With the onset of the first autumn cold, every waterman faces a question that requires an immediate solution: where to store the boat in the winter? Leaving the boat outside or in an unheated garage without proper preparation means exposing it to serious risks. Aggressive ultraviolet exposure, temperature changes and humidity can cause irreparable damage to the materials of the hull, especially if it is a question of the hull materials. polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
A well-chosen wintering site extends the life of the vessel for many years, maintaining its presentation and technical specifications. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible accommodation options, from specialized parking to the conditions of your own apartment, and help you choose the best solution for your budget and type of boat.
Before choosing a room, you need to conduct a thorough conservation This is a mandatory step, and ignoring it can negate the benefits of even the most expensive storage.
Preparation of the boat for the winter period
Any storage starts with a quality cleaning. Dirt, fish oil, algae residues and silt are not just aesthetic defects, but an active chemical environment that, when exposed to prolonged contact, destroys the structure of the material. Carefully wash the case using specialized detergents that do not contain aggressive solvents or chlorine.
After the washing, there's a full drying phase, and even the minimum amount of moisture left in the folds or under the sleighs will expand when frozen and can damage the adhesive seams. squirt-board And the places of attachment of fittings, where water accumulates most often.
To protect the material from drying and the formation of microcracks, it is recommended to treat the surface with a special composition. The optimal temperature for applying protective polish is from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. This will create an elastic film that retains the properties of PVC or plastic throughout the winter.
Remember to remove all removable elements: seats, transom wheels, sonars and attachments, which are best stored in a warm dry place separately to avoid deformation under your own weight or from temperature changes.
Storage in assembled form: garage and hangar
Keeping a boat inflated is one of the most sparing options, if space permits. In a garage or hangar, the boat is protected from direct sunlight and precipitation. But here lies the important nuance: temperature regime. If the garage is not heated, sudden temperature surges can cause condensation, which is harmful to electronics and metal.
When you put it in a garage, you have to have free access to all the sides, you can't put the boat close to the walls or clutter it with other things, and the air has to circulate freely around the cylinders, preventing the formation of pockets of humidity.
If you leave the boat for the winter in the garage, be sure to lift it above the floor. Using wooden bars or special stands will eliminate direct contact with cold concrete and protect the bottom from possible moisture or rodents. Floor covering The garage is often a source of dampness in the spring.
It is important to check the pressure in the cylinders (regularly), even if the boat is standing, and a sharp cooling can reduce internal pressure, which will lead to the formation of folds, which, if further used, can become stress points.
Warehouse storage: deflated state and packaging
For most owners of small apartments or small garages, the only solution is to keep the boat deflated, saving up to 70 percent of usable space, but requiring strict compliance with packing rules.
So you fold the boat so that the folding places don't match at the same points every time, and the ideal way to do this is to use rolling or folding it loosely into a large bag without rigidly fixing the folds, and that will prevent the materials from forming crevices. PVC and fabric.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for packaging
The packaging bag must be made of natural fabric or have ventilation holes. Plastic bags are categorically not suitable, as they create a greenhouse effect that contributes to the appearance of mold. The bag should be stored in a horizontal position, avoiding stacking (stacking - stacking) heavy objects on top.
The storage space must be dry and protected from direct heat sources, such as heating batteries or heaters. Overheating of material above +40 degrees can lead to irreversible deformation and loss of elasticity.
Specialized greenhouses and wintering
If you don't have a suitable place of your own, you can use specialized boat greenhouses, which are metal frame structures, covered with a tight awning with UV protection, often installed right on the shore or on a summer cottage.
The main advantage of the hothouse is to create a stable microclimate, which is always higher than the street temperature inside, which eliminates freezing and condensation, and can be stored in an assembled form, fully ready for rapid descent into the water at the first warming.
When you choose a solution or build your own greenhouse, pay attention to the quality of the awning: it must be frost-resistant, windproof and have UV protection, cheap analogues can crack after the first winter, leaving the boat unprotected.
Secrets of the heater's design
For self-assembly of the heater, use profile pipes 40x20 mm. The arched shape of the roof best resists snow load. Be sure to provide ventilation outlets at the bottom of the structure for air circulation.
Comparative table of storage options
To make your choice easier, we have prepared a composite table comparing the basic parameters of different wintering methods, which will help you to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific conditions.
| Parameter | Garage (team) | Apartment (blown out) | Greenhouse (street) | Paid parking. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costs | Low/Mediocre | Minimum | Medium (buy/build) | High (annually) |
| Protection from UV | Complete. | Complete. | Depends on the tent. | Complete. |
| Temperature conditions | Unstable. | Stable. | Stable as a street. | Depends on the type of hangar |
| Season-ready | High. | Requires assembly | Maximum | Medium |
| Risk of rodents | Medium. | Missing. | Highly | Low. |
As you can see from the table, each method has its own specifications. Security The safety of the material should be a priority in making a decision.
Errors in the organization of storage
Even experienced watermen sometimes make critical mistakes that can cost a boat its life, one of the most common being keeping close to open fire sources or heating appliances, and heat spreads unevenly, causing local air expansion in cylinders or deformation of plastic.
Another common mistake is to use the wrong covers, and a thick bracelet or synthetic without ventilation creates the perfect conditions for fungus to develop, and the material starts to liar, the smell gets bad, and the strength of the fabric decreases.
Use silica gel bags: Put 2-3 large silica gel packs inside the folded boat before packing, which absorb residual moisture and prevent mold from forming during long wintering.
Don't leave the boat on the balcony over the winter unless it's glazed. Direct snow and rain combined with frost makes the material brittle. Any mechanical action in this condition is guaranteed to lead to cracks.
Conservation of motor and attachment equipment
The question of where to store the boat is inextricably linked to the question of engine storage: the outboard motor requires even more careful preparation, the gasoline must be fully developed or the system must be preserved with a special fuel stabilizer.
The oil in the reduct should be replaced before wintering, even if it has changed recently, which will prevent water that could condense during operation from entering the mechanism, and when it freezes, the water will expand and damage the glands.
⚠️ Attention: Never store the motor upright on a transom board unless it is mounted on a special stand, which puts a strain on the lower-unit housing and can lead to curvature.
Lubricate all movable joints and gas reverse cables. Use lithium lubricant, which does not thicken in the cold, which will ensure that the mechanisms run easily in the spring.
A comprehensive approach to keeping your boat and motor ensures that you’ll be fishing immediately at the start of next season rather than doing urgent repairs.
Frequent Questions about Boat Wintering (FAQ)
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
You can store an inflatable boat at negative temperatures, but only in a deflated state and in a protective case. In the cold, PVC becomes rigid and fragile. Any careless movement, impact or attempt to spread the material at temperatures below -5 ° C will lead to microcracks and ruptures.
Do I need to completely drain the air from the cylinders?
Yes, the air must be blown out completely when stored in a deflated form, however, if the boat is stored assembled in a warm room, it is recommended to leave a minimum working pressure (about 0.1-0.15 atm) to maintain its shape and avoid deep folds.
How to protect the boat from mice in winter?
Rodents often nibble PVC and cloth for heat or nest material. Use ultrasonic repellents in storage. Also effectively spread around the boat cotton wool soaked in essential mint oil or peppermint - the smell scares away pests. Do not use poisons near the boat, so as not to damage the material with chemicals.
How to lubricate the boat before wintering?
For preservation, use special products based on silicone or wax, designed for PVC. Conventional car polishes can contain solvents aggressive to plasticizers of fabric. Proven sprays labeled "UV protection" and "Winter care".
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to dry the boat by hanging it behind one side or a transom.
Proper winter storage is an investment in your mood and safety on the water, and following these guidelines will ensure your boat has a long and active life.
What to do if the boat is frozen?
If you bring a boat in from the cold, don't try to blow it up or bend it right away. Let it lie in a warm room (not at the battery!) for at least 24 hours. The material should warm up evenly to room temperature, only then it will regain its elasticity.