1 - Respect the inflation pressure
Due to the technology used, each float tube is not inflated with the same pressure. Some hybrid models, which use several technologies, must even be inflated with different pressures depending on the parts.
Generally speaking, float tubes with air chambers inflate to 2.5 Psi, PVC float tubes to around 3.5 to 4 Psi and dropstitch float tubes, mainly used by Seven Bass for its flatforms, are inflated to 15 Psi.
Respecting the inflation pressure is important to ensure a good bearing capacity as well as a good glide on the water.
2 âeuros Take into account the temperature
The float-tube can be practiced on water at 0°C, as well as at 30°C, and the same applies to the external temperature. However, it must be remembered that the air pressure is not the same according to the temperature of the water. Therefore, depending on the external temperature, as well as the water temperature, the air pressure in the float tube may vary during the day.
Given this phenomenon, on a hot day, it is advisable not to over-inflate the float-tube, because the pressure contained inside will increase. If the pressure becomes too high, it is easy to open the valves slightly to adjust it.
On the contrary, on a cold day, I recommend to inflate the float-tube to the maximum as soon as you arrive, to give time to the pressure inside to adjust. If necessary, adjust the pressure once the preparation is finished, when you are ready to put in the water.
Once the float tube is in contact with cold water, its pressure can still drop and give the impression that it is deflated, hence the importance of over-inflating it a little.
Taking a pump with you, to adjust the pressure or even to prevent any leak, is not a bad idea, especially when you are new to this type of boat.
3 - Use a suitable pump
A good pump is essential to inflate a fishing float-tube according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The pump is not always supplied with the purchase of a float-tube, and sometimes the pumps supplied with the float-tubes are not always sufficient to reach the necessary pressure. Therefore, depending on the brand of float tube you want, you have to buy a pump.
For my part, the two foot pumps that came with my PVC float tubes were simply not suitable to inflate them, as they did not allow to reach the necessary pressure. Therefore, I do not recommend the use and/or purchase of this type of pump, and I recommend to focus your purchase on a hand pump.
Double action hand pumps are the most efficient. They allow to reach the desired pressure, and this quickly because they send air in both directions of manipulation. Finally, on this type of pump, a pressure gauge seems to me to be essential to control the pressure.
There are also electric air pumps that plug into a car cigarette lighter socket. The use of this type of pump, allows to obtain a precise inflation pressure and gives the fisherman the time to do something else while his boat inflates.
To inflate float tubes in dropstich, investing in this type of pump seems to me very relevant, because reaching 15 Psi takes time and energy. In any case, before finalizing the purchase of a pump, it is necessary to check the maximum pressure it is able to reach, as well as the tips provided with it, which must correspond to the valves of the float-tube.
4 - Put it on a clean floor
Finally, when inflating, be sure to place the boat on a floor with as few objects as possible that could damage it.
A quick inspection of the place where the float-tube is to be put down is therefore necessary to avoid any disappointment.
