EX1223 Optimist Blue Grey Airbag-Buy an airbag that will last and you can trust! These air bags are heavy duty buoyancy bags made from 300 denier polyurethane coated nylon. They meet and exceed the demands of a marine environment. The seams are radio frequency welded which ensures maximum life and durability. They are about half the weight and significantly stronger than bags made of PVC or PVC coated nylon. PVC and PVC coated airbags are not recommended for long term use in a marine environment.
The EX1223 Optimist Blue Grey Airbag has a twist lock valve on a stem for easy inflation and deflation. The stem allows the bag to be inflated on the water without the sailor having to put his or her head near the bag. This keeps their eyes above the gunwale and makes inflation much easier and safer for younger sailors. The stems can be easily tucked under the airbag straps to prevent accidental deflation.
The EX1223 Optimist Blue Grey Airbag is fully complicate with IODA racing rules. They are 48L in size and the maximum size allowed by the rules. This means that when the boat capsizes, it is less water to bail! These bags come standard with all McLaughlin Optimists, but they will fit any Optimist. They can also be used inside the flotation tanks of pre-IODA Optimists. It is recommended that if the forward tanks of an older Optimist leak, the inspection port covers should be left undone so that the coach and sailor can visibly confirm that the airbag is inflated before setting sail. Small holes can also be drilled along the base of the tanks to encourage water to drain.
