Adapter for Bombard Aerotec inflation

Jhoughton · 20 May 2020, 17:10

Hi all, I bought an ITIWIT pump from Decathlon on Sat and went for maiden voyage today in the new Aerotec 380. Weirdly, though, the ITIWIT adapter for it looked almost perfect (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/high-pre...hoCdO4QAvD_BwE) but doesn't quite fit the valves. I ended up getting way less pressure in than I needed. Any ideas on an adapter? Am I being stupid?

Thanks for any help!

Jim

Fenlander · 20 May 2020, 17:31

The Aerotec doesn't have valves with that twist in adaptor type you linked... it's just the standard push on Zodiac taper ideally with the cross piece that opens the valve to make it easier for the pump.

Fenlander · 20 May 2020, 17:33

This...

https://seamarknunn.com/acatalog/Zod...iABEgJKIvD_BwE

Jhoughton · 20 May 2020, 17:47

Thanks so much. Here's the valve - is that definitely the right adapter? Weirdly the boat came with a hose with the twisting one which is why I assumed it needed it.

Fenlander · 20 May 2020, 18:09

My current valves are different to that but I had those on my first Aerotec. I'm sure I remember the valve cap did indeed fit on with a twist as I can see yours does but the adaptor on the original Zodiac footpump (did you get one with the boat?) on mine was just the taper I've linked. The Zodiac pump end fitted the floor without adaptor then you just slid on the slightly tapered adaptor to do the tubes. Both floor and tubes being just a push fit from the pump.

Tommy c · 20 May 2020, 20:16

My sons sib (viamare) has the twist valves.
He bought an electric pump and couldn't get it to seal.
When he put the pump adapter next to the valve cap, the last bit of adapter upto the adapters rubber seal was longer so he got another rubber seal (so now there is 2) and it has reduced the gap and helped seal enough to inflate.
Hope that makes sense

Max... · 20 May 2020, 20:36

Taper valve on all them generally afaik. I made some spares from random tubing just tapered by filing/sanding etc while turning in a drill in the vice.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f50/zodiac...tml#post770997

Jhoughton · 21 May 2020, 05:38

Confession time - I was just googling them to try and buy them online and saw one of these (https://www.ebay.co.uk/c/1162026071) which rang a bell - hunted around in the bow bag that I got with the boat and found it; I just hadn't known what it was for. Thanks for your help all!

Fenlander · 21 May 2020, 09:01

That's good. The adaptor on the right in that Ebay picture should be all you need.

Max... · 21 May 2020, 09:07

£15!

EdSutton · 26 May 2021, 05:00

Hi all,
When you inflate your BAT, how do you stop all the air escaping between removing the pump and screwing the valve cap back on?
Many thanks!

Fenlander · 26 May 2021, 06:50

The valves have a button in the middle that depending on year either need a press or press and turn to select the open deflation position or posn where they self close so the cap is just a secondary seal.

In the post 4 pic it is the type you push and turn. Some had a green button that just pushed in.

EdSutton · 26 May 2021, 08:30

Thank you Fenlander,
And is that the same for the valves on the floor?
I’m new to all this so trying to figure everything out! I have been reading a lot but haven’t seen the valves mentioned much

Fenlander · 26 May 2021, 08:42

No the floor valves despite being a different rather crude design work well... take off the black cap... pump up... when removing pump there is almost no let by at the vale then just replace cap. To deflate unscrew the whole valve body but beware the initial shock of air doesn't blow the valve out of your hand into your face.