Inflating KB

[Notebook64]

Hi All
what pumps do you use?
Flow rate?
low pressure, then high?
also what sort of time does it take?
Don't fancy using the supplied party balloon inflater - unless recommended.
I have an air pump for an air tent that might work - just need to find a hose with the halkey Roberts style valve on the end (so I am told it has - Thanks Boatworld)

Thanks All

[harrison]

Recommendations for a pump is now a difficult call. A few years ago it was easy peasy, just get a double stage Bravo or Genova, but now with all the new cheaper single and dual stage pumps coming on the market for paddle boards/air frame tents etc. not so clear cut. Yes they’re lower volume and slower to inflate but also cheaper, more compact and lighter.

First off for the Elling you’ll need a pump that will inflate to min 0.7bar/10psi for the hp floor and also consider if you want inbuilt battery or not.

For the expensive large volume two stage pumps worth looking at anything from Bravo or the Genova Speedy. Available with both inbuilt battery or external 12v supply models and typically will have 450 to 500 l/m outputs in low pressure and around 125l/m high pressure modes.

Cheaper single stage pumps with external 12v supply worth looking at are the Sevylor (190 l/m) or Decathlon Itiwit (75 l/m)

There are now a few different branded cheap 20psi two stage (350/70 l/m) around like the HIKS which may also be worth a look.

Just for info we have a Bravo BST 800 and Genovo Speedy both with built in battery. The Genovo is our all time favourite and super fast for topping up the rib. We also have a couple of Sevylor’s, bought initially to inflate our paddle boards, but now carry one aboard and great for topping up toobs. Not timed inflating the Elling, however would pump up our T38 from scratch in under 16mins...4mins each toob and 2mins each hp floor. The Genovo would do the toobs in nearly half the time but slightly longer for the hp floor.

The generic HIKS dual stage 350/70l/m type look an interesting option in the middle ground price wise so recently acquired one. Works well enough, but think the single stage Sevylor is still quicker on balance, and our ‘go to’ option for the sibs.

[Notebook64]

Wow. What an excellent reply. Thanks

[Sibfisher]

Very good explanation Ian.
If it helps I have been using the sevylor electric pump on my Elling KB 350 with no problems, saying that my Sib is on a trailer and the pump is used to top the toobs and floor up.
The HIKS dual stage sound an interesting alternative.

[Notebook64]

Just found my camping pump. It’s a vango 12v zephyr pump.
16psi
It’s for air beam tents.
Haven’t opened up my kb350 yet so not sure of pressure etc.
Can’t find details of volume. All I remember is it being noisy.
Have a different tent now so haven’t used it for a year or two

[Sibfisher]

I normally pump my Elling KB 350, Tubes and Keel Tube 0.20 Bars, Floor 0.7 if it helps

[Notebook64]

Thanks