Valves (idiot question)

[paulb33]

Be kind to this newbie please. [emoji849]

Perplexed by valves on my 2015 Redbay Stormforce 7.4s.

The tubes have at least two valves on each side. These valves are exposed using a screw cap cover, allowing inflation.

Adjacent to each valve, is what I would describe as a “blank valve”. Shown on the right in the photo attached. This is lacking a screw cap and doesn’t appear to turn. So I’m not sure of it’s function

Now, I wouldn’t be concerned with any of this, if the tubes inflated properly. While the tube sections immediately adjacent to each valve quickly harden (so the valves are taking in air) the bow and stern tube sections remain soft.

WTF am I doing wrong?

[69cmw]

The 1 with no cover is a pressure relief valve. Saves you over pressurising your tubes.

[Phil M]

Originally Posted by paulb33

Now, I wouldn’t be concerned with any of this, if the tubes inflated properly. While the tube sections immediately adjacent to each valve quickly harden (so the valves are taking in air) the bow and stern tube sections remain soft.

WTF am I doing wrong?

The tubes are divided into sections by internal baffles so that if one leaks, gets damaged etc. you don't loose all of your buoyancy. You need to pump up each section in turn to whatever pressure is specified for your boat.

Phil M

[willk]

You should have a MINIMUM of 5 pairs of valves. Typically the bow section will have an inlet on one side and the overpressure on the other. Not sure of your layout, but possibly stern section valves inside a seat or moulding?

Take care filling - raise all tubes to low pressure first, and then top off to working pressure moving from bow to stern sections. There are shaped baffles inside the tubes that you want a certain shape and you definitely don't want to pop one with undue forces. Your manufacturer's plate will show the correct pressure for your tubes - likely 2.5-3psi but don't assume this!!!

[GuyC]

The reason for going from bow to stern is that the internal baffles are glued in with the 'seam' forward of the baffle and going from bow to stern minimises the risk of peeling the baffle off. Or so I'm led to believe.

Nice boat by the way.

[Pikey Dave]

The baffles “should” be able to take full pressure with the adjacent compartment deflated, that’s what they’re for.

[ShinyShoe]

I've always found baffles... Baffling!

They exist to make sure if one tube fails the others stay filled... But why do they need to be interconnected I'm the first place!

[jelwood]

How’d you mean interconnected? Maybe I’m being blonde here haha

One of the tests of new hypalon tube sets is a chamber test, which involved sucking all the air from every other chamber and fully inflating the remaining ones.

They’re built generally so they can deflect either way, there’s strips both sides, the old witches hat style ones perhaps were more directional

[paulb33]

Thanks for all your help. Will do a more thorough search of the tubes today. It’s certainly baffling.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

The baffles “should” be able to take full pressure with the adjacent compartment deflated, that’s what they’re for.

I concur. That said, compare the numbers of reports of blown tubes to failed baffles. It could be a reporting bias, as a blown tube is fairly self explanatory - but I still have my suspicions....

[willk]

Originally Posted by paulb33

Thanks for all your help. Will do a more thorough search of the tubes today. It’s certainly baffling.

If your Redbay was built to be coded, it may have 7 tube sections. Five as a minimum.

[paulb33]

Originally Posted by willk

If your Redbay was built to be coded, it may have 7 tube sections. Five as a minimum.

Blimey. So why am I only seeing 4 valves?

[paulb33]

Okay: there’s a fifth tucked in the bow locker. QED. [emoji847]