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.

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 RAVE Sports by calling 800-659-0790 or by visiting your local RAVE dealer. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do you anchor the Bongo?

The Bongo10 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 Bongo15 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 RAVE Sports (800-659-0790) or your local RAVE dealer. For seasonal anchoring, please refer to your owner manual or the FAQ section of the Aqua Jump product line.

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.

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.

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.

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 RAVE Sports for assistance at 800-659-0790.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 your local RAVE dealer for more information or visit our accessories page on the website.

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.