The approach of cold weather makes every owner of water transport think about the safety of their property. PVCDespite its strong structure and resistance to temperature changes, it requires preparation for the winter season, and ignoring conservation rules can lead to microcracks, loss of elasticity of the material, and even rupture of the seams on the first descent into the water in spring.
The preparation process does not require complex equipment, but it must be done methodically and carefully. In this article, we will discuss all the stages from the final wash after the season to choosing the perfect storage location. The right approach ensures that you go fishing immediately next season, rather than doing urgent repairs.
The main enemy of polyvinyl chloride in winter is not frost itself, but a combination of residual moisture, dirt and improper pressure on the material. Storage of PVC boats Inflated or tightly rolled rolled rolls without preparation, these are common mistakes that cost owners dearly. Let's figure out how to do it right.
Final cleaning and pollution elimination
The first and most critical step is to clean the surface thoroughly, and during the season, the sides and bottom accumulate mud, fish mucus, residues of fuel and sand, and these contaminants contain aggressive chemicals and microorganisms that begin to destroy. polymer And the dirt left behind can literally get into the fabric within a few months.
Use warm water and a soft sponge to wash, abrasive powders, hard brushes or solvents are strictly forbidden, as they damage the protective layer. If there are persistent stains of fuel oil or paint on the surface, they should be removed with special PVC products or, in extreme cases, gasoline, but with a mandatory washing with soap solution.
Pay special attention to the inner corners and joints where water often accumulates. Even a small amount of moisture left inside a rolled-up boat can cause mold that is extremely difficult to remove. After washing, the boat must be rinsed with clean water to wash away the residue of detergent.
Use soft microfiber towels for drying the boat - they perfectly absorb moisture and do not leave villi on the sticky surface of PVC.
Drying: a key stage of conservation
Many newcomers underestimate the importance of drying completely, believing that it is enough to wipe the boat with a cloth. This is a fatal mistake. Moisture remains in the microfolds of the material, under the sleighs and in hard-to-reach places. When water is frozen, it expands, which can lead to microruptures of tissue fibers, and in the heat it becomes the ideal environment for fungus to develop.
Drying the boat is best in a shady, well-ventilated place. Direct sunlight on a hot day can cause local overheating and deformation of the material, especially if the boat is dark in color. The process must take place at temperatures above +15 ° C, so that evaporation goes evenly.
⚠️ Warning: Never use heaters, hair dryers or other heating appliances that are directed close to the fabric to dry. Local overheating above +60 C can irreversibly damage adhesive seams.
The ideal time to dry is 24-48 hours, depending on the humidity, the boat should be fully straightened, all valves open, and removable elements (sleigh, cans) are laid out separately, and only after making sure that the material is completely dry to the touch and does not have a characteristic cold, you can proceed to the next step.
Talc treatment and material protection
After drying, it's a surface treatment time, and PVC gluing surfaces tend to stick together in prolonged contact, especially if they're under pressure. talc-drill Or a special powder for boats.
Apply talc in a thin, uniform layer on all the inner surfaces of the cylinders, which will create a protective barrier that will allow the material to "breathe" and prevent the layers from adhesion to each other, and talc absorbs the residual humidity that may have appeared during the cooling of the boat after drying.
The outer part of the boat also does not hurt to treat a protective composition containing UV filtersAlthough the sun is less in winter, the ultraviolet radiation is not going away, and protecting against it will help preserve the color and elasticity of the fabric. There are special spray preservatives that form an elastic film.
Can I use baby powder?
Yes, a regular baby powder without fragrances and oils is a great analogue of technical talc, the main thing is that the composition does not contain starch, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Dismantling and preparation of components
A boat is not just cylinders, but also a lot of extra elements, each of which requires a different approach. slug (floor) must be removed, washed and dried, aluminum profiles should be wiped with dry rags to exclude oxidation, and wooden elements (if any) should be treated with a water-repellent composition.
Hinged elements such as spinning holders, sonars and anchor anchors should also be removed. Metal parts are recommended to be lubricated with conservation lubricant (for example, Litol-24 or specialized means) to prevent corrosion. Rubber valve seals are better lubricated with silicone lubricant so that they do not dry out.
Special attention should be paid to oars, if they are collapsible, they should be disassembled and folded compactly, blades of plastic or composite are not afraid of cold, but it is better to store them in a horizontal position to avoid deformation from your own weight or the pressure of other objects.
☑️ Checklist of preparation of components
Choice of packaging and method of stowage
There are two basic approaches to stowage: deflated in a case and suspended half-blown. The first option is suitable for most owners who do not have a garage with heating. The boat should be folded without strong tension, trying to avoid clamps in the same places every year.
Ideally, if you have the ability to change the fold line at each package, so you roll the boat up, but every year you start folding at the other end or change the pitch of the folds, and this prevents the formation of fatigue cracks in the folds.
The storage case must be breathable. Plastic bags or sealed bags are not suitable, as they create a greenhouse effect, the condensation inside which will lead to mold. It is best to use fabric covers or special bags of spanbond.
| Type of packaging | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommended seat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue case | Breathing, protecting against dust | Passes moisture when flooded | Garage, storage room, balcony |
| Suspended (half-blown) | No clogs, ventilation | It takes a lot of space. | Heated garage, shed |
| The factory bag | Compactness | Risk of sticking together without talc | Any dry room |
| Polyethylene | Water protection | Condensate, mold. | NOT RECOMMENDED |
The main rule of packaging is to avoid sharp classes and use only breathable materials for an external case.
Where to store: requirements for the premises
Choosing a wintering place is a matter of keeping your boat safe, and the best option is a dry, dark room with temperatures ranging from -10 °C to +25 °C. PVC inert to low temperatures, but becomes brittle in severe frost, so mechanical effects during this period are dangerous for him.
It is important to ensure protection from rodents. Mice and rats often choose warm secluded areas for wintering and can gnaw through the fabric of a boat, mistaking it for food or just for the sake of building a nest. The room should be free of debris, and the boat itself should be raised on stands or shelves, so as not to lie on the cold concrete floor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat in close proximity to heaters, open flames or spark sources, and although PVC is difficult to ignite, it releases toxic substances when heated.
If storage is on a balcony, make sure the boat does not get direct sunlight through the glass (lens effect) and that it is reliably protected from precipitation and wind. The wind can rattle the cover, causing vibration and friction, which is also harmful to the material.
Can I keep my boat in an unheated metal garage?
You can, but there is a risk of condensation due to temperature changes day and night, it is recommended to periodically ventilate the garage and lift the boat above the floor on wooden flooring.
Frequent errors in conservation
Analysis of service centers shows that most boat damage is due to errors in winter storage, one of the most common is storage in a fully inflated state in a warm room, and because of the expansion of air as temperatures rise (even in winter there are thaws), the pressure inside the cylinders can exceed the permissible limits, which will lead to discrepancies in the seams.
At the other extreme, heavy storage: you can't put boxes, tools or other boats on a folded boat; the pressure at the contact points leads to tissue deformation and the appearance of indiscriminate clatters; it's also a mistake to ignite the valves: they need to be twisted and dried separately, because there is often moisture inside the mechanism.
Some owners try to “revive” the frozen boat by sharply heating it with a hair dryer or putting it near the battery immediately after skidding from the cold. A sharp temperature difference for PVC is destructiveThe material must warm up gradually, naturally, otherwise it will lose its elasticity and become brittle.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Yes, the PVC material itself can withstand temperatures of -40°C and below without losing its properties. However, you can only keep the boat in extreme cold when deflated. Inflating or even trying to straighten the boat at temperatures below -5°C is strictly forbidden - the material becomes like glass and breaks when bending.
Do I need to completely blow the boat away for the winter?
Yes, for long-term storage in the package, the boat must be completely blown away, leaving a small pressure is only permissible in the case of suspended storage in a heated room, where temperature changes and mechanical stress are excluded, but for standard storage in a case, complete deflation is required.
How often should I check my boat in winter?
One inspection in the middle of winter is enough to check if the rodents are getting wet, if the packaging is wet, if the mold is not present, if the boat is kept in favorable conditions, frequent checks are not required and may even be harmful due to the excessive temperature changes when opening the room.
What to do if the boat is covered in frost in winter?
Do not try to mechanically clean the frost or warm the boat, take it into a room with a plus temperature and leave it alone for 10-12 hours, it should thaw naturally, only after full warming and the appearance of elasticity, you can do any manipulation.