Am I doing something wrong

[Steve on sheppey]

So when I bought my SIB it came with this, presumably to check the correct pressure in the tubes, yet when I try connecting it, the needle stays on zero and air escapes,
Is it buggered
Is it a waste of time
Is it me

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Steve on sheppey

So when I bought my SIB it came with this, presumably to check the correct pressure in the tubes, yet when I try connecting it, the needle stays on zero and air escapes,
Is it buggered
Is it a waste of time
Is it me

#2/#3... 40 years with inflatable Boats...never used one never wanted one and never needed one

[jambo]

Originally Posted by Maximus

#2/#3... 40 years with inflatable Boats...never used one never wanted one and never needed one

What my good friend said

[Fenlander]

My pump has a gauge so 99% of the time I never use an additional gauge. However if your SIB has an air floor you will need a gauge for best performance.

That gauge type is often supplied with several different thickness rubber collars/seals so that when the bayonet engages the seal is tight.

[jambo]

Check that it's exactly the same entry profile as your pump connection. You may need this type https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2Pcs-High...8OtH:rk:3:pf:1

[pagick]

Originally Posted by Maximus

#2/#3... 40 years with inflatable Boats...never used one never wanted one and never needed one

With 40 years I would hope you can FEEL the proper pressure. But if your new to inflatables I expect that when the boat is 2 psi you would think it's full. So a gauge is a huge plus.
My new sib came with a gauge. I used it to feel what full felt like, Checked psi increase when driving my trailered boat over a high pass. And checked what happened between filling in the cool morning and mid day heat. All a must so you know. Then put it in a safe place where it will probuly never see the light of day!

And a note to the original poster. The gauge should not hiss when checking pressure.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Maximus

#2/#3... 40 years with inflatable Boats...never used one never wanted one and never needed one

If he’s got an air floor sib and comes complaining about a hump, or spray or various other issues he’ll be given exactly the opposite advice. When the air is just a fancy bumper the pressure may not be critical but when it’s actually part of the structure it is.

[ShinyShoe]

Are you putting the gauge into the valve? Or on a T piece on the pump supply?

[Fender]

You do run the risk of tube damage with under inflation, many moons ago I pumped up a RIB, felt quite firm by hand and I was quite happy with the pressure - out of curiosity I checked with a gauge and the pressure was just over 2 psi, RIB manufacture stated a tube pressure of 3 psi or you ran the risk of issues - for the sake of a few seconds I now religiously check with a gauge
Oh, chatting to a boat dealer a few years ago, heading to france early one morning in a 8mtr, he knew the tubes were a little soft but felt as soon as the sun came up and the pressure increased he'd be fine - one of the rear cone seams failed and he limped back to the south coast

[Steve on sheppey]

Originally Posted by ShinyShoe

Are you putting the gauge into the valve? Or on a T piece on the pump supply?

Onto the valve, on closer inspection it differed very slightly than the one on the pump, I'll probably get something combined with a pump for future reference