Inflation Guide

Inflation Tools Needed

Tapered Air Nozzle and Air Source

Polyform U.S. Specialty Hand Pump

Polyform U.S. Inflation Adapter with any standard tire pump

Step by Step Guide

Polyform products are designed to be inflated to 2.1 lbs/0,15 bar of pressure. When inflating without a pressure gauge, fill the buoy or fender until the walls are fully expanded, but make certain you can depress the wall 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.

Step 1

Several types of air source may be used to inflate your Polyform products:
  • Polyform # 30 hand pump
  • Other hand or foot operated pumps
  • Air Compressor
  • Service Station Air Pump

Step 2

Remove the white plastic screw from the valve (located near the ropehold).

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 5

After filling the product to the correct size, remove the pump (and inflation adapter if used) and replace the white 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. Only when the white valve screw is completely seated in the valve as described above is the fender or buoy completely sealed. NOTE: Do not use power drills/drivers to tighten. The torque can easily drive the screw through the valve.

Inflation Chart

Note: Remove white plastic screw from the valve (located near the ropehold).
NF Series
Product Max Circumference
NF-3 17.6 in 44.7 cm
NF-4 20.1 in 51.0 cm
NF-5 27.9 in 71.0 cm

Deflation Instructions

How to Deflate Polyform U.S. Boat Fenders and Buoys

You can deflate any Polyform boat fender or buoy that has an inflation valve (All Polyform US fenders and buoys except the small G-1, G-2 and WS Series have a Polyform inflation valve). To deflate unscrew the screw from the inflation valve and insert a long thin, blunt object (like a hex key, or stiff wire) into the valve to disengage the backflow prevention flap, apply pressure to the buoy or boat fender to squeeze out the air, then replace the screw, being careful not to over tighten. The best way to avoid over tightening is to stop turning the screw once it's flush with the surface of the buoy or fender. Over tightening the valve screw can do irreversible damage to the valve. Larger products (A-5, A-6, A-7, F-13) have a blue deflation valve built in so simply unscrew the white screw and squeeze or vacuum the air out. No tool is necessary to release the backflow prevention flap.