Inflatable tender emergency inflation device

mariner3302 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006

I have been thinking about this for awhile. It has to be possible to use a small compressed air cylinder such as a scuba pony tank or emergency bottle to inflate the tubes. I saw that Zodiac has some sort of a hose adapter for this purpose but can find no information. I don't have nor intend to get a liferaft. Inflating the tubes quickly and easily is the answer. Anyone have any information on this?
Would be for a Zodiac 280Aero floor.

hellosailor · #2 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006

Yes, but I think you'll find the problem is that compressed air isn't as compressed as the other gasses, i.e. CO2 and N. A full SCUBA tank, sure, but there's not much air in a pony bottle.

BeneteauMark · #3 (**permalink**) 10-20-2006

I'm with HelloSailor on the subject of pony bottles. Depending on the size of the pony, it could hold as little at 6 cubic feet at atmospheric pressure, though I've seen larger ponies up to 40 cubic feet.

If I'm remembering my old Avon Redcrest correctly, there was an optional emergency inflation kit available that used CO2. Don't know if that's still an option or not.

Have you considered that a standard inflatable won't be very stable in a storm and likely to flip? Life rafts are available with ballast pockets to help them stay right side up when the going gets rough.

Mark