Welcome to InFlataSaver! My name is Peter Heberling, and I am excited to introduce our innovative product that aims to benefit the environment and cruisers worldwide. Our mission is to end the constant worry and despair associated with inflatable boats and their high initial expenses, as well as their potential for punctures and failures. InFlataSaver utilizes super strength hi-barrier polymer films to hold the air while the original fabric of your boat supplies only the necessary shape, strength, and puncture resistance. This innovative system allows for easy and cost-effective repairs, ensuring that your inflatable boat can remain in service no matter the air holding ability of the outer fabric. Let’s save inflatable boats from landfills and end the fear and stigma associated with them.
There are videos on this site which explain everything needed to order and install thissystem into your own inflatable boat. But please note that only the initial planning and measurement of your inflatable boat’s individual chambers are required to order InFlataSaver now. There is no reason to wait, because InFlataSaver fixes all inflatables no matter the size.
5 Simple Steps
Inflatable boats are known for their easy transportation and storage. Still, this equipment might go wrong after a while, just like any other device. Repairing an inflatable boat can be a piece of cake if you use these simple techniques for fixing problems that might occur. And in a few minutes, you will be back on the water with just a little planning and the required equipment.
How to repair inflatable boats? We have mentioned 5 simple steps below.
1. Measure the maximum diameter of the inflatable tubes. The Standard InFlataSaverKits fit tube diameters UP to 19 inches. InFlataSaver kits for tube diameters between 19 and 22 inches will be offered customarily. You will measure all individual chambers in the exact same way.
2. Count the number of factory-installed valves, and for reference, mark where the inner baffles are located with a small piece of masking tape. To locate inner baffle seams, look for undulations in the fabric along the tubes. If unsure, inflate individual chambers while deflating adjacent ones to determine the size, shape, and location of each baffle. The number of inner baffles should be one less than the number of valves installed.
Important To note: To enhance bow protection, split a 3 and 5-valve boat’s forward wraparound chamber into two using two InFlataSaver inner tube kits for easier installation.
3. Now determine if the factory valve locations will interfere when installing the InFlataSaver valves in the exact same locations. You should have at the minimum an 8-inch diameter of clearance around the center point of each pre-existing valve location.
4. If there are no clearance issues on any factory-installed valve locations, or if so you have decided on a new location, you may move on to the next step and download the InFlataSaver Measurement Form that best describes your boat according to the valve number and layout. You will then use that form to measure all your individual chambers and upload these measurements to your Customer Information File for future reference. If there are any clearance issues with the factory locations please watch our Planning Guide to help decide the best alternative mounting location which works best for you.
Proper measurements are essential, especially if you need to order a replacement part or a custom patch. For V-Hull 2 Valve models, you need to measure the length from bow to stern, width at the widest point, and height from the hull bottom to the top. For V-Hull 3 Valve models, add measurements between the three valves. For V-Hull 4 Valve models, measure the distances between each pair of valves. For V-Hull 5 Valve and V-Hull 6 Valve models, measure similarly but include all valve distances. Remember, accurate measurements ensure that repairs fit perfectly and function effectively.
Safety / Parts
Now, with a measurement in hand, it’s time to purchase the pieces you need for inflatable boat repair. Buy an inflatable boat kit for repairing an inflatable boat. For example- The One Chamber Kit is an 8mil HD InFlataSaver repair system designed to repair one chamber of an inflatable boat, available in sizes 5-12 feet and 15-19 inches in diameter.
4. Install (Shipyard)
WARNING - Partially inflate tube first to ensure tube is fully distributed!
Follow these points:
1. Familiarize yourself with all the steps before and after the installation step to avoid surprises. If you need to relocate InFlataSaver valves, follow all previous steps correctly to ensure a smooth transition to the InFlataSaver system for your inflatable boat.
2. You will need the Trim/Locking Ring, ballpoint pen, and sharpie for this step.
Inflate the tube, and center the Trim/Locking or locking ring over the desired mounting location, holding it firmly. Mark the inner diameter circle between the 3 ears/tabs with a ballpoint pen and Sharpie. Place a small dot in every bolt hole, ensuring the Ring doesn’t move. Rotate the Ring 120 degrees to mark the tabs, creating a perfectly connected circle with six dots.
3. To install the inner body, use a round 4mm file to poke a hole in the center of all 6 dots, working in and out multiple times to ensure easy access to the threaded studs. Use a file, awl, or small Phillips head screwdriver 4-5 mm in diameter to avoid mistakes when poking holes off-center or too large.
4. Use a knife or razor knife to cut a small slit inside the circle between the line and the old valve or reference mark, as a starting point for scissors. Avoid poking through the outer skin material near the drawn line.
5. Cut 1/16-1/8 inch outside the line to allow InFlataSaver valve holder mounting. Cut between 1/16″ and 1/8″ to avoid interference with the valve system’s locking mechanism. Use scissors to cut along the outer skin, as improper cutting can damage the surrounding material. Avoid cutting along the grain by using a counterclockwise direction with right-handed scissors. This allows for easier visibility and prevents the scissors from blocking the view of the line, making it essential to use extra caution during this step.
Cut the circle slowly and comfortably, moving around the tube or boat as you complete the cut. If slightly off-line, return to line and continue slowly. Once done, proceed with Step 3.
6. Repeat these steps for all InFlataSaver valves planned for installation, regardless of location, as it is easier to complete them simultaneously.
7. The InFlataSaver system should be installed by assembling inner tubes with the Inner Body, then bolting the Lock Ring to the Inner Body for attachment to the inflatable boat.
8. Step #5 Deploy involves inserting the InFlataSaver inner tube and bolting the valve system to the boat’s outer skin for inflation. Watch videos and download guides for detailed instructions.
4. Install (Studio)
WARNING - Partially inflate tube first to ensure tube is fully distributed!
5. Deploy (Shipyard)
WARNING - Partially inflate tube first to ensure tube is fully distributed!
1. To properly install the InFlataSaver, ensure the correct size kit is used at the location and determine the material thickness. Tie the Cap onto the Lock Ring with the correct side facing up, depending on the material thickness. After unboxing, insert the InFlataSaver inner tube.
2. Insert the InFlataSaver inner tube into the Inner Body by folding them by the valve, ensuring they don’t catch or puncture. Fold both sides at the valve, work one side through the hole, and refold to slide the valve into the matching cone.
3. Squirt soapy water into the chamber, then spray it with a garden hose or slosh 1-2 gallons, allowing the water to circulate inside.
4. The ERT 4mil Emergency Repair kit should be left in its packaging, as it is designed to be released inside the boat when pumping up the inner tube. To properly use HD 8 mil InFlataSaver kits, remove packaging, fold into valve mounting hole, unfold inner tube, and ensure correct lengths and direction without folding, misalignment, or twisting.
5. The Inner Body should be pulled up to the opening and studs should be inserted through the 6 holes for mounting to the Lock Ring.
6. Before bolting the Lock Ring, ensure the InFlataSaver valve’s alignment is correct. If the locking tabs are on the left, reposition the Lock Ring by one hole. Bolt the Lock Ring to the inner body studs using 8mm SS nuts.
7. Squeeze down each nut with a wrench or socket without over-tightening, as this can cause damage to the Inner Body flange studs.
8. Inflate the InFlataSaver inner tube to 3/4 full, then massage it with your hands to distribute the outer skin, inner tube, and soapy water evenly.
9. Pump to full inflation if no twists or puckers show in InFlataSaver inner tube, and see sapy water and bubbles exiting from previous leaks in outer skin and valve.
10. The InFlataSaver system is successfully installed into one chamber of your inflatable boat, ensuring no irregularities in shape at full pressure.
Inflatable boat seam repair is quite a challenge. But, if you follow these five easy steps to repair an inflatable boat—planning, measuring, purchasing safety/parts, installing the patch, and deploying—any common issues can be effectively addressed to make your boat in the best condition for you.
5. Deploy (Studio)
WARNING - Partially inflate tube first to ensure tube is fully distributed!
inflatasaver Forever!
A simple system to fix all inflatable boats!
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