Tube Accessories

Pumps, valves and what to keep on the boat

A tube is happiest when it’s filled to the right pressure, stored half-deflated out of the sun, and patched the moment a small leak shows up. This collection covers what you need to do all three. Pumps. Our pick is a cordless electric pump — the KD 12v Electric Tube Pump and Jetpilot Hand Held Towable Pump are both rechargeable, both fast, and you’re not tethered to a car battery at the ramp. The Jobe Portable Electric Air Pump and Radar High Volume Tube Pump are solid 12V alternatives. The Fatsac 12V Air Pump runs off the cigarette socket. For the manual backup or a quiet top-up, the Masterline Foot Pump is the no-battery option — slower, but reliable and no risk of overinflation. Boston valves. The standard valve used on most tubes. Lost a cap or the valve has stopped sealing? The 2-pack covers the common modern shape, the OBrien Boston Valve Old Style fits the older OBrien tubes. The OBrien Lightning Valve Adaptor steps a Boston-fitting pump down for a Lightning-valve tube. Patch kits and repair. The Sports Stuff Tube Repair Kit covers most punctures — small patch material, glue and sandpaper to prep the surface. Aquaseal + FD is the flexible adhesive for trickier holes near a seam. Bags and quick-connects. The Direct Line Medium Tube Bag and Jetpilot Towable Carry Bag for transport and dry storage. Masterline Jetski Bridle and Stainless Steel Quick Clips for fast rope-to-tube hook-up — especially useful behind a jet ski where you’re swapping ropes between rider and tube. A note on inflation. Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure — overinflation in the sun can split a seam. After use, partially deflate the tube before storage. Sun and heat raise pressure inside a sealed tube fast.