How to handle high temperatures and your float tube care.

I am sure most of understand this but I think it is still important for use to discuss and share.  With summer here and temperature's rising we should be thinking of being safe on the water.  While this information was shared for Hybrid (PVC) type tubes I think some of this info can be used for all tubes in the heat.  

1. Inflatable drop stitch (or flat boats) should inflated to only 0.6 bars or just over 8 pounds per square inch of pressure. Other none flat sections should be inflated to 0.18 Bars or 2.6 pounds per square inch of pressure.

2. We should always be thinking of wetting the parts of our tubes that are out of the water.  These areas are of course more sun exposed so be mindful and cool them down with the cooler water all around us.

3. When out of the water and beached do not leave it fully inflated for long.  As the tube heats up it will increase pressure fast and this could lead to bladder failure very quickly.  

Just some simple things to do to prevent a good day of fishing turning into a bad day of fishing.  Is there anything you fill should be added to this list.  Be safe out there and always stay hydrated as well.

Great reminder

Barrett was in low 70's at launch and hit 98 by afternoon
Had  release some air while on the water.

Driving home, had to pull over and tighten ratchet straps as tube had deflated with lower temps and altitude.

Last year, one of my patches on a puncture leaked when subjected to high pressure from the barrett heat.

Driving up to big bear with cumberland only half full, as I was nearing arrowbear, turned around to see it completely inflated!

Been using this solar powered pressure gauge last several years to set pressures at launch and monitor throughout the day.  
2.5 - 3 psi for the scadden main tubes, higher on the dropped stitched seat.

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jmytuna wrote:Great reminder

Barrett was in low 70's at launch and hit 98 by afternoon
Had  release some air while on the water.

Driving home, had to pull over and tighten ratchet straps as tube had deflated with lower temps and altitude.

Last year, one of my patches on a puncture leaked when subjected to high pressure from the barrett heat.

Driving up to big bear with cumberland only half full, as I was nearing arrowbear, turned around to see it completely inflated!

Been using this solar powered pressure gauge last several years to set pressures at launch and monitor throughout the day.  
2.5 - 3 psi for the scadden main tubes, higher on the dropped stitched seat.

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Thanks for your post ya this is something that can ruin a good trip if you are not careful. It only take a quick second and POP its all over. I will check out that gauge looks pretty cool.

Summertime I try to head to higher altitudes
Or just not go if it gets too hot.

Keeping our tubes cool is important.
Keeping our skin protected is also very important. I am bald so I don't go anywhere without sunscreen & protective hat.

Supposed to get to 106 today, 109 tomorrow.
Think it'll be a couple more weekends before I get back in the water.