Commercial Fishing Supply

Visual Guide To Inflation

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An over inflated HTM has bowed out sides and a rounded top as shown above.
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An over inflated F has bowed out sides and a rounded top as shown below.
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An over inflated LD has bowed out sides and a rounded bottom as shown above.

 

INFLATION INSTRUCTIONS

1) Several types of air sources may be used to inflate your Polyform products:
a Polyform # 30 hand pump
b Other hand or foot operated pumps
c Air Compressor
d Service station air pump

2) Remove white plastic screw from the valve (located near the ropehold).

3) inflatable-04If you are using a gas station or portable air compressor, set your gauge at 2 PSI. Do not go beyond this setting. inflatable-05Insert the inflation adapter in the valve opening and apply the nozzle to the adapter and depress to start the air flowing. If you are using a hand or foot operated pump, insert the inflation adapter into the nozzle first. The adapter is threaded for your convenience.

NOTE: If no air can be put into the product, the convenience flap may be stuck. Insert a small blunt rod (Allen wrench, Phillips screwdriver, or stiff wire) into the valve and gently push the convenience flap open.

4) inflatable-06Fill the Polyform fender or buoy until the walls are fully expanded. The best way to check that is to measure the circumference of the particular product and match the chart measurement. You should also be able to easily push with your thumb and depress the wall 1/4 inch.
 

5) After filling the product to the correct size, remove the pump and replace the screw. Remember that you are screwing a plastic screw into plastic threads. inflatable-06The screw will come to a stop when the screw head is flush with the top of the valve casing. Do not force the screw past this point or damage to the valve will occur.

NOTE: Do not use power drills/drivers to tighten. The torque can easily drive the screw through the valve.

BLUE, REINFORCED ROPEHOLD

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POLYFORM products have become easily recognizable by their blue, rib reinforced rope holds.

The blue material is slightly harder than the other part of the buoy, yet flexible enough to run through a power block. This combination of strength and flexibility is the hallmark of the POLYFORM buoy. Also important is the fact that the rope hold and the body of the buoy are molded in one process, which means that the rope hold part cannot be ripped of the rest of the buoy.

The material does not contain any filling materials.

VALVE
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The flexible all-plastic POLYFORM valve is fitted into every POLYFORM product unless otherwise requested.
V20: During inflation, a flap at the lower end of the valve ensures little or no loss of air. Securing the rigid plastic screw will then eliminate leakage.
V40: This valve is designed for easy pressure regulation and is not equipped with a bottom flap!
Do not over-inflate, as this may lead to deformation. Air can be released by removing the screw and pressing a thin stick or nail against the valve flap.

ACCESSORIES Following accessories are available from POLYFORM:

  • Hand pump
  • Patching kit, containing: Special glue and Piece of PVC cloth
  • Valve screws
INFLATION

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IMPORTANT! POLYFORM products are designed to be inflated to 0.15 to 0.20 bar of pressure at 20deg Celsius. For use under tropical conditions, the pressure has to be reduced to 0.05 to 0.06 bar.

When filling products without a pressure gauge, fill the fender/buoy until the walls are fully expanded but making sure you are able to depress the wall at least 1/4 inch (approx. 0.65 cm) with light hand pressure. For tropical conditions: Approx. 1/2 inch (1.5 cm approx.).

Do not exaggerate inflation as this will weaken the product and void the warranty! The use of pressure gauge is recommended!

BUOYANCY BELOW SURFACE

Water Depth: Remaining Flotation:
10m 50%
20m 33%
30m 25%
40m 20%
50m 17%
120m 7%

Over inflation will not result in appreciable changes of above percentages.

STORAGE
If products are stored for a long period of time, the boxes should be opened and the valves should be opened. It is also advisable to inflate the products slightly.

CLEANING
Vinyl cleaner, mineral spirits or simply soap and water may be used. Stronger chemicals like Lacquer Thinner or Acetone will irreversibly harm the product by breaking down the chemical composition.

MARKING
Waterproof marker pens are widely used. Alternatively, special paint for silk-screening on soft PVC may be used.

MOORING

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For maximum safety we recommend that only the lower shackle/swivel (under water) is used for mooring of your boat. The size and buoyancy of the buoy depends on the weight it is required to carry. The dimension of the mooring iron bar and swivel should be chosen in accordance with the size and weight of the boat, weather conditions, the currents and wave height in the area the mooring is intended to be placed.

If in doubt, ask for professional advice.

FENDER GUIDE

  A F FR G K
-10′ A00     G2 K1
11-16′ A0
A1
F1 FR1 G2 K2
K3
17-23′ A1
A2
F1
F02
F2
FR1 G3 K3
24-30′ A2
A3
F02
F2
F3
F4
FR2    
31-45′ A3
A4
F4
F5
F6
FR3    
46-60′ A4
A5
F6
F7
F8
     
61′- A5
A6
A7
F7
F8
F11
F13
     
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