I just added a new Alpacka Scout raft to my pile of boats. After ordering I became aware that Alpacka switched their inflation/deflation system from the long-time, tried-and-true, two-component setup to a new single valve in 2017 that has a flapper (which can be activated or deactivated). The old system had a simple dump valve port that was used to inflate and deflate the boat and a second smaller nozzle/tube for topping off. Based on some of the feedback in the comments below the instructional video that Alpacka has posted on youtube I was a bit concerned about this change, but now that I have the raft in hand and having played with the new valve I can say that my first impressions are pretty positive.
You can see the instructional video for the new system via this youtube link or via this vimeo link. They explain the basic operation of the new valve. Oddly, the interface with the inflation bag is not what I received in the mail. I don’t know if they abandoned the idea of an integrated short-twist locking/unlocking mechanism for the inflation bag or what, but the bag I received basically has a valve cap looking screw-on interface like what you see for sale as an accessory to retrofit older inflation bags . Maybe the short-twist style was also short-lived? On that accessory page if you look at the installation instructions tab you will see what the interface looks like that shipped to me.
Anyway, I figured that overcoming the new flapper would increase the resistance to air flow when inflating and deflating the boat and slow the process down. This basically turned out not to be the case. The new flapper valve actually moves a decent amount of air. It may be a hair slower than the old straight port, but not by much. And topping off works really well. Like, really well. I can see how twisting around in the boat and topping off the new system might be more difficult while underway (when the air in the boat cools off from contact with cold water making the boat softer) but just trying it on my kitchen floor it didn’t seem too bad. In fact, you can puff top-off air in so easily via the big valve it seems easier (if you can get your lips back there). I wonder a little about sand getting in the mechanism, but the valve cap ultimately seals the air in so you don’t have to rely on the flapper for long.
Just figured I’d offer a little first impression feedback on the new system.
