So my mom's cousin's wife left him for another man so my cousin and his two kids called and asked if they could raft the Noli today...driving up from Maryville. I said sure...

Well, they were halfway here when I decided to top off my raft and the valve broke. I have a replacement but I've never replaced a valve. Air was rushing out of the valve and I thought the trip would be cancelled. I ended up topping it off and putting the valve cap on...no leak.

I strapped the boat to the trailer and headed for Erwin...still unsure. Got to the outpost and it seemed the boat still had not leaked.

I decided instead of trying to replace the valve for the first time and risking f'n things up real good to risk it. So, we headed for the put in with pump, duck tape, and a nervous feeling in tow.

Put on and made it through Quarter mile...no leak. Rooster Tail, the shoals, stateline...no leak.

The boat was still stiff as a board when we made it to the takeout. I took the valve cap off and shwoooooooooosh...the boat deflated. I have a friend that repairs rafts and said it's an easy fix and he'll help me replace the broken valve next week.

I was so impressed the valve and cap are designed so tightly the boat, even with a busted valve, held true with just the cap. That's some great reassurance. All boats might be like that but I know at the company we have an Avon that had a busted lefield valve and no matter how much duck tape or how tight the cap the boat would slowly leak requiring pumping every 30 minutes.

Anyway...pre-mature worrying turned into a great day. Had to tell someone. =)