View Full Version : Question: Boston Valves on float tubes
Ifishtoolittle
12-06-2013, 09:20 PM
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu337/Ifishtoolittle/IMG_33661_zps9cf18249.jpg (http://s661.photobucket.com/user/Ifishtoolittle/media/IMG_33661_zps9cf18249.jpg.html)
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu337/Ifishtoolittle/IMG_33671_zpse28f71bb.jpg (http://s661.photobucket.com/user/Ifishtoolittle/media/IMG_33671_zpse28f71bb.jpg.html)
On my float tube there's this patch on top of the valve. Is that needed or should I discard it? Or should I glue it down? Thanks!
-IF2L
Trial and Error
12-06-2013, 11:35 PM
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu337/Ifishtoolittle/IMG_33661_zps9cf18249.jpg (http://s661.photobucket.com/user/Ifishtoolittle/media/IMG_33661_zps9cf18249.jpg.html)
http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu337/Ifishtoolittle/IMG_33671_zpse28f71bb.jpg (http://s661.photobucket.com/user/Ifishtoolittle/media/IMG_33671_zpse28f71bb.jpg.html)
On my float tube there's this patch on top of the valve. Is that needed or should I discard it? Or should I glue it down? Thanks!
-IF2L
It's got to be there for a reason. It looks like it prevents buldging and adds support to where the valve meets the inner tube.
Trial and Error
12-06-2013, 11:39 PM
When inflated, the patch should lay flat against the inner tube and the fabric of the tube. Since the tube expands and the patch doesn't , gluing it down would not be wise, what are you trying to fix?
Put a sticker on a ballon and inflate it. The sticker wouldn't stay on and if it did would put unbalanced pressure and risks popping.
What problems are you having with the patch?
Ifishtoolittle
12-06-2013, 11:59 PM
It's got to be there for a reason. It looks like it prevents buldging and adds support to where the valve meets the inner tube.
When inflated, the patch should lay flat against the inner tube and the fabric of the tube. Since the tube expands and the patch doesn't , gluing it down would not be wise, what are you trying to fix?
Put a sticker on a ballon and inflate it. The sticker wouldn't stay on and if it did would put unbalanced pressure and risks popping.
What problems are you having with the patch?
Thanks! You are definitely the go to guy for float tube needs! I'm not having any issues with the patch. I was just wondering what it was for. My ODC 420 arrived today, and I messed around with my new toy like anyone else would. Thanks again!
luckyjr21
12-07-2013, 12:09 AM
That looks a lot better than the crappy plastic plates that my odc came with, they both broke and if I had not notice they would of busted my tube for sure
Ifishtoolittle
12-07-2013, 12:25 AM
That looks a lot better than the crappy plastic plates that my odc came with, they both broke and if I had not notice they would of busted my tube for sure
Arrgh. Sorry to hear that.
Luckyjr21, those guards breaking down do not puncture your tube. I've replaced mine multiple times and never had an issue.
Part of the design Ifishtoolittle, glad they did something different the old design was just not durable. The boston valves eventually will fail (after many many years) but are easily replaced. I noticed Dick's sporting goods even sells them over the counter. Since both my ODC and FC4 have boston valves I always carry spares now.
vegas fish slayer
12-07-2013, 11:09 AM
You can even get the valves at Walmart the red Airhead ones for tow behind the boat tubes and stuff work as well we always have a bunch of spares with us as well. We have a big ol bag full of patching stuff and valves that is always with us so we can always salvage the day. The best patches I have found are the Tear Aid brand. They will work on a seam you just have to cut away a little of the flap to get it to seal. may still leak a little but still can fish. The absolute best patch if you have atleast overnight for it to cure is Black RTV silicone. Silicone over hole or tear and a piece of duct tape and your back in action. Silicone is rubbery so it will flex and expand when inflating and deflating. We have rescued many a stranded float tubers over the years with these methods.
Actually there are some real good bicycle press on patches that are excellent in a pinch. Bring them along with you, instant repair, later you can apply some epoxy type glue on the edges that will prolong the fix indefinitely. There's a real good clear epoxy, glue that is sold up at the sporting goods store on Arrowhead lake, only place I've seen it sold in store. That stuff is the poop!
Ifishtoolittle
12-07-2013, 05:36 PM
Part of the design Ifishtoolittle, glad they did something different the old design was just not durable. The boston valves eventually will fail (after many many years) but are easily replaced. I noticed Dick's sporting goods even sells them over the counter. Since both my ODC and FC4 have boston valves I always carry spares now.
Do the valves leak gradually? Or will I be floating around one day and suddenly find my self sitting halfway in the drink?
Do the valves leak gradually? Or will I be floating around one day and suddenly find my self sitting halfway in the drink?
Very gradually and my ODC420 is probably 10 years old and FC4 is even older so no worries! It's just the seal eventually becomes compromised and will be a very slow leak, they are simple and cheap to replace, think most people probably get new tubes before they need to be replaced, I like my old worn in tubes, lol.
LBSea
12-09-2013, 08:42 AM
Luckyjr21, those guards breaking down do not puncture your tube. I've replaced mine multiple times and never had an issue.
Part of the design Ifishtoolittle, glad they did something different the old design was just not durable. The boston valves eventually will fail (after many many years) but are easily replaced. I noticed Dick's sporting goods even sells them over the counter. Since both my ODC and FC4 have boston valves I always carry spares now.
You can extend the life of your Boston Valve with this trick. Peal the rubber washer seal off and flip over. The times my valves have leaked there was grit causing the valve not to seat properly. If you tighten too much it leaves an indent that then leaks. When this happens flip the rubber washer over and it is good as new.
In general you NEVER want to over tighten these valves. They can strip but most likely crack if too tight.
If you ever send a bladder in for repair or replace keep your valve and if it is a ODC in know for sure they will send a new one with your replacement bladder.
As seal mentions they last a long time but is good to have backups.