The Optimist buoyancy bags from Optiparts are made of polyurethane-coated nylon and are about half the weight and significantly stronger than buoyancy bags made of PVC or PVC-coated nylon. Some Optimist buoyancy bags are available with a twist-lock tube valve. This valve is attached to a piece of tubing. With this valve, the bag can easily and quickly be inflated and deflated. 48-liter bags are slightly heavier than 43-liter buoyancy bags, but after a capsize, there is a lot less water in the boat.
Twist-lock tube valve. Colour red, inflated size 27 cm x 88 cm, capacity: 43 litres. Deflated size 41 cm x 100 cm, radius 24 cm.
Please note, do not over-inflate the Optimist buoyancy bags. When bags are properly filled, they will be soft to the touch. Over-inflated buoyancy bags may burst when heated by the sun or rising temperatures. Make sure there are no sharp points in your boat that could snag or puncture the buoyancy bags.