Fender inflation:valve issues

[Iolaire]

Searched the forum for any thoughts and didn't find any. Despite using inflatable fenders (Taylor) for years, I still don't know that I am inflating them correctly as I have trouble keeping SOME of them inflated. However, I had three that stayed fully inflated all this past winter. Given that I am the only person questioning it, this it is probably very simple and I have "missed the boat". Anyway: 1) do you just stick the inflation needle into the hole in the vavle and pump away, 2) if so what seals the inside of the valve when you remove the needle, 3 I have removed the valve to take a look, and it appears to be a rubber nipple and the only mechanism for sealing I can think of is from the "air pressure" in the fender.
Any thoughts on this, other than buying the permanently inflated brand?

[Ken Hutchins]

Some thimes the walve assembly needs to be cleaned and tighthened a bit, a simple fix. If the do persist to leak they are guaranted not to leek, swap for an new one.:)

[Uncle Duke]

If this is the needle type, like a basketball or a soccer ball, you can sometimes "heal" them by putting a drop of detergent in the hole (note: just in the hole, not in the fender itself), putting the needle in just until the outlet hole is half covered, then pumping to distribute the detergent around the rubber membrane which seals it.
If there's dirt or grit there, this can flush it out (well, actually in). It doesn't hurt to do this several times. As noted, if it still leaks then you need to replace. I've done this on soccer balls in the past with success.
Good luck!

[Canoeyawl]

Taylor brand are unconditionally guaranteed, I would return them.

[Iolaire]

Well I guess that is my question. How do you tell which are the needle type and what are the other types? And if the needle type, does or should the needle actually puncture the rubber nipple and again what seals the hole after the needle is removed? Seems hard to understand how detergent would "heal" them, unless it makes the rubber nipple more pliable. I have removed the valve assembly and actually put plumbers tape on the threads and still there is a leak. Regarding returning: maybe a possibility but they are several years old and bought in the states (West Marine) and now I live in Cape Breton with the closest store being in Toronto, which is not feasible except for shipping which would cost more than than the fender is worth.

[martin schulz]

Old tires don't deflate, ever!

[Iolaire]

Perhaps, but then I would have a lot more work fixing and keeping the topsides of a wooden boat! Would you really use them or did you just not have anything better to say.

[Bob Cleek]

Yep, about the only thing I can say for WasteMarine is that they will exchange a crapped out Taylor fender. I haven't bought a fender in forever. Every time I see a Taylor one in the dumpster, I chuck it into the back of the truck. Every so often, I make a pilgrimage to WasteMarine and pick up new fenders!

[martin schulz]

Perhaps, but then I would have a lot more work fixing and keeping the topsides of a wooden boat! Would you really use them or did you just not have anything better to say.

Yes, I use them.
I found out that the best tires to use are those from small airplanes, because they don't have a wire-mesh basis but a mesh of carbon fibres.

But I know that usually yotties don't like to see tires hanging on boats instead of fenders, because they can leave marks on bright-white varnished boats, but since boats are boats and not furniture I really don't care.

[paladin]

The more goodest fenders are made from soft rope and water hose...don't need inflating, don't leak, and dry quickly when hanging....;)