Welcome to our first official DinghyTalk post on our new website. We hope you find the following information beneficial.
Valve Maintenance
Valve maintenance is a very important part of keeping your inflatable holding air. Proper care of the valves is very important to protect the integrity of the internal components and ensure its ability to seal as designed by the factory. Many owners are unaware that it is normal for valves to lose some air and make a hissing sound without the valve cap in place. The cap is designed to be the final seal for most valves.
Over the course of time the O-rings and gaskets may dry out or get damaged causing the valve to leak. Many valves such as those used in Achilles and many Zodiacs have parts that can be replaced as parts become worn or damaged. Grease should not be used on any inflatable boat valve unless specified by the manufacturer as part of routine maintenance. Grease can actually lead to increased leakage on many valves as it attracts and traps dirt and grit and prevents a good seal. This also can cause premature failure of valve components from excessive wear and tear
The only Inflatable boat valve that should ever need grease, is the Zodiac intercommunicating valve. These valves are used many on the Zodiac(Milpro) commercial inflatables such as the legendary F470, the Grand Raid, and other models including some Zodiac Hurricanes. The I/C valves, as they are commonly known, require special attention and it is recommended that those be serviced by factory trained technicians. This valve has an internal pressure relief which must be set correctly to avoid damage to the boat.
Basic cleaning of valves can be accomplished with simple soap and water and an old toothbrush. Over time, your valves can accumulate dirt and grit in and around the seals or O-rings on the caps, especially keel and air floor valves, and create an improper seal allowing air to leak out. In most cases the O ring or seal around your caps can easily be removed and scrubbed. The cap itself should also be scrubbed to remove any particulate that has settled in the area where your O-ring sits. Once both are cleaned and dried the O rings or seals can be carefully inspected for any cracking or dry rot of the material. If any is found, the part should be replaced to ensure the best seal possible. Be certain to make sure to give the threads on your valve caps a good cleaning too, if your style valve is threaded.
This simple preventative maintenance will ensure better operation of your valves and prevent unnecessary leaking and damage. Proper maintenance help ensure a longer life for your inflatable.
Happy boating,
Chris Going