Fogg 427 Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 Problem: Have inherited an Achilles dinghy with no pump. And of course a slow puncture. As an aside I have a Red paddleboard with pump and hose. Ideal solution: Buy / make up a hose that I could attach to my Red pump at one end and the Achilles valve the other (see both pics). Alternative solution: Buy entirely new pump with hose that would fit Achilles. Any suggestions on achieving either solution - currently based at GH but could drive around a bit if I could ID place that sells this stuff? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fish 0 Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 we had an Achilles (20 yrs old), recently retired. We just had a round fitting on the end of the hose. Had to hold it on by hand while pumping - pain in the arse. All the paddle boards and new dinghies have a 'twist and lock' type fitting, which just leaks all the air out if you try it on the achilles. In theory the achilles fitting was a friction fit, but as soon as you get the pressure up, it would just pop off. We never looked for a legit part, sorry. They are sold in Aust, so you might be able to get something sent over in not too long. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted January 3, 2021 Share Posted January 3, 2021 My Naiad has the same fitting, very difficult to source it. Try talking to Neil at Seafarer, he might be able to point you in the right direction Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CarpeDiem 430 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 It just has a round rubber insert that goes into the valve. Overtime they hardened and became ineffective as Fish says. The valve should have a cap attached. That thread isn't for the pump. You could probably find a suitable rubber tube with an OD of 1" which would do the same. Adapter for a hose https://shop.inflatableboatparts.com/product/achilles-rubber-mold-air-valve-adapter-gray/ Valve: https://shop.inflatableboatparts.com/product/achilles-and-dynous-replacement-valve-achilles-part-c342gy/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fogg 427 Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 Thanks guys. Yes the valve cap is missing which might be contributing to deflation so if I can replace that, that would be a bonus. I might well order from those links CP - the only issue is time for delivery of parts. And right now we’re hoping to finish the ‘must do’ to-do list tomorrow so we can actually depart for our maiden voyage on 6th Jan - we’ve spent the entire last 2 weeks since the boat arrived sitting on the hardstand / marina getting things ship-shape and the dinghy is one of the last things I need to solve before we can go - which will improve the family mood significantly! 😊 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CarpeDiem 430 Posted January 4, 2021 Share Posted January 4, 2021 2 hours ago, Fogg said: Thanks guys. Yes the valve cap is missing which might be contributing to deflation so if I can replace that, that would be a bonus. I might well order from those links CP - the only issue is time for delivery of parts. And right now we’re hoping to finish the ‘must do’ to-do list tomorrow so we can actually depart for our maiden voyage on 6th Jan - we’ve spent the entire last 2 weeks since the boat arrived sitting on the hardstand / marina getting things ship-shape and the dinghy is one of the last things I need to solve before we can go - which will improve the family mood significantly! 😊 You could unscrew that valve and take it on a journey looking for a rubber hose that jams in it tightly... Then it will be a matter of finding the appropriate coupling to join it to your existing red pump hose... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fogg 427 Posted January 4, 2021 Author Share Posted January 4, 2021 Problem solved temporarily (although like many temp solutions it might end up lasting a while). A friend had an adaptor that fits perfectly into the 1 in valve and even has an o-ring on it to improve the seal. At the other end I taped it tightly to the end of paddleboard pump hose and it works (for now)! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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