Rib storage - tubes inflated or deflated

[EdwardH]

Hello all,

reading the interesting thread about lifting the RIB by crane, I noticed Mark saying

If you deflate the tubes, it allows the tube to deform too much and places too much load on the joint of the hull to the underside of the tube, cracking the layers which are glued together.

So I was wondering about storing my rib during the off season? It sits on a trailer in my garage under a cover. An amount of air releases from the tubes so that after about a month without use, the tubes are now about 50% deflated and are sagging down over the hull?

Is this bad for the tubes or the joint where the tubes are held on?

I was told that the best thing to do was allow the tubes to deflate slightly? but is this too much? should i pump them up again asap?

Yours concerned,

Edward

[MeMe]

I myself find this an interesting question and am therefore surprised that no one, as yet has responded.

Speaking from my own experiences I too winter store in the garage for around 5 months a year between late October and early March.

I go to the trouble to take the tubes off the hull, clean where appropriate and refit with pressure just under the maximim recommended. As they deflate over the winter (if they do at all) I top them up slightly (not hard) just to maintain the correct shape. Thus far (2 winter storages) the sponsors remain perfect.

[John Kennett]

Originally posted by MeMe
I myself find this an interesting question and am therefore surprised that no one, as yet has responded.

Probably because it was discussed only a couple of weeks ago!

This is the thread: http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2482&

Hope this helps
John

[Scotty]

Originally posted by MeMe

I go to the trouble to take the tubes off the hull, clean where appropriate and refit with pressure just under the maximim recommended.

You and I are lucky to own a Zodiac. This is the benefit of not having tubes glued to the hull. My next rib which will be bought this winter will be a pro open 650. Also with detachable tubes.

[Mike B]

Originally posted by EdwardH
An amount of air releases from the tubes so that after about a month without use, the tubes are now about 50% deflated and are sagging down over the hull?

Is this normal ? I've had my boat for two months now (but it is going on ten years old) and have not needed to top up the tubes.

Cheers

Mike

[EdwardH]

its a bit warmer here Mike ;-) the air expands/deflates more...

No but seriously, is this not normal?? can someone enlighten me?

I top up my tubes every other time I go out on the boat - usually once a week??

is there something wrong with my valves?

[John Kennett]

I wouldn't expect to have to top up the tubes that often.

Do you have pressure relief valves fitted to your tubes by any chance? If you do, it's possible that yor garage gets very hot and causes them to release air from the tubes.

If not, then it sounds like you have a small leak somewhere.

John

[MeMe]

Although it would appear that I'm wishing the summer away with this next question.

When I come to storing my rib this winter I've seen a process where by you can have your whole boat wrapped in plastic (clear or blue). I've seen this on many hard shell speed boats but never on a RIB. What do you think ? Any experiences ! I know it's a hot wrap method therefore the obvious comes to mind however, the wrap can be fused on the chine not the tube.

[John Hughes]

I have to top up nearly every day in hot weather (34 c + in shade) and always find caps on pressure relief valves blown off. recommended pressure is 200mb and the tubes are pu. They always feel softer than pvc tubes at this pressure, anybody know why? or am i underinflated/
What's the problem with being a bit underinflated?
In winter I deflate and store in a garage, but always tie tubes together as advised in manual, and fold stern ends into transom. No explanation given, but presumably it is to relieve stress on tube to hull joint
Just bought a Sevylor inflator from Seamark Nunn, what a difference!!!