a go at repairing it yourself, you could invalidate the warranty.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Rokraider

Is it not a warranty issue,

Only if he actually has a leak. A speck of dirt in a valve or incorrect inflation hardly makes it a warranty job

OP - what pressure are you inflating the tubes to?