December 2017 Leisure Boating^19
surface of the RIB but do not affect the
underlying Hypalon. Inflatable boat
cleaner can be used in a spray bottle and
diluted with water during the cleaning
process and will remove dirt, stains and
scuff marks. Use clean rags to wipe off
the loosened dirt, and when the rag
gets too dirty, exchange it for a clean
one. Work in small sections and clean
thoroughly. Make sure you use the
correct products for Hypalon and PVC
boat materials. Many of the cleaning
products also protect against UV damage
and degradation.
PROPER INFLATION
All RIBs need careful inflation and great
care needs to be taken if a high volume
compressor is used to ensure the boat
is not over inflated. The cells within the
inflatable can easily be damaged due to
excessive over inflation.
BAFFLE DIVISIONS
Each air chamber on a RIB has a baffle
that separates it from the other chambers
and adding too much pressure to a
compartment can undermine or damage
the separating baffle. For this reason it is
important to put equal amounts of air into
each chamber. Having a pressure gauge
to check to take a pressure reading is
important. During the heat of the day, the
air inside the RIB will expand and create
added pressure. Monitoring the pressure
and releasing pressure is necessary to
keep the RIB inflated at its optimum level.
TRAILERING
Be careful when trailering the RIB and
ensure that no abrasive ropes or tie-downs
are rubbing against the boat and definitely
don’t drag the boat along the ground as
this will quickly do damage to it.
RIBS WITH CHIPS
Inflatables are a wonderful and affordable
boating alternative which offer the user
many years of fun on the water. They’re
east to manage, lighter that normal
fibreglass hulled boats and easily
transportable. With a little extra easy
maintenance and care you’ll be enjoying
all the various watersports of your dreams
... at a fraction of the price. LB