Overview #
This article explains the operation of the Airtex® inflatable door seal fitted to the Ocean Alexander beach club door. The inflatable gasket creates a watertight seal between the beach club door and the hull when inflated, helping prevent water ingress while the vessel is underway.
The system also includes an emergency deflation and bypass feature that allows the door to be opened if the inflatable seal cannot be deflated through normal operation.
System Components #
The beach club door sealing system consists of:
- Airtex® inflatable door gasket
- Air supply and control valve
- Inflation/deflation switch or control
- Air tubing and fittings
- Emergency deflation/bypass valve
Normal Operation #
Closing the Beach Club Door #
- Ensure the beach club door is fully closed and mechanically latched.
- Activate the Seal Inflate control.
- Allow the gasket to fully inflate until it firmly seals against the door frame.
- Confirm the seal has fully inflated before operating the vessel.
Opening the Beach Club Door #
- Activate the Seal Deflate control.
- Wait until the gasket has completely deflated.
- Verify the seal is no longer compressed against the frame.
- Release the door latches and open the beach club door.
Important: Never attempt to force the beach club door open while the inflatable gasket is pressurized. Doing so may damage the seal, hardware, or door assembly.
Emergency Deflation / Bypass #
If the inflatable gasket fails to deflate using the normal controls:
- Locate the emergency deflation or bypass valve near the air control assembly.
- Slowly operate the bypass valve to manually release the air pressure from the inflatable gasket.
- Confirm the seal has fully collapsed around the entire perimeter of the door.
- Once the gasket is completely deflated, release the door latches and carefully open the beach club door.
- After the emergency operation, have the sealing system inspected before returning it to normal service.
Routine Inspection #
Periodically inspect the inflatable seal for:
- Cuts, abrasions, or tears in the gasket.
- Air leaks or failure to maintain pressure.
- Loose or damaged air tubing and fittings.
- Debris, dirt, or salt accumulation around the sealing surface.
- Proper inflation and complete deflation during operation.
Clean the gasket using mild soap and fresh water only. Do not use petroleum-based cleaners, solvents, or abrasive products, as these may damage the rubber material.
Troubleshooting #
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Seal will not inflate | Air supply unavailable or control malfunction | Verify air supply and inspect the inflation control system. |
| Seal inflates slowly | Minor air leak or restriction | Inspect tubing, fittings, and gasket for leaks or damage. |
| Seal will not deflate | Control valve malfunction | Use the emergency bypass valve and schedule service. |
| Air leak while underway | Damaged gasket or loose fitting | Inspect the gasket and air connections. Replace damaged components as necessary. |
Ocean Alexander Recommendation #
Always fully inflate the beach club door seal before getting underway and completely deflate it before attempting to open the door. During routine vessel maintenance, inspect the inflatable gasket and air system for signs of wear or leakage. If the emergency bypass is used, the system should be inspected and repaired before the vessel is returned to normal operation to ensure the beach club door maintains its watertight integrity.
Contact our Service Department today
(954.530.2033)
To learn how we can help ensure safe and peak performance for your vessel.
East Coast Yacht Group
2955 West State Road 84
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
