01-23-2013, 05:17 PM
I've had 3 repairs on different tube bladders in the last 3 years. All were tiny tears at the seams, on the inflatable seat bottom of my ODC 420s, where the compression effect doesn't work. Since they were near the same area near one strap, I decided to Aquaseal the length of the seam on that side as a precaution. Maybe will help. These had all been through at least 30+ cycles of inflation/deflation, so I am thinking there is a fatigue factor in the bladder material. I keep the main pontoons, which are of the same material permanently inflated, and have never had a leak for them. So I'm wondering if most of you guys keep your frequent used craft permanently inflated, as I do year round. Maybe it's better not to go through the inflation/deflation cycles as far as leaks for vinyl bladder craft.
The seat bladders have air mattress type plugs which sometimes pop out upon impact with rocks at speed. Like when going down rapids. So I have rigged tiny bungee tiedowns to keep the plugs in place, and they work well, so far.
Yesterday (70's here) I discovered that 3 of the foam blocks can be squeezed into the bottom seat compartment that is intended for only 2. The ride is much better- higher, dryer, and almost as comfortable with very little flexing compared to the standard 2 blocks. So I will probably use these when I do ride the rapids from now on...
Pon
[signature]
The seat bladders have air mattress type plugs which sometimes pop out upon impact with rocks at speed. Like when going down rapids. So I have rigged tiny bungee tiedowns to keep the plugs in place, and they work well, so far.
Yesterday (70's here) I discovered that 3 of the foam blocks can be squeezed into the bottom seat compartment that is intended for only 2. The ride is much better- higher, dryer, and almost as comfortable with very little flexing compared to the standard 2 blocks. So I will probably use these when I do ride the rapids from now on...
Pon
[signature]