The question of where to store a PVC boat in the off-season is a question that every water transporter faces right after the navigation is complete. The misconception that PVC is a completely invulnerable material often leads to unfortunate consequences: microcracks, loss of seam seals and destruction of glue. The right location and conditions directly affect the life of your vessel.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a room, from temperature to humidity to the presence of rodents. Improper storage can turn an expensive purchase into a pile of material by next spring. In this article, we will discuss all possible accommodation options, their pros and cons, and give specific recommendations for preparation.
Do not rely on the avos, leaving equipment in the barn or on an open balcony without proper protection. Aggressive external environment It can cause irreparable damage even to the highest quality. PVC materialLet's look at how to maintain the performance properties of your boat for many years to come.
Criteria for choosing the ideal place for wintering
The first and most important criterion is temperature: the optimal temperature for storing polyvinyl chloride products is the range from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes, especially the transition through zero, cause moisture condensation within the fabric structure and on the metal elements of the fittings.
The second critical factor is humidityHigh humidity causes mold and fungus to break down the reinforcing layer of tissue, on the other hand, excessive dryness is also undesirable, as it can lead to drying of adhesive seams, especially if two-component polyurethane adhesive is used.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to store an inflated vessel near heating appliances such as batteries, furnaces or heaters. Local overheating above +40 degrees causes irreversible deformation of the material and weakening of adhesive joints.
The third aspect is UV protection, and even in winter, the sun's rays, as they pass through glass, can burn out PVC plasticizers, making the material brittle, so the place has to be darkened or protected by a tight cover.
Storage in residential areas: pros and cons
Keeping a boat in an apartment or private house is the safest, but also the most overall option. In living quarters, stable temperature and low humidity are maintained, which is ideal for the use of a boat. polymericBut the owners have to sacrifice usable space, because even when deflated, the cylinders take up a significant amount of space.
If you decide to leave your equipment at home, make sure it is completely dry before packing. The residual moisture in the confined space of the apartment quickly turns into a musty smell and a breeding ground for bacteria. It is best to place the package in the pantry, under the bed or on mezzanine, away from direct heat sources.
It is important to consider the weight of the package: Full equipment with rigid transax deck and cans can weigh from 30 to 60 kg or more. When placing the load at height, make sure that the shelves are reliable. transom board from plywood stored vertically against the wall, can eventually deform under its own weight, if it is not provided with a smooth support.
Before skidding the boat into the house, thoroughly wipe all the elements with a wet cloth to wash out street dust and possible chemical reagents from the roads that can be aggressive to PVC.
Garage and shed: features of unheated premises
The garage is a popular place for water transport wintering, but it has many hidden threats. The main problem of unheated buildings is condensation. When temperatures vary day and night, moisture is formed on the cold walls and floors, which settles on the fabric, which creates ideal conditions for corrosion of aluminum profiles and the surface of the building. glue-smearing.
The second major enemy in garages and sheds is rodents. Mice and rats often use the strong fabric of cylinders to build nests, chewing through holes. To minimize risks, the boat should be raised to a height of at least 50-70 cm from the floor or suspended on hooks. The use of ultrasonic repellents in this case can be an effective addition.
Particular attention should be paid to ventilation. In the confined space of the garage, fuel and mixing materials often accumulate vapors, which negatively affect the structure of PVC. Regular ventilation is necessary, but it should not lead to precipitation or snow entering the room.
How do you protect yourself from rats?
Treat the floor in the garage with special deterrent compounds or decompose bags of mint and wormwood, and it is also effective to use metal sheets under the storage area, which rodents can not move.
Balcony and loggia: compromise or risk?
Balcony storage is one of the most common options in urban settings, but it requires strict adherence to the rules. An open balcony is categorically not suitable: exposure to snow, rain, frost and ultraviolet light is guaranteed to spoil the material in one winter. five-layered It won't stand the test.
A glazed and insulated balcony is an acceptable option if the temperature does not fall below -10 degrees, but even then there is a risk of condensation on the glass, and the boat must be packed in a breathable case, not in a sealed polyethylene, to avoid the greenhouse effect.
If the balcony is not insulated, storage is possible only if the product is additionally thermally insulated, and some owners build a wooden box around the packaging, which is paved with foam, which helps to smooth out temperature changes, but does not provide 100% protection against freezing glue.
| Type of room | Temperature conditions | Risk for PVC | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | +18...+24°C | Minimum | Perfect, but it takes up space. |
| Heated garage | +5...+15°C | Low. | Great option. |
| Cold garage | -20...+10°C | Medium (condensate) | Requires a lift from the floor |
| Open balcony | Street. | critical | Forbidden. |
Preparing the boat for long-term storage
Before you think about a place, you need to properly prepare the boat itself. The conservation process begins with a thorough wash. Mud, silt and algae contain active biological components that continue to destroy the tissue even after being removed from the water. Use warm water and soft soap, avoiding aggressive chemistry.
Drying is the most important step. The boat should dry in the straightened form, preferably in the shade, but in a draft. You can't dry in the sun, because wet PVC heats up unevenly. Pay special attention to the valves: they should be open so that there is no moisture inside.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
After drying, it is recommended to treat the surface with a special protective compound for PVC. These products create a thin film that repels water and dirt, and also contain UV filters, this is especially true if you keep the boat in conditions where light is possible.
Packaging and stowage rules
There are two main ways of stacking: twisting and folding. Twisting is less traumatic for the material, because it doesn't create hard clamps in the same places. However, this method takes up more space in the package. The folding is compact, but requires regular changes in the folding lines in the following seasons.
When packed in a bag or bag, do not aim for maximum compression. Excessive pressure on the folds for several months can lead to microcracks. Leave some air inside the package or use a spacious case.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat with a chainsaw, fuel canisters or sharp tools. Gasoline vapors corrode PVC, and accidental touching with a sharp object in a tight package is guaranteed to cause a puncture.
For the squirrel board and cans, use separate covers or wrap them in a soft cloth. Wood and aluminum should not contact directly with pressure cylinders, so as not to damage the surface during the thermal expansion of materials.
The main rule of packaging: the material must "breathe", be dry and not experience constant pressure on the same areas.
What is absolutely impossible to do
There are a number of things that owners often do out of ignorance, causing irreparable damage to property. First, you can't leave the boat inflated in the cold. When the temperature drops, the air compresses and the cylinders become flabby, but when the pressure is sharp warming, it can increase, which, combined with the lost elasticity of the glue, will cause the seams to rupture.
Second, you can't use solvents, acetone or chlorine-containing products to clean, and they wash out plasticizers, making the material tough and brittle. soap-solution Or specialized chemistry for PVC.
Third, don't ignore regular checks. Even in winter, it's recommended that you inspect your storage site once a month for rodents or roof leaks, and detecting the problem early will save your budget in the spring.
Can I keep a PVC boat at negative temperatures?
Short-term exposure to frost to -20...-30 degrees, quality PVC withstands. However, prolonged storage at temperatures below -10 degrees makes the material fragile. If the boat is frozen, you absolutely should not bend, twist or try to inflate it until completely warmed in a warm room for 10-12 hours.
Do I need to lubricate the valve before storage?
Yes, it's necessary. Rubber valve seals can dry out in the winter. Light grease with silicone will keep them elastic and keep them tight when first pumped in the new season. Use only silicone greases that don't contain petroleum products.
How often should you change the folding position when folding?
If you keep the boat folded, it's recommended that you change the fold lines every season, so that you don't have permanent cracks that eventually turn into cracks, and you can use a twisting method that spreads the load more evenly.
Is it dangerous for a boat to be near car tires?
Yes, it is dangerous. The rubber of automobile tires contains substances (antioxidants and stabilizers) that can migrate and react with PVC, causing stickiness or color change. Keep the boat away from rubber products.