Inflator for Tube

[Dev75]

I'm not happy with our air pump  - anyone suggest a good fast air pump?   Along with that question,  am I basically limiting myself to pumps that connect directly to the battery with clips if I want to inflate the tube quickly and to full capacity?

 

[mattb]

Overtons has a good line of pumps.  I have a 120v model that is very fast, but I also have an inverter on my boat for the 120.  Usually, the 12v models were a little underperforming compared to the 120v.  You can also plug into the 12v power port.

 

[H2GO]

I purchased one that is used to inflate rubber boats. I think I spent about $75 on it but it does draw about 30 amps which required a special connector and hook-up to my battery to make it easy. It inflates a large two person raft in about a minute or so. Looks kind of like this one but a little better built. 


https://www.wholesalemarine.com/obrien-high-pressure-12-volt-inflator/?gclid=CNHLn9CL_NMCFZeEaQodBH8CKA

 

[TomS]

We live on the water, so a bit different approach, but I use a small shop vac in blow mode to get it inflated and deflated quickly to ~90-95% on land, then use the 12v Overton's type on the boat to top it off and tight as needed.

 

[PonTuna Salad]

I have one that looks like a mini hair dryer that I have had for years. May have gotten it from target. Less than $20. Plugs into the accessory plug but came with an adapter that clipped to the battery. 


Pumps pretty fast, at least better than a reciprocating compressor. 

 

[Jack M]

We live on the water, so a bit different approach, but I use a small shop vac in blow mode to get it inflated and deflated quickly to ~90-95% on land, then use the 12v Overton's type on the boat to top it off and tight as needed.

I also use  a shop vac ,since we have close access to electricity at our marina . 2 gallon works fine ,never been used for anything but inflatables 

 

[jmoreland]

We keep this one on the boat and really like it. Its super small and does great!


https://www.amazon.com/AIRHEAD-AHP-12H-Output-Pump-12-Volt/dp/B000FE5PBA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495208606&sr=8-1&keywords=airhead+inflator

 

[adkboater]

I don't have a pic but we use a Coleman w/ 12v cigarette lighter plug. It came with my Bayliner package and it's fantastic! I'll try get a model number off it this weekend. Edit: Here's the one I have, plenty of pressure


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-12V-QuickPump-Electric-Air-Pump/9870593

 

[Dev75]

Thanks for the responses.  Never thought a pump could be so hit or miss depending on what you buy.  The one we have now is 12v but seems to take about 20 min to pump the tube.  

 

[adkboater]

We have a super slice tube and it takes about a minute or two to blow up, swap around the ends and it sucks it flat, fold it up and chuck it in the center storage. 

 

[royal4]

I use one of those 12v pumps to get it pumped up and then use this to  finish the job and get it where I want it.  https://www.amazon.com/AIRHEAD-AHP-1-Airhead-Hand-Pump/dp/B000FE5PEC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1495244930&sr=8-7&keywords=manual+air+pump

 

[kaydano]

For as much as we use our pump, it would be nice to permanently install one under a seat, then have one of those whole house vacuum setups where you just plug in the hose. It would be much quieter.

 

[Willb]

Inverter from harbor freight that's been on the boat for 4 years and a 120 pump from Amazon,  I like its ability to deflate. 


I use a lot of 3 person plus big heavy inflatables.