jreddington
Member III
I am trying not to lose an "old friend". I am amazed that the RIS inflatable that came with my E-28 has lasted the full 16 years I've owned the boat. It was made in Yugoslavia, which tells you how old it is. Figured I get a couple years out of it before purchasing a "real" dinghy, but it has continued on accompanying me on my sailing adventures.
I've painted and epoxy coated the floor boards which has kept them in good shape. After a good coat of dinghy paint a few years ago the tubes themselves are still well sealed. Needs a "top up" of air every 2-3 weeks which is no problem.
However, two 690 "old style" valves have started to leak. The valve on the inflatable keel is still solid as a rock and holds air all season.
I've done about all I can with out removing the valves. Have cleaned them by poking in with Q tips and soaking in some head lube. Slight improvement but still needs significant daily top up.
Might be able to better clean by unscrewing the outer half of the valve and cleaning from the back side. But would not be suprised if this donesn't work or something simply breaks in the process.
Have looked around and found that the "new style" valve top will not screw into the "old style" base. Has anyone come across a source for new or good condition used "old style" valves?
Alternatively, I could replace the entire assembly. However, comments I have found indicate that to take out the valve base you have to slit out from the hole and then repatch with a donut piece of material. I'm afraid this process could be terminal. "The operation was successful but the patient died."
Has anyone done this and possibly come up with a way of pulling the base out without additional surgery?
Fair winds,
I've painted and epoxy coated the floor boards which has kept them in good shape. After a good coat of dinghy paint a few years ago the tubes themselves are still well sealed. Needs a "top up" of air every 2-3 weeks which is no problem.
However, two 690 "old style" valves have started to leak. The valve on the inflatable keel is still solid as a rock and holds air all season.
I've done about all I can with out removing the valves. Have cleaned them by poking in with Q tips and soaking in some head lube. Slight improvement but still needs significant daily top up.
Might be able to better clean by unscrewing the outer half of the valve and cleaning from the back side. But would not be suprised if this donesn't work or something simply breaks in the process.
Have looked around and found that the "new style" valve top will not screw into the "old style" base. Has anyone come across a source for new or good condition used "old style" valves?
Alternatively, I could replace the entire assembly. However, comments I have found indicate that to take out the valve base you have to slit out from the hole and then repatch with a donut piece of material. I'm afraid this process could be terminal. "The operation was successful but the patient died."
Has anyone done this and possibly come up with a way of pulling the base out without additional surgery?
Fair winds,