The approach of cold weather makes owners of inflatable boats think about how to ensure the safety of their property until the next season. inflatable boatThe PVC, made of modern polyvinyl chloride materials, requires proper preservation, since low temperatures and humidity drops can cause irreparable damage to the structure of the polymer. Errors in preparation can reduce the life of the product several times, turning a reliable vessel into a pile of cracked material.
Many newcomers think that it's enough to just blow out the cylinders and put them in the garage, but professionals know about the insidiousness of the winter, and the moisture left in the folds of the fabric, or the dust that has been ingrained in the pores, when exposed to frost, trigger irreversible processes of destruction. How to keep a inflatable boat in winterIt is one of the most critical for every boater who wants to extend the life of his equipment without unnecessary financial investments in the future.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of preparation, from the final wash after the last release to the choice of the optimal place for wintering, you will learn why you can not use standard automotive chemicals and what are the best methods for the use of the car? temperature-regulation They are acceptable for different types of PVC materials.
Final cleaning and pollution removal
The first and most important step in conservation is to thoroughly clean the surface, and during the summer season, a layer of dirt, algae, fish slime and, most dangerously, a gasoline-oil mixture accumulates on the sides and bottom. Organic residues They are an ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria, which in winter, even in a preserved form, can begin to erode the protective layer of tissue.
It is strictly forbidden to use aggressive household chemicals such as chlorine or strong solvents for washing. They dry plasticizers in PVC, making the material brittle. It is best to use specialized cleaners for inflatable boats or a simple warm soap solution with the addition of a soft detergent for dishes.
⚠️ Attention: Never use gasoline, acetone or kerosene to remove oil stains from the surface of cylinders. These substances dissolve the top protective layer of PVC, making it sticky and vulnerable to mechanical damage and ultraviolet light.
Special attention should be paid to the hard-to-reach places: the corners of the transom, the joints of cylinders with the bottom and the inner surfaces of inflatable keels. This is where moisture and dirt most often remain. After treatment of the entire surface with water, you need to let the boat dry completely, but we will talk about this in the next section.
- 🧼 Use a soft sponge or brush with natural bristles to remove dried dirt.
- 💧 Wash all chemicals thoroughly with plenty of clean water.
- 🚫 Avoid using scrapers and metal brushes that can damage the reinforcing layer.
The critical importance of complete drying
Moisture is the main enemy of any technical product in the winter, even microscopic droplets of water left in the folds of tissue or under the valves expand when frozen and can disrupt the integrity of the adhesive seams. In addition, the humid environment contributes to the appearance of mold, which not only spoils the appearance, but also destroys the structure. polyvinyl chloride.
Drying the boat in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight, as UV radiation combined with heating can lead to uneven expansion of air in the cylinders and overheating of the material. The ideal option is a canopy or a well-ventilated garage. The process can take from several hours to a day, depending on the humidity and temperature.
To accelerate the drying of internal cavities, use a household hair dryer in cold air mode, carefully blowing the space between the cylinders and the bottom.
Don’t forget to check out the inflatable elements, such as kielson They also need to be removed, washed and dried separately, and if left inside the boat in a deflated state, condensation can form between the layers of tissue, which will cause unpleasant odor and fungus by spring.
☑️ Drying checklist
Seam treatment and material protection
Once the boat is perfectly clean and dry, the protection phase begins, and PVC needs to maintain the elasticity it loses during the season of active use and under the influence of the environment, and there are special tools for this, air conditioners and protective sprays, which create a thin film on the surface.
Special attention should be paid to adhesive seams: these are the most vulnerable areas of the structure, where microcracks occur most often. It is recommended to use special formulations for the care of seams that penetrate the structure of the adhesive and prevent it from drying out. Regular treatment significantly reduces the risk of stratification at the joints of cylinders with the bottom.
| Type of instrument | Appointment | Frequency of application |
|---|---|---|
| PVC cleaner | Removing dirt, fat, algae | Before each storage |
| Protective spray (UV protection) | UV blockage, elasticity | Before wintering and summer |
| Silicone lubricant | Conservation of rubber elements, valves | Once a season |
| Antistatic | Reducing dust adhesion during storage | If you wish, |
Some owners are trying to use glycerol or petroleum petroleum as an affordable alternative, and this is not a good idea, because refined products can react with the components of the glue or the PVC itself, causing it to swell or soften. Use only certified products. PVC chemistryIt is specifically designed for inflatable products.
The talc myth
It is believed that sprinkling the boat with talc before packaging is a good idea to prevent layers from sticking together. In fact, modern high-quality PVC does not require such a measure, and talc can clog the pores of the fabric and create an abrasive mixture that, when frictiond when folded, damages the surface.
Choosing a Packaging Strategy: To Blow or Not?
This is the most controversial issue among inflatable boat owners, on the one hand, a fully deflated boat takes up minimal space, on the other hand, numerous folds and cloth cloth in places of folds at low temperatures can lead to cracks, the material becomes less elastic in the cold, and a sharp bend can disrupt its structure.
The best option for long-term winter storage is partial pressure in the cylinders, so the boat does not need to be inflated to a working state, it is enough to create a slight excess pressure to straighten the main folds, this will allow the material to "rest" in the straightened state and minimize the load on the fold lines.
If the space does not allow you to keep the boat inflated, then you need to blow it out correctly. Don't let all the air out at once. Fold the boat so that the lines of folds do not coincide with the lines of folds of the previous time. Periodically, for example, once a month, it is recommended to blow the cylinders and change the configuration of the folds.
- 🎈 Storage in an inflated state (suspended or on a shelf) is an ideal, but rarely available option.
- 📦 Stacking in a regular bag is permissible only after thorough drying and processing.
- 🔄 Change the fold lines every 3-4 weeks if the boat is kept deflated.
Temperature and storage location
Where to find the perfect place to winter your vessel? The main criteria for choosing are temperature stability, no direct sunlight and protection from rodents. Optimum temperature for storage of PVC products is in the range from -10 ° C to +25 ° C. However, sharp temperature changes characteristic of unheated rooms with thin walls can be more harmful than a stable.
A balcony often becomes a place of exile for boats, but it is a risky decision. If the balcony is not glazed and insulated, the boat will be exposed to ultraviolet light, rain, snow and extreme frosts. This is guaranteed to lead to premature aging of the material. A glazed balcony is an acceptable option, but only if it does not get direct sunlight, creating a greenhouse effect.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place the boat in close proximity to heating appliances, furnaces or open fire. Local overheating can cause deformation of the material and impaired sealing of the seams even in the cold season.
Garage or storage room in the house are the best options. The main thing is to keep the room dry. The dampness provokes mold, which is very difficult to remove from the surface of PVC. It is also important to provide protection from rodents: mice and rats often chew rubber products, especially if they have left the smell of food or fish.
Common errors in conservation
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that can cost them a new boat, one of the most common is packing a wet or wet boat in a hurry, it seems to have dried up, but there is moisture inside the folds, and the result in the spring is unpleasant smell, mold stains and weakening of glue seams.
Another mistake is the use of inappropriate storage bags: a regular bag made of thin fabric PVC or tarpaulin does not always provide sufficient protection against dust and mechanical damage during prolonged storage.
Some owners lubricate the boat with a "silicon" stock, believing that the more, the better. The excess of the silicone lubricant can turn into a sticky layer that will actively collect dust and dirt, turning the boat into a garbage magnet. Follow the measure and instructions of the chemical manufacturer.
The main secret of the longevity of the boat is not so much expensive chemistry, as a thorough drying before packaging and the absence of sharp temperature changes in the storage area.
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
Storage below -20°C is not recommended because the material becomes brittle. If there is no other way out, the boat should be packed in a dense, unblown case and avoid any mechanical stress until it is warmed at room temperature.
Do I have to blow up a boat once in winter?
At least once in the winter (like January), the boat should be completely inflated, left for a day to straighten the folds, check the pressure and fold again, changing the fold lines, which prolongs the life of the material.
How to lubricate the valve for the winter?
For the preservation of valves, it is best to use a special silicone lubricant or Teflon spray, which does not dry out, does not lose its properties in the cold and ensures the tightness of the locking mechanism.
What to do if the boat is covered in mold in winter?
Don't try to wipe the mold with a dry cloth, you'll rub the spores deeper. Wash the affected areas with a weak vinegar solution or a specialized PVC mold cleaner, dry thoroughly and then treat them with protective agents.