PVC boat pumps: varieties, features of choice and use

The pumps used to inflate PVC inflatable boats have long proven their effectiveness and have become an integral part of every delivery. In some cases, universal models and even automotive devices are used. However, the best choice would be a specialized pump.

When planning the purchase of an inflatable boat, due attention should be paid to the choice of a productive and reliable pump. Of course, all such products are equipped with appropriate equipment. However, in the vast majority of cases, we are talking about the so-called frogs. When using such mechanical models, it can take a long time to inflate even a relatively small boat.

Most often, experienced owners of the described boats prefer electric pumps. It should be borne in mind that such devices are much more expensive than the mentioned mechanical ones. And if the latter are manual or foot, then the electric pumps pump air into the PVC boat cylinders due to the operation of the electric motor.

At the moment, you can purchase a specialized pump for inflatable boats:

• in the relevant departments of stores focused on products for fishermen, hunters and fans of outdoor activities;
• in specialized stores;
• through online stores.

The cost of the pump will directly depend on its design, type and manufacturer. When choosing a particular model, a number of parameters should be taken into account. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the technical characteristics of the inflatable boat itself.

On the modern market, there is more than a wide range of pumps for PVC boats, representing the model ranges of many manufacturing companies. At the same time, not all novice owners of such inflatable products are freely oriented in such a variety.

Quite often, boats are supplied with simple foot devices called "frogs". It is worth noting that their main characteristics are low cost, unpretentiousness and reliability. However, an objective comparison of the performance of different models in the same conditions will help to make the right choice.

For a long time, the most popular and widespread were precisely mechanical pumps, subdivided into hand and foot. At the same time, the latter, due to their appearance and principle of action, were popularly nicknamed “frogs”. But over time, mechanical devices on the market pushed their electrical counterparts. One of the most popular are modern modifications of the so-called snail pumps, which are impellers powered by 12 volts. They are able to fill the cylinders of almost any PVC boat with air within a few minutes.

First of all, you should find out what exactly mechanical and electric pumps are, including those with a built-in battery, as well as what performance they have. As already noted, many boats are equipped with foot models, which are more suitable for small PVC products. These devices are characterized by maximum compactness and simplicity of design.

But when choosing a "frog", special attention should be paid to the material from which it is made. The main elements, as a rule, are made of artificial materials, characterized by increased strength and resistance to corrosion. This may include steel with an appropriate coating. The furs of high-quality foot pumps are made of materials with a reinforced coating.

There are also manual modifications of mechanical pumps. Pressing on the rod and its subsequent raising is carried out using a special handle. Often, modern models are equipped with devices that record the pressure in the cylinders of inflated PVC products. Piston pumps, including manual ones, are capable of delivering over 800 mbar. With all the advantages, such devices have one key drawback, which is the need to make significant efforts to inflate even a small boat.

PVC electric boat compressors are characterized primarily by maximum efficiency. They are successfully used for pumping inflatable watercraft of almost any size. Experienced owners in terms of performance recommend paying attention to two-stage high pressure pump. In the vast majority of cases, such devices are supplied with pressure gauges and are completed with carrying bags, hoses, adapter kits.

Now on the market there is more than a wide range of models of the equipment in question. If desired, you can even buy pocket battery pump. At the same time, pumps that operate in automatic mode and stop pumping in accordance with the settings and pressure indicators in the cylinders are in special demand. Among other things, there is a function that allows you to speed up the process of bleeding air.

Of course, it is impossible to unambiguously answer the question which of the currently existing types of pumps for inflatable products is better. It all depends on the operating conditions and characteristics of the boat itself. Some users prefer simplicity of design and affordable cost, while others prioritize performance.

Many companies specialize in the production of pumps, whose products are presented in the corresponding segment of the modern market. In such a situation, many owners of PVC boats find it difficult to choose the right model with the best price-performance ratio. To simplify this process, ratings of the most popular brands and specific representatives of their model ranges are compiled. It is worth considering the main features of the top 5 pumps for inflatable boats.

Subject to specifications and related reviews 5th place can be given to a hand pump representing the world-famous Intex brand. Model 68614 mainly aimed at those who like to travel light.The device is made of durable high-quality plastic and can be used to pump air into cylinders of almost any PVC product.

The main advantages of Intex-68614 include:

• competitive cost;
• ease of operation;
• maximum reliability;
• minimum dimensions;
• quality, confirmed by the popularity and reputation of the brand;
• a large number of nozzles;
• stylish design.

Naturally, there are a number of disadvantages, namely:

• relatively low productivity;
• short hose length;
• inability to inflate large boats due to the lack of a low pressure blower.

The 4th position in the ranking is occupied by Bestway products - a brand representing the Celestial Empire on the market. The quality of these pumps is confirmed by the corresponding reviews of the owners. One of the advantages of the device, powered by 220V, was the optimal ratio of cost and quality. In addition, the list of main advantages includes:

• increased productivity;
• long warranty;
• maximum reliability and service life;
• increased resistance of the device case to mechanical damage;
• compactness;
• ease of transportation and storage;
• light weight.

The most significant disadvantages of Bestway electric pumps include the lack of adapters in the kit. In addition, users pay attention to the noise of the devices. An equally important point is that the pump only works from the mains.

The leading three are opened by representatives of the model range of the Stermay brand. Many owners focus on the fact that we are talking about battery models characterized by mobility. In this case, the pumps are equipped with special crocodile clips used to connect the device to the battery. As a result, a 2-stage device is capable of pumping up to 230 liters per minute. The main competitive advantages of Stermay brand products include:

• increased productivity;
• optimal indicators of air pressure in the system;
• time of continuous operation up to 15 minutes.

Second place in the ranking went to the pump GP-80, which enjoys well-deserved popularity today. We are talking about a battery model, complete with wires for connecting the battery, a corrugated hose and 8 nozzles. Speaking about the main advantages of the device, users primarily highlight the following performance indicators:

• reliability and performance;
• strong and damage-resistant housing;
• modest dimensions;
• minimum weight.

Despite their competitive advantages, these pumps also have a number of significant disadvantages. First of all, we are talking about a low battery life and an increased noise level. For many, the downside is the lack of a pressure gauge.

And the palm goes to the bp12 model of the eminent brand Bravo, which is the most rational choice among devices belonging to the middle price category. The unit, capable of providing pressure up to 1000 mbar, has the following advantages:

• quick pumping of the boat;
• the presence of a durable air hose in the pump kit;
• relatively small weight;
• compact dimensions;
• increased productivity;
• Italian quality.

However, even such reliable devices manufactured by leading brands have some drawbacks. In this case, we are talking about noise and a fairly quickly discharged battery. An equally significant factor for many potential buyers is the cost of the device.

Having decided to choose the most suitable pump for an inflatable boat in terms of cost and performance, First of all, attention should be paid to the design features of the models under consideration. In situations with foot-operated mechanical devices, one of the key factors will be the material from which the main elements of the unit are made, which are under maximum pressure during operation. These leading brand quality device assemblies are made from durable stainless steel.

The best raw material for the production of furs is reinforced PVC material. The discharge pressure deserves special attention, which should be in the range from 400 to 800 mbar. This parameter directly depends on the size of the boat cylinders. One of the main advantages can be the presence of a pressure gauge, as well as low and high pressure chambers equipped with integrated sensors.

In such cases, the emphasis is on the strength of all elements and the quality of the materials used in the production. These pumps will be the best solution for those who want to reduce operating costs and build muscle mass at the same time.

There are several general rules for choosing a pump for PVC inflatable products, namely:

• optimal performance is determined by the dimensions of the inflated object;
• membrane elements of the device must be made of materials that are not susceptible to corrosion;
• the best option would be a symbiosis of piston and turbine superchargers operating alternately;
• an important factor is the availability of controllers and sensors necessary for the operation of the pump in automatic mode;
• the cost of the device should be related to its quality and functionality (it does not always make sense to buy an expensive and too powerful unit).

Experienced users recommend giving preference double acting models, which allows you to quickly pump up the boat and just as quickly bleed the air in the cylinders. However, manual modifications should not be discounted either. As practice shows, devices with a diameter and height of 12 and 70 cm, respectively, are capable of pumping up to 800 mbar.

The main advantages of electrical units are their performance. It is on this parameter that you should pay special attention when choosing a particular model. It is strongly recommended to purchase products of well-known and trusted brands, while studying the reviews of experienced boat owners and the pumps themselves. And don't forget that one of the key criteria will be the design features and characteristics of the inflatable water craft.

Regardless of the type of pump used to inflate the boat, proper operation of the device and following the manufacturer's recommendations will ensure the longest possible service life. In parallel, it will turn out to reduce the cost of maintaining the unit.There are general rules for all types of pumps. These include a number of important points.

• The device must be kept clean after each use. Even if there is only a slight amount of sand or dirt, the dirt must be removed carefully and as quickly as possible using a damp cloth or cloth.
• Taking into account the fact that the pumps are used near water bodies, it is necessary to exclude moisture ingress.
• Mechanical and thermal damage to equipment should be prevented, since even the highest quality and most reliable models of famous brands can fail.
• During storage of the pump and its transportation, special attention must be paid to the condition of the hose, while avoiding kinks and creases. The latter, as a rule, cause cracks.

In situations with electric models, the following rules must be observed:

• the compressor is started only after its thorough inspection and check of all connections;
• battery models operate when the battery is fully charged;
• the pump should be positioned stably and in the same plane as the boat being pumped;
• it is required to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight on the unit;
• its long-term operation at sub-zero temperatures can have an extremely negative impact on the state of the equipment;
• during operation, it is necessary to monitor the absence of kinks in the hose;
• every 20 minutes you need to take a break, which will maximize the life of any electric pump;
• transportation must be carried out in a special bag or case, which, as a rule, are included in the delivery.

As in situations with any technique, timely and quality service will be the key to long-term operation and minimal maintenance costs of the device. Equally important is compliance with the rules of use and storage.

Otherwise, the pump may fail at any time, and repair work can cause significant costs - both financial and time.

A similar question arises for many owners of PVC boats. It should be borne in mind that there are special adapters on sale for connecting automobile compressors to valves of inflatable products. Theoretically, the use of such pumps is possible, but it is worth paying attention to two very important points.

First of all, we are talking about the performance of automotive devices, which is several times inferior to that of specialized units. To understand exactly what the problem is, we can consider a specific example. The average volume of a car wheel is 0.08 "cubes", and it is inflated by the pump models under consideration for 4-5 minutes.

The volume of 3-meter cylinders with a diameter of 42 cm of a PVC boat with a hard floor will be equal to 0.87 "cubes". It turns out that this figure is almost 11 times the volume of the wheel. As a result, the pump will have to work for about an hour. For normal operation, the car compressor must have a capacity of at least 60 l / min. Otherwise, the device will fail due to long-term continuous operation.

Another important point is the pressure generated.So, an inexpensive auto pump is able to provide up to 3 atmospheres, while in the process of pumping up a boat, 0.25 atm is required. In other words, the safe value can be exceeded by 12 times, which will lead to damage to the cylinders.

In the following video you will find a comparison of different pumps for PVC boats.