Frequently
Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up the Bongo?
It takes about 5-20 minutes to set up the Bongo, depending
on the inflator used.
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How do you inflate the Bongo
tube?
A 2 way hand pump is provided with the 10ft Bongo.
Using this inflator, it will take about 20 minutes to fully inflate
the tube. An adaptor is also included to interface the hand pump to
the Halkey-Roberts valve on the tube. For the larger 15ft Bongo, we
highly recommend the use of an industrial inflator / deflator like
the RAVE Hurricane Blower. With
this blower, it only takes about 5 minutes to inflate either of the
Bongo products. You can order this high volume inflator / deflator
directly from Anchor Dock and Lift by calling 320-274-6500. Using
the air output side of a shop vacuum is also an effective way of swiftly
inflating the tube, since shop vacuums typically have high air flow
rates.
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Can I use an Air Compressor
to inflate the tube?
We do not recommend the use of an air compressor as
over inflation can damage the tube. RAVE’s commercial grade
products are fully inflated with only 1-2 PSI of air pressure. The
high pressure output of most air compressors can easily cause over
inflation if not monitored properly during the inflation process.
If a compressor is used, be sure not to exceed 2 PSI within the tube.
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How do you deflate the Bongo
tube?
Depress and lock open the valve to let the air naturally
flow out of the large opening in the valve. You can also use the RAVE
hurricane blower or a shop vacuum positioned in reverse to swiftly
power deflate the tube.
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What is the tube made of?
The tube material is the same high-grade material
used in many ocean-going inflatables and inflatable military boats.
It’s a 1000 Denier Polyester with 28 oz. UV treated PVC. All
seams are heat-welded for maximum strength and doubled at key stress
points. We don not use natural rubber or natural rubber latex in any
of our products. Therefore, people with allergic reactions to latex
should not have any problems using our products.
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Can the Bongo be used in
salt water?
Yes, the Bongo can be used in the ocean and other
salt water locations. There are no metal components except the anchor
rings which are stainless steel. Therefore, corrosion will never be
a problem with the Bongo.
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Will the Bongo fade in the
sun?
The tube will retain its brilliance for years because
UV inhibitors are specially blended into the chemistry of our PVC
materials. We also recommend using 303
Aerospace Protectant as a secondary topical agent (like sunscreen
for your skin) to prevent fading and degradation. 303 also restores
lost color and luster, making your Bongo vinyl look like new. Periodic
(monthly) application of 303 protectant will provide the best results.
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Can the Bongo be left out
in the water?
Because the Bongo is lightweight and easy to transport,
we recommend storing the product out of the water unless it’s
securely anchored. If you choose to keep it in the water, there are
two things to consider: 1) your local regulations regarding anchoring
and 2) if the area is consistently exposed to high winds.
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How deep does the water
need to be to use the Bongo?
You should anchor your Bongo in at least 8 feet of
water in an area at least 15 feet from any docks, boats or other obstructions.
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How do you anchor the Bongo?
The Bongon 10 foot product comes complete with a day-use
anchor bag that can be filled with sand or rocks. A single anchor
point is located on the lower inside of the tube for connection of
the anchor bag line. The Bongo 15 foot comes with a fixed anchor harness
on the underside of the tube. Anchoring methods for this larger product
is dependent on day-use vs. seasonal anchoring and use. For day-use,
we recommend using 1-2 sand anchor
bags available from Anchor Dock and Lift at 320-274-6500. For
seasonal anchoring, please refer to your owner manual or the FAQ section
of the Aqua Jump product line.
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How do you transport the
Bongo on the land and water?
You should enlist another person to help you lift
and carry the Bongo from land to water. DO NOT DRAG. RAVE doesn’t
recommend towing the Bongo on the water, although it can be transported
at very low speeds.
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Can the Bongo be used as
a land trampoline?
Yes. The Bongo was designed for use on land or water.
Like any inflatable product, however, the Bongo tube should not be
exposed to rough edges or sharp objects like rocks and sticks.
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How high can you bounce
on the Bongo?
The bounce height depends on the tube inflation and
weight of the bouncer. Without a trampoline frame and springs, the
performance will be less than a traditional trampoline.
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Can you use the Aqua Park
Attachments with the Bongo?
Some of the Aqua Jump
and / or Aqua Deck attachments can
be used with the Bongo products. Please call Anchor Dock and Lift
for assistance at 320-274-6500.
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Do you need a permit for
the Bongo?
Most areas do not require any special permits, however,
you should check with your local authorities or DNR to determine permit
requirements in your area.
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How do you repair the Bongo?
You can locate a leak in an inflated product by spraying
the tube with soapy water. When you find the leak and determine the
size of the hole, use a patch from the repair
kit and cut a swatch 1 inch wider than the hole. Deflate the product
and clean the area around the hole with rubbing alcohol. Apply glue
from the repair kit to the patch and the area around the hole. Let
the glue dry approximately 2 minutes until it becomes tacky. Stick
the glued parts to each other and rub them together using a hard,
smooth, flat surface. Let the patch dry for at least 24 hours before
inflating. For bigger holes and tears, follow the same procedure but
put a patch on the inside as well as the outside.
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What is the warranty on
the Bongo?
RAVE offers a one-year warranty for defects in material
or workmanship. If the product is being used commercially, like at
a camp or resort, there is a 6-month warranty.
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How do you maintain and
store the Bongo?
To store the Bongo, you should first clean the entire
inflatable with soap and water or other mild cleansers. Do not use
petroleum based or vegetable oil based cleaners. After the tube dries,
deflate the tube. Roll the tube loosely and place in a vented container.
(A large plastic storage container (Rubbermaid or a similar brand)
works well to store the tube and keep safe from rodents). Some people
prefer to keep the trampoline frame intact and lean it against a wall
instead of taking all the pieces apart.
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How is the Bongo different
from the Aqua Jump?
The Bongo, new in 2001, and the Aqua
Jump are made from the same high-quality material using many of
the same components. There are a few differences, however:
- The Bongo does not have any metal parts.
- The Bongo can be used on land or water.
- You cannot attach the Aqua
Launch to the Bongo. This attachment only works with the Aqua
Jump.
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With one chamber, will the Bongo sink if it
gets a hole?
The Bongo will not sink if the tube is punctured. Enough
air accumulates in the tube to keep the Bongo components afloat. A
single air chamber also provides even distribution of the air around
the full perimeter of the product, even if air pressure gets low.
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Does RAVE sell covers for
the Bongos?
Yes. Covers are
available for the Bongo 15, there is not currently a cover for the
Bongo 10. Please see Anchor Dock and Lift for more information or
call us at 320-274-6500.
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What can I do to keep my
product safe from muskrats, mice and other rodents?
Rodents like muskrats may be attracted to the PVC
vinyl of our product. When your tube is on the water, maintaining
full air pressure during periods of non-use usually prevents them
from being able to get a hold of the vinyl to chew on it. However,
the best way to solve the problem of nuisance rodents is to remove
the temptation by taking the product out of the water at night. Another
option is to make the whole area unattractive to rodents by changing
the environment, eliminating food sources along the shoreline and
making the area less hospitable to their inhabitance.
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