Q. Hey Gear Guy! I am thinking about buying an inflatable boat. I checked all of the safety regulations, laws, details, etc. The only thing I’m not quite sure about is how to inflate it. It says it comes with two Boston valves for easy inflation. Do I attach them to a hand pump, like the one for my sports balls? Or do I need a special pump? — Worried Ralph, Wayne, NJGood on you for doing your research before buying. That’s what I’d call being prepared. O.K., so here’s the deal on the Boston valve: It’s used on lots of inflatable boats, blow-up beds and water toys. Basically it’s a one-way valve with two caps. Pop off the top cap and you can fill the boat up with air. The valve let’s air in, but won’t let any air escape. Unfortunately though, yes, you’ll have to use a different type of pump than the one you’re probably using to blow up your sports balls. Your best bet is to get a dual-action hand pump with a Boston valve adaptor, which has a small round opening about the size of a dime (most pumps come with one as it’s a common adapter).
If your mom or dad has a vacuum, like a Shop-Vac, that can be put in reverse (to blow air) you might be able to use that too. When you want to let out all the air out of the boat, you simply remove both caps. Happy inflating (and paddling)! Ask the Gear Guy Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine. 10 Sleeper Sofas Under $500 (Image credit: Urban Outfitters) Can you get a sleeper sofa for under $500? Yes, you can, it turns out — and even one that looks pretty decent. These 10 sofas are probably not the best choice for sleeping on every night, but if you have guests often and want to provide them with a place to crash that's not an air mattress on the floor, these are all excellent options. Oliver Sleeping Couch, $279 from Urban Outfitters Harper convertible sofa, $462 from Target Himmene sofa bed, $449 from IKEA
9 by Novogratz linen mix futon in grey or teal, $349 from Walmart. DHP Sienna futon, $298.97 from Amazon Lovas sofa bed, $349 from IKEA Mid-Century Modern Vintage Style Linen Sleeper Futon Sofa, $488.99 from Overstock Avenue Greene Orfino Blue Velour Futon, $295.99 from Overstock Novogratz Palm Springs futon in navy or mustard, $249 from Walmart DHP Metro Microfiber Upholstered Futon in four colors, $299 from Amazon. If your budget is larger, check out our most recent Annual Guide to Sleeper Sofas & Sofa BedsA woman punched a 70-year-old Walmart greeter in the face after she asked to see a receipt for merchandise the woman was carrying out of the store. Jacquetta Simmons, 26, was charged with two counts of assault for the attack that knocked 70-year-old Grace Suozzi to the ground causing the elderly woman to fracture the side of her face. Simmons and her male companion ran out of the store in Batavia, New York after the confrontation at 11:30am on Christmas Eve.
Attack: Jacquetta Simmons, 26, was charged with assault after punching a 70-year-old Walmart worker in the face in Batavia, New YorkMs Suozzi had asked Simmons to show her a receipt for some electronics purchases she had made at the back of the store, a witness told ABC 13, when the young woman attacked. The pair were detained by employees and customers until police arrived. A large crowd surrounded the 26-year-old's car so she couldn't drive away. Simmons was arraigned in the Town of Batavia Court by Justice Michael Cleveland. She was later released from Genesee County Jail on $40,000 bond to reappear in court January 23.Ms Suozzi was taken to hospital and released on Christmas Day. She is now recovering at home. Attack: The Walmart greeter had asked the woman if she could look at the receipt for merchandise she was carrying out the store in Batavia, New YorkSwimWays Spring Float pool floats are the only fabric-covered pool float with a patented inner spring that provides greater stability and comfort in the water.
Relax into the cooling mesh and let the hurry of everyday life drift away. Available in dozens of styles and colors for adults, kids, babies, and even the family dog! Spring Floats are great pool floats for travel - they fold flat into three compact rings for ultra-portability. << 1 of 3 >> Spring Float - the Original Fabric-Covered Pool Float with a Patented Inner Spring! SwimWays Spring Float pool floats feature durable fabric-covered inflation with soft, cooling mesh beds and seats for the ultimate relaxation experience. The patented inner spring - ONLY available in SwimWays floats - provides greater comfort and stability while floating in the water. Also thanks to the spring, Spring Floats fold flat and compact for easier portability and storage. Spring Floats inflate and deflate quickly thanks to Jet Valves, so you don't need to wrestle with an air pump. Our fabric-covered pool floats are the comfortable alternative to sticky plastic inflatables that get hot in the sun.