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Here are some often asked questions about
Polyform products:
MOORING TIPS
When picking up a mooring, always use the top ring
to pick the buoy with a boat hook. Then shackle the mooring pennant
to the
mooring chain shackle, rather than to the buoy itself. This puts
all the strain on the anchor chain, rather than the buoy.
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WHAT
SIZE BUOY WILL I NEED?
A buoy's size is determined by the weight of the line or chain it must support. Calculate the weight of your line, plus a 25% safety margin, then consult the buoyancy chart on the individual buoy information page.
Always use chafing gear where
mooring lines run through bow chocks or are likely to contact
deck hardware. A thimble on the shackled end will prevent chafe
at the buoy.
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WHAT
IS THE RIGHT SIZE FENDER FOR MY BOAT?
To find the right size fender for your boat, review the Fender
Sizing Guide. Common sense, as well as an understanding of
your boat and mooring conditions, must be considered in selecting
the right fender.
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SAFETY
In a hard blow, the holding power of the mooring can be increased by lengthening the mooring pennant.
This increases the scope of the mooring, providing greater holding power - just
be sure to check other boats in the moorage first to ensure
you won't foul another moored boat.
In adverse conditions, a second mooring pennant can be run to
the top eye as a safety in case the primary pennant chafes through
or fails.
All shackles should be moused to prevent opening. Electrician's
plastic tie wraps are an excellent means of securing a shackle.
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INFLATION
Polyform buoys and fenders can be inflated either with the Polyform
hand pump or almost any form of compressed air that will cover
the valve. An inflation adapter is available for use with standard
compression nozzles or hand pumps.
Polyform products are designed to be
inflated to 2.1 lbs/0,15 bar of pressure at 68°F/20°C.
When inflating without a pressure gauge, fill the buoy or fender
until the walls are
fully expanded, but make certain you can depress the walls at
least 1/4 inch with light hand pressure. Measure the circumference
and compare it with the inflation chart for proper pressure.
Over inflation will reduce the performance of the product and
may cause premature failure. Over inflation voids the warranty.
| INFLATION INSTRUCTIONS |
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| 1 |
Several types of air sources
may be used to inflate your Polyform products:
a Polyform # 30 hand pump
b Other hand or foot operated pumps
c Air Compressor
d Service station air pump
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| 2 |
Remove white plastic screw from the valve (located near
the ropehold). |
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| 3 |
 If
you are using a gas station or portable air compressor, set
your gauge at 2 PSI. Do not go beyond this setting. Insert
the inflation adapter in the valve opening and apply the
nozzle to the adapter and depress to start the air flowing.
 If you are using a hand or foot operated pump, insert the
inflation adapter into the nozzle first. The adapter is threaded
for your convenience.
NOTE: If no air can be put into the product, the convenience
flap may be stuck. Insert a small blunt rod (Allen wrench,
Phillips screwdriver, or stiff wire) into the valve and
gently push the convenience flap open. |
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| 4 |
 Fill the Polyform fender or buoy until the walls are fully
expanded. The best way to check that is to measure the circumference
of the particular product and match the chart measurement.
You should also be able to easily push with your thumb and
depress the wall 1/4 inch. |
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| 5 |
 After filling the product to the correct size, remove the
pump and replace the screw. Remember that you are screwing
a plastic screw into plastic threads. The screw will come
to a stop when the screw head is flush with the top of the
valve casing. Do not force the screw past this point or damage
to the valve will occur.
NOTE: Do not use power drills/drivers to tighten.
The torque can easily drive the screw through the valve. |
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