The NeverSoft™ caps are designed to manage the boat pressure to the boat manufacture’s recommended maximum pressure.  To accommodate different boat designs, each cap can be programmed to one of four target pressure settings: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 PSI.  These settings correspond to the manufacturer-recommended maximum operating pressures for various inflatable boats, which typically range from 2.0 PSI for larger chamber boats up to 3.5 PSI for higher-pressure applications.

The NeverSoft™ caps feature a rechargeable battery that powers an integrated air pump.  The battery is continually charged by a solar panel located behind the lens.  Each cap contains a pressure sensor that records pressure data thousands of times per day, tracking the daily high chamber pressures to calculate the average high pressure.  The pump then adds air to the chamber to adjust the average high pressure to the target pressure.

Considering these are solar powered systems, it is recommended that you set these outside on a sunny day to top off the battery charge before installing them in the boat.

Because inflatable boats contain multiple air chambers, a NeverSoft™ cap should be installed into each chamber.  During initial installation, the caps monitor daily pressure fluctuations for a couple days.  After this ‘learning’ period, the caps synchronize with one another and perform inflation adjustments simultaneously during the lowest-pressure period of the day.  The air pressure adjustment event happens once per day.  This coordinated operation helps maintain equal pressure across all chambers and keeps the bladder in a neutral position.

The caps typically require 5–7 days to fully learn the boat’s operating environment, including temperature cycles, storage conditions, and usage patterns.  The system is gradually adjusting the daily high pressure to the target pressure.  This takes some time. Think of the process like applying fertilizer to a lawn—it takes a few days before the full benefits become noticeable.

For example, if a boat is stored indoors during the week, chamber pressure may naturally decrease due to cooler temperatures and the absence of direct sunlight.  In many cases, the caps will recognize this pattern and may not add air because they anticipate pressure increasing again when the boat returns to warmer outdoor conditions.  However, if a chamber experiences gradual air loss from minor leakage, the caps will automatically make adjustments as needed to maintain the selected pressure level.

Over the past several years, we have learned that many boat owners inflate their boats based on feel alone.  While the tubes may seem firm, actual chamber pressure is often significantly below the manufacturer’s recommended maximum.  For example, a boat that feels properly inflated may only be around 1.5 PSI, when its recommended maximum pressure is closer to 3.5 PSI.  Once that boat enters cooler water, pressure can drop appreciably, resulting in noticeably soft tubes.  With NeverSoft™ caps maintaining chambers closer to their recommended pressure, a temperature-related pressure drop would still leave the boat operating at a significantly high pressure (ie ~2.5 psi), preserving firmness and performance.  In other words, if you start at the correct pressure, you are ‘Never Soft’ when your boat go in the water.

In the event of a rapid temperature increase that causes excessive pressure buildup, each cap incorporates a pressure-relief valve that automatically vents air at 4.0 PSI to protect the chambers from over inflation.

NeverSoft™ caps are compatible with Halkey-Roberts® valves (and similar designs), Leafield valves, and Zodiac valves. They are available in three colors:

• Light Gray
• Dark Gray 
• Black