i11S PSI?

Can anyone tell me with confidence what the Hobie i11S should be inflated to? Main chamber and side chambers? I cannot find this information. I emailed Hobie but haven't heard back. Thanks!

-Mack

_________________
Mack
2017 Hobie i11s

A pressure of 3-5 PSI is

adequate if you have a pressure gauge. The easiest gauge

of a good working pressure is to have the chambers inflated

to a firm pressure when you press on them.

· Do not pump to a high pressure and let the kayak sit out

in the sun. If the kayak is going to be in a warm environ-
ment, slightly under-inflate the chamber and allow the heat

from the sun to increase the internal chamber pressure.

When kayaking, the colder temperature of the water may

cause a slight loss in chamber pressure. It is a good idea

to carry a pump with you so that you can add some air to

the chambers if necessary.

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

I've read that for the outside chambers (3-5 psi), but what about the main chamber?

The main chamber is dropstitched like a regular SUP. Most inflatable SUPs are rated at 10-15 psi. But I can't find this info anywhere for the i11S.


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Mack
2017 Hobie i11s

Instead of likening the i11s to an inflatable sup, treat like all the other Hobie inflatables. Pump air until pump ceases to let you pump any more...

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But that's just it, it's not like the other inflatables. Call me OCD, but want to know the exact number. I thought the Hobie engineers would have published a recommended PSI for the i11s, if anything just to avoid warranty cases of people over inflating them. The website even advertises the drop-stitch technology being inflatable to higher pressure... but doesn't say what that is.


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_________________
Mack
2017 Hobie i11s

So I was in the store today (I take delivery on Friday) and asked the rep about the PSI...He called Hobie direct and they did confirm the same 3-5 PSI for the main chamber of the i11s. So what you are saying about the pump makes sense I guess. Still seems low to me, and odd based on the website advertising that says "the drop stitched floor construction allows much higher inflation pressures..." But the Hobie rep said do not go over 5 PSI. Maybe the Hobie drop-stitch design is different from other drop-stitch SUP boards that are advertised as inflating to 18 PSI (like NRS Heron 11, etc).

Thanks to all who commented on this.

_________________
Mack
2017 Hobie i11s

If I stop with the hand pump once the going gets tough, I register around 3.3 - 3.5 PSI in the main chamber. I can get it over 4.5 if I risk popping a hernia, but now I use an electric pump to get the center to 5 PSI, 4.3 - 4.5 on the side chambers.

Per Jbernier's point, I go lower when it's hot outside!

If I stop with the hand pump once the going gets tough, I register around 3.3 - 3.5 PSI in the main chamber. I can get it over 4.5 if I risk popping a hernia, but now I use an electric pump to get the center to 5 PSI, 4.3 - 4.5 on the side chambers.

Per Jbernier's point, I go lower when it's hot outside![/quote]

I had is out last weekend and pumped it up until it was firm. No idea what PSI it was at. But I did get a PSI gauge in the mail this week that only goes up to 5PSI. Hopefully that will give me a better read next time out.

Side note-- I found that the Hobie pump mounts nicely behind the seat (below the lumbar bar) using two bungee ball straps. Seems so natural for it to go there I am surprised Hobie didn't make some sort of strap for it.

_________________
Mack
2017 Hobie i11s