Water Ski Tube Pictures: Air Valves And Towable Inflation Tips - How To Inflate Boat Tubes

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WATER SKI TUBE PICTURES: INFLATION VALVES
Photos & Information On Inflating A Towable Boat Tube

Now that you've purchased the right tow lines, it's time to inflate your water ski tube. This page contains several pictures that show the types of values and equipment you'll use to fill you towable boat tube.

HOW TO INFLATE A WATER SKI TUBE
First inflate your water tube's safety chamber. The safety chamber usually has a low-volume safety value that can be blown up with your mouth or an inflator with the proper "cone" shaped adapter.
Most inner tubes are made of PVC, which is extremely tough and durable. In order for the inner tube to inflate properly, the PVC must expand. A ski tube is correctly inflated when the inner tube is firm to the touch and the cover fits like a glove. The cover should be free of wrinkles. It should be hard to get your hand between the nylon cover and the tube.
Be careful not to over-inflate the inner tube. This is the main cause of damage to PVC material. Over-inflation also can rip seams in the nylon cover.
Note that in hot weather, the air inside your tube will expand. You may need to release some air to prevent the tube from becoming over-inflated and ripping seams in its cover.
An under-inflated tow tube sits too low in the water. This causes the ski tube to be dragged through the water (not get pulled across it.) The stress of dragging due to under-inflation stretches the tube out of shape and stretches the cover.
Ski tubes require a massive amount of air. I have found it easiest to simply reverse the flow of a shop vac, hold the hose securely to the speed valve and inflate. This technique only take a couple of minutes. It's much faster than using a low-air-flow compressor used to inflate tires.
The main chamber of towable ski tubes can not be inflated by mouth. Do NOT use a hair dryer to inflate your water ski tube. The heat from a hair dryer may permanently damage the valve.
Air will have to be added periodically to your towable tube. Water tubes that are used frequently will require injections of additional air more frequently. If the tube is popping out of it's cover, more air is needed.
Proper inflation is critical to safety and tube longevity. Check for proper tube inflation prior to each use.

WARNING: Towing people behind boats is dangerous. There is risk of drowning, collision, propeller contact and injury from snapped rope. It is your responsibility to be aware of such risks and communicate them everyone aboard your boat.
This site is for general information purposes only. You must read the specific instructions provided with your towable and your boat. This information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranty regarding its accuracy, use or suitability for a specific purpose.

Note: This page contains several high resolution, large size photographs. These pictures were taken to be instructive and give you the best possible feel for tubing. As such this these pictures may take extra time to download, especially with a dial-up internet connection.

Ski Tube Valve Picture - Copyrighted

This picture shows a recessed Speed Valve. It is used to quickly fill the main chamber of the PVC innertube ("bladder.") To fill the tube, unscrew the red cap and insert the hose from your air pump. When the tube is full, turn the red top until tightly closed.

Recessed Speed Valve Picture - Copyrighted

This photo shows the base of a recessed Speed Valve in a water ski tube. The valve top is threaded so that it can easily be removed. As you can see, once the top is removed there is a large hole through which air can escape. This allows you to quickly deflate the boat tube.

Speed Valve Top Picture - Copyrighted

This close-up photograph shows the valve top when it is removed from the base. Note the threads that screw into the valve base, the gasket (also called an O-ring) that seals in air and the cap that secures the inflation hole.

Tube Inflation Valve Picture - Copyrighted

This pictures shows the valve top from a different angle. Here you see the inflation hole where your air pump hose is inserted.

Speed Valve Base Picture - Copyrighted

This picture shows Speed Valve base and top together.

Safety Valve Picture - Copyrighted

This picture shows a standard Safety Valve. This "push-in" valve is used on towable safety chambers (see photo below.)
A "safety valve" is similar to the valves found on inflatable pool toys that you can blow up by using your mouth. It's easiest to inflate a safety valve using a hand or electric pump. Most pumps have an adapter to fit this common valve. Make sure to open the small flap inside the valve's opening and inflate the safety chamber until firm.

Tube Safety Chamber Picture - Copyrighted

This picture shows and inflated safety chamber and a deflated main chamber. The safety chamber is a separate inflatable area of your ski tube. It looks like a basketball. The safety chamber will remain full of air (and float) if the main tube should accidentally get punctured and loose its air.

Tube Bladder Picture - Copyrighted

This is a closer look at the safety chamber, safety valve, recessed speed valve and deflated main chamber (bladder.)

Click here if you would like to see ski tube valve products, including multi-valve adapters.

TROUBLESHOOTING TOWABLE SKI TUBE PROBLEMS
Problem: Tube doesn't hold air.
Solution: Check to see that the speed valve is installed properly. Re-install speed valve if needed. Check to see if the ski tube was inflated fully from the beginning and add more air if necessary.

Problem: Speed valve is leaking.
Solution: Make sure the speed valve has a rubber gasket. Listen closely to hear if air is leaking. Be sure the valve and cap are screwed in straight and are tight. Leakage can occur if the valve is cross-threaded. Check to see that the washer is in place and sealed property. Be sure the washer on the valve is completely flush against the top portion of the threads. Inspect the base of the speed valve for nicks or scratches that may appear on the ridge where the washer and the valve would make contact. If there appears to be nicks or scratches on this ridge, you can repair this at home by aiming a hairdryer set on a warm setting directly at this point. After one-to-two minutes and the nicks or scratches should disappear.

Problem: Towable inflates but doesn't become firm.
Solution: Check to make sure it was inflated firmly with a high volume air pump. If you are sure the tube was inflated property, assess the innertube for leaks or re-install the speed valve. Soapy water can be applied with a spray bottle to the outer skin of innertube. An air leak will reveal itself by creating soapy bubbles. If a leak is discovered, the innertube may be patched with a patch kit (sold at stores that stock ski tubes.)

Symptom: Towable tube nylon cover is loose.
Solution: Check to make sure that innertube is placed inside the cover and that the tube is fully inflated. The cover should fit snugly over the well-inflated tube. If the cover remains loose, add more air.

With our inflated ski tube and tow lines ready, it's time to get out on the water. Click below to see towing photos and learn more about tube pulling techniques.

NEXT:
How To Tow A Ski Tube

Return To The Ski Tube Tips Home Page

WATER SKI TUBE PICTURES
This site features nearly two dozen instructive pictures of ski tube equipment and use. Click the links below to see these original photos:

    Ski Tube Tow Ropes And Tow Harnesses

    Ski Tube Valves & Inflation Tips

    Ski Tube Action Pictures: How To Tow Inflatable Water Toys

    Ski Tube Tips: Comprehensive Tips & Advice On Purchasing, Using and Maintaining A Towable

WARNING: Towing people behind boats is dangerous. There is risk of drowning, collision, propeller contact and injury from snapped rope. It is your responsibility to be aware of such risks and communicate them everyone aboard your boat.
This site is for general information purposes only. You must read the specific instructions provided with your towable and your boat. This information is provided on an as-is basis with no warranty regarding its accuracy, use or suitability for a specific purpose.

Thank you for visiting Ski Tube Pictures: How To Tow An Inflatable Tube.

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