Well, just when I thought our inflatable dinghy issues were under control a new situation has reared its ugly head.
The other day when I was inspecting the dinghy I was dismayed to find it quite flaccid. I was able to pump it up so that it became rigid, but the effect seems only to be temporary.
Could this effect be related to the age of the dinghy? Any advice from readers with experience with older dinghies would be gladly accepted.
Thank you so much for all you learned comments and suggestions. I never would have guessed the depth of experience surrounding this issue.
I don’t believe anyone could offer any more sound advice than Aunt Linda but I think your mom was spot on
Since I cannot offer advice from the extensive on and off shore familiarity with dingys, both pumped and flacid, that Aunt Linda has had, I thought I would offer some typical advice for the solving of problems that oher family members would offer.(The wisdom of family elders) Your Dad would say, “Put some Linseed Oil on it”. Your step Dad would say, “Have a drink”. Buster would say, “Try Miners’ Linament. It is good for coughs, colds, sore holes, and pimples on the belly”. Hope thiis helps.
Jeff, I’ve seen evidence of a flacid dinghy on Freedom. Believe it or not, a little 5200 and a patch works wonders.
As you know, I spent my honeymoon sailing in Tahiti and later on a trip to Australia with an older man as my bridegroom, so it should come as no surprise to you that I have had a good deal of experience riding dingys. It was long ago so we did not have the benefit of a pump but we found that when our dingy became flaccid the age old hand method worked wonderfully well and, although temporary, could be called upon repeatedly when needed. Luckily, I have also had the good fortune to ride rigid dinghies during my long and lovely lifetime and, in my opinion, the problem of a flaccid dingy does appear to be age related. In comparison The ride on the rigid dingy was very exciting and got me where I wanted to go efficiently and quickly. Although much slower, I found that a ride on a flaccid dinghy gave me time to appreciate the scenery, was much less bumpy and made me want to repeat the trip more often. Both are wonderful ways to travel it just depends on how much energy you are willing to expend on your dingy. I hope I have been of some help….Good luck:)
Older dinghies sadly are plagued with wear and tear issues. You’ll find they just don’t pop up liked they used to.
Flaccidity issues may be rectified with soft encouraging words, a fine bottle of wine, and patience. You’ll be pushing off in no time! 😉
I think the dingy needs a little blue pill, however, it’s only guaranteed to remain rigid for 4 hours.