How To Guides
- How to undertake a professional quality repair of your PVC or Hypalon RIB, inflatable boat and SIB tubes
- How to clean inflatable boats, protect RIB collars, tubes and sponsons, clean Hypalon and PVC inflatable boat fabric
- How to find a leak in my inflatable boat, RIB, dinghy, life raft or inflatable kayak collar or tubes
- How to fit a replacement screw-in type inflatable boat, rigid inflatable boat (RIB) or dinghy inflation deflation valve
- How to fix or glue inflatable boat PVC fabric patches and accessories to Hypalon fabric RIB collars and tubes (and vice versa)
- How to identify the fabric of your RIB, inflatable boat, dinghy, life raft or inflatable kayak collar, tube or sponson. Hypalon or PVC?
- How to repair inflatable boat, RIB, RHIB, SIB and kayak collars, inflation tubes or sponsons
- How to replace a Leafield Marine A4 inflation/deflation valve older inflatable boats, RIBs, RHIBs and dinghies
- How to replace an inflatable boat valve
- How to service and/or fit a replacement diaphragm to the Alfons Haar type SF1 inflation valve
- How to service or repair the Leafield Marine A7 or B7 inflatable boat valve
- How to service or repair the Leafield Marine C7 inflatable boat valve
- How to clean your RIB with August Race products
- How to winterise and store inboard engines and outboard engines
- How to make an emergency repair using TEAR-AID® Type A to a Hypalon inflatable boat, RIB, raft and other Hypalon / rubber inflatable structures
- How to make an emergency repair using TEAR-AID® Type B to a PVC inflatable boat, RIB, raft and other PVC / vinyl structures
- How to check your lifejacket
- How to install a TRIB airCap HR
- How to install a TRIB airCap LF for Leafield Marine C7 & D7 valves
- How to store your inflatable boat over winter
- How to look after and maintain the ropes on your boat
RIBs & Inflatable Boats
Safety Data Sheets
Blog
How to install a TRIB airCap LF for Leafield Marine C7 and D7 valves
Warning!
The use of inflatable watercraft is inherently dangerous and should only be attempted by qualified individuals. It is your responsibility to ensure that your equipment is functioning properly. Only operate your watercraft when it is in good condition and properly inflated. Frequently check your watercraft’s inflation pressure with a second calibrated pressure gauge to ensure airCap is functioning properly. Always wear a suitable personal flotation device when using your inflatable watercraft.
How it Works
- airCap operates directly from light. To turn it on just place it in a well-lit environment (e.g. outdoors). It has no batteries, giving it a long life and eliminating the need for charging.
- airCap is designed to replace your watercraft’s existing inflation valve cap. But it also works great as a conventional pressure gauge.
Remove the Existing Cap and Tether
- Unscrew the existing valve cap. When the tether is exposed, remove it from the valve body.
- On C7/D7 style valves this may be accomplished using pointy nose pliers.
- Between the valve ridges grab onto the tether with pliers. Pull up and out until the tether is over one ridge.
- Move to the next ridge slot and pull the tether over the next ridge. The tether should now slide off.
Attach the airCap Tether
- Important! Orient bottom side of tether toward valve body.
- Stretch the airCap tether over the valve body. When properly installed, the tether should rotate freely around the valve body.
- Important! Do not use the cap to pull on the tether if you wish to remove it. This may result in damage. Instead refer to the section above and remove the tether using needle nose pliers.
Inflate Your Watercraft
- Inflate your boat or SUP to proper pressure as specified by the manufacturer.
Insert the airCap
- Position the airCap with LCD facing out.
- Screw the airCap threads into the valve, making a seal with the valve body. The make-before break seal is designed to prevent air from leaving your inflatable while the airCap is inserted. Because of this, when inserting the cap, press the cap straight into the valve and turn. More force will be required than is needed for the original valve cap.
- Tighten the airCap until no air leaks from the inflation valve.
Operation
- airCap will display the inflation pressure whenever a suitable light source is present.
- See “Low Light Conditions” section for more information.
Low Light Conditions
- airCap will operate in most light conditions, even when it is cloudy or overcast.
- If it is necessary to operate airCap after dark, a headlamp or flashlight will provide enough light to power your airCap.
Pressure Range
- airCap will read to pressures of 20 psi (138 kPa, 1.38 Bar).
- Above this pressure, airCap displays “OP” to alert the user that the watercraft is over pressure.
- Operation in over pressure condition is not recommended and could damage your airCap and watercraft.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- airCap is built with rafting in mind, however it is a precision instrument and should be treated with care.
- Clean your airCap only with mild soap and water. Do not apply solvents to airCap.
- If watercraft repairs are to be made, it is best to remove airCap for storage in a safe location before the procedure.
- Avoid abrasive surfaces contacting your airCap, especially on the lens.
- airCap can be left attached to your watercraft or removed when the watercraft is in storage.
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