Rechargeable air pump

4str · 09 May 2014, 15:05

I'm about to buy one of these but am wondering if it is overkill for a RIB:
High Pressure 10psi Electric Pump for Inflatable Boats, Rafts & Kayaks
This is a rechargeable two stage pump with auto shutoff. A high volume pump fills the tube and then a piston pump finishes to final pressure.

I've got 5 chambers to fill on the boat and don't want to have to manage a long cord or unpack the console to get to one of the batteries. I have been managing with a foot pump until now but as the boat has gotten older I am finding it needs more volume after it sits for a while. I have an adapter that I can rig to the blower side of a 18v portable vacuum, but it still requires a top up with the foot pump.

Any other suggestions?

jyasaki · 09 May 2014, 16:24

I have a Bravo 12, just had to replace it as the old one bit the dust:
Wooska presents Innova Scoprega Bravo Super Turbo Electric Pump With Alligator Clips

Note that this is the 4.4 psi model; didn't see the need for the 12psi one (no air floor or other high pressure chamber.) I didn't want the battery model, as I have 2 in the boat already, and I hate having batteries fail (and the smaller ones in these kind of devices usually do.)

I lop off the alligator clips and wire it into the boat; it lives in a bracket mounted inside the console. I used a length of garden hose to reach the valves.

jky

4str · 09 May 2014, 16:30

Hadn't thought of that, good idea.

Bigtalljv · 09 May 2014, 16:43

i just bought an inexpensive O'Brien pump off Amazon. I've used it once and it's worked for that long. there appear to be many brands selling the same pump, just look they make a 12v and a 120v version. It's a low pressure pump but more than I need for my zodiac tubes, I go about 2 psi. No auto anything so I have a gauge on board if I want more precision than "feels about right".

I took a slightly different route from JKY and replaced the alligator clips with a cigarette lighter plug. I have enough power cord to reach to all the tubes and the pump is small and has a handle. I figured the cord takes up less space than the hose but I think I have a bigger boat...

Jason

Dydigital · 11 May 2014, 00:56

had a look on the internet cant find JKY?

Nasher · 11 May 2014, 15:26

My rechargeable bravo pump swings 3 ways

I put a longer length of cable between the built in battery and the pump with an Anderson connector in the middle.

1) It runs as intended of it's own battery.

2) I installed a permanent fixed cable with Anderson connector in the console connected to my battery bank so it can run off the boat batteries.

3) I made up a length of cable with an Anderson connector on one end and crocodile clips on the other so it can run off any 12V battery.

Nasher.

John Kennett · 11 May 2014, 18:48

I nasherised mine too. It takes the edge off the smug launching procedure when you discover the internal battery is flat and don't have an alternative power source!

I've also added a 40a fused feed in the back of the van with an Anderson connector

Nasher · 11 May 2014, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kennett

I've also added a 40a fused feed in the back of the van with an Anderson connector

Glad I inspired somebody

I should have said that my hard wired supply in the console is of course fused.
The plan was to use it for other things too like a searchlight.

Nasher

Will75 · 11 May 2014, 22:50

Removed the battery from mine altogether, made a mounting bracket and installed it permanently with a switch on the console. Replaced the oem hose with five metres of 20mm convoluted conduit. Bob on!

jyasaki · 12 May 2014, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dydigital

had a look on the internet cant find JKY?

Assuming you're in the UK, try here:
Bravo BST12 Highspeed for inflatable boats, dinghy and RIBs

Battery powered HP model:
Bravo BST 12 with rechargeable battery for inflatable boats, dinghy and RIBs

A Google search for "Bravo BST 12 pump" should get you additional local(ish) hits.

jky

captnjack · 12 May 2014, 17:04

4str, I made an LP scuba hose nipple to boat valve adapter for mine. Works great with an lp50 cylinder. You might need a slightly larger cylinder like an AL63. I use it with an old junky argon reg. Need to be careful to not overinflate but its fast and easy.

4str · 13 May 2014, 05:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by captnjack

4str, I made an LP scuba hose nipple to boat valve adapter for mine. Works great with an lp50 cylinder. You might need a slightly larger cylinder like an AL63. I use it with an old junky argon reg. Need to be careful to not overinflate but its fast and easy.

I've already got all the parts! I made that adapter to fit a large lift bag but for some reason my brain isn't working. Thanks for the virtual "snap out of it" slap. And for saving me some money, I owe you a beer.