The active navigation season is over, and every boating is faced with the inevitable question of preserving the boat, and many beginners mistakenly believe that you can roll up an inflatable boat quickly and carelessly, as long as it fits in the bag for transportation. laying This is a key factor in determining the durability of the material and the absence of leaks in the next season.
Negligent treatment reinforced PVC This leads to the formation of crevices that eventually turn into microcracks, and the moisture left inside the rolled sides creates the perfect environment for fungus and mold to breed, which destroy glue seams, and in this article we will discuss in detail how to prepare a vessel for wintering so that it is ready for water again in the spring.
The packaging process takes time and care, especially if you plan to keep the boat in a cold room. Ignoring the simple rules of drying and folding can reduce the life of the product by 30-40%. Let's look at the preparation steps that will help keep the seal and appearance of your boat.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a damp boat in a sealed bag for long-term storage, as this is guaranteed to cause mold and unpleasant odor.
Careful cleaning and drying of the surface
The first and most important step is to completely remove the contaminants that have accumulated over the course of operation, and the sand, the silt, the fish mucus and the algae contain abrasive particles and aggressive organic substances, and if left on the surface, they will act like sandpaper when folded, damaging the top protective layer. PVC fabric.
Use a soft sponge and warm water with a neutral detergent. Specialized cleaners can be used to remove persistent stains such as fuel oil or oil, but they must be thoroughly washed away. Aggressive chemistry It can damage the structure of the polymer, so avoid using solvents based on acetone or gasoline.
Pay special attention to the bottom, because that's where the dirt accumulates most, and after washing, you have to flip the boat over and let the water drain from all the elements, including the transom plates and the motor mounts, and then you can start removing the main moisture.
- 🧼 Use only soft sponges and brushes with natural bristles.
- 💧 Wash all chemicals with clean water.
- 🌞 Dry the boat in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight.
- 🚫 Do not use hot water or steam to speed up drying.
Drying should take place naturally outdoors, but away from direct ultraviolet rays, and the sun can heat the dark surface of the boat to high temperatures, which will adversely affect the impact of the sun on the surface of the boat. glue-stitch The time to dry completely depends on the weather, but usually takes 4 to 8 hours.
Dismantling of removable elements and fittings
Before deflating the cylinders, all removable elements must be removed, not only for attachments, but also for internal parts such as cans (seats) and hard floor elements. Left inside the boat heavy objects can damage the bottom when folding or create unnecessary pressure on the valves.
Take it down. cross-plateAnchor rings, spinning holders and other accessories attached to the sides. keelIt should also be detached from the main structure if the model provides, and carefully fold all the small parts into a separate package so that they do not lose them during storage.
Check the air-release valves, make sure they don't get any dirt or sand that can break the seal when closed, and a clean valve is the key to quick and correct deflation without skewing the cylinders.
☑️ Dismantling before packaging
Special attention is required by boats with inflatable floor NDN In the first case, it is important to completely straighten the bulkheads before blowing, and in the second case, carefully remove the aluminum profiles without scratching the sides. Metal elements of the floor can cause serious damage if handled in a careless manner.
Air-emitting sequence
Many owners make the mistake of flushing air from all cylinders at the same time, causing chaotic dislocation and folding in unpredictable places, and the right sequence of actions allows you to control the process and minimize the load on the seams.
First, you need to blow the air out of keelThen we move to the bow of the boat, gradually moving towards the transom, which allows you to squeeze air from adjacent sections and avoid the formation of "air pockets" that interfere with dense packaging.
Do not try to speed up the process by pressing the cylinders with all the weight of the body. A sharp drop in pressure can lead to the absorption of dust into the valve or damage to the internal partition. Use natural pressure or light manual pressure to squeeze out the residue of air.
| Phase | Action. | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | keel | First down until you're down. |
| 2 | Nose balloon | Start with the nose. |
| 3 | Onboard cylinders | Move symmetrically to the transom |
| 4 | inflatable floor | Last, after the sides. |
After the main spraying, it is recommended to walk carefully through the cylinders, squeezing the residue of air through open valves, this will allow you to achieve maximum compactness when folding, but you should not fanatically squeeze every liter, creating a vacuum, as this can deform the internal bulkheads.
Why can't you use a vacuum cleaner?
Using a vacuum cleaner to pump air out of the boat is strongly discouraged. A powerful flow of air can clog the valve with fine dust, and the vacuum created can damage the internal bulkheads and glue seams, especially if they have microcracks.
Crowding and packaging techniques
There are several basic ways to stow a boat, depending on the design of the floor and the owner's personal preferences, the most common method is to twist from transom to nose, which allows you to compactly pack the boat, but requires care to avoid distortions.
Start rolling the boat off the tanner section, making smooth turns 20-30 cm wide. Try to keep the folds in the same places every time. Constant change of the fold line can lead to premature wear of the material at different points. If the boat has a hard floor, first carefully fold the floorboards.
For inflatable-bottomed boats NDN The envelope method is used, and the sides are turned inwards, to the bottom, and then the whole structure is twisted into a roll, and it's important to note that there is no air left between the layers of PVC, because this increases the volume of the package.
- 🔄 Turn the boat always in the same direction.
- 📏 Make the same width for uniformity.
- 👣 Step carefully on the air removal cylinders.
- 🎒 Use an original bag of the right size.
During packaging, avoid sharp clamps at an acute angle. PVC It has a shape memory, and deep folds can be a weak spot on the next inflatation, so if you notice the boat rolling up, you better straighten it up and start over.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat in a compressed state under heavy objects, prolonged pressure can lead to irreversible deformation of the shape of the cylinders.
To ensure that the seams on the folds do not stick together and do not deform during the winter, you can lay along the flex line soft fabric or paper, but only if the boat is stored in a warm dry room.
Conservation and storage conditions
Proper storage is not only about packaging, but also about choosing the right place. The ideal option for wintering an inflatable boat is a dry, ventilated room with temperatures ranging from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. Garages, storage rooms or special boxes are great for this purpose.
It's critical to protect the boat from rodents. Mice and rats often choose warm inflatables to make nests, chewing through the strongest PVC for building material, deploying indoor repellents or using ultrasonic devices to prevent property from spoiling.
If the boat is not able to keep warm and it remains in an unheated room or outside, special precautions must be taken. The material becomes brittle at low temperatures, so any manipulation of such a boat is prohibited until it is fully warmed up.
The packed boat should be placed on an elevated elevation, such as a shelf or pallet, to avoid contact with cold concrete floor or damp earth, this will prevent freezing of the lower part and the formation of condensation inside the bag.
The optimal storage temperature of the PVC boat is from +5 to +20 ° C, the humidity should not exceed 60%, and direct sunlight should be completely excluded.
Preparations for the first launch after winter
When the season is open, take your time to pump the boat and launch it into the water. After long storage, the material takes time to acclimatize and straighten the folds. Put the package in a warm room and let it lie unrolled for at least 2-3 hours.
Carefully inspect the surface for damage that may have occurred during storage, check the valves for leakage and no cracks, and only after you have made sure the structure is intact, you can start pumping.
Pump the boat gradually, give the material time to spread, bring the pressure to the operating value specified in the product's passport, and leave the boat inflated for several hours for inspection. conservation It was a success.
- 🌡️ Allow the boat to warm to room temperature before pumping.
- 👀 Carefully examine the joints and valves for defects.
- 💨 Pump gradually, controlling the pressure with a pressure gauge.
- 🛶 Check the seal before going out to water.
Following these simple rules will allow you to enjoy safe navigation for many years to come. Proper boat care is an investment in your comfort and safety on the water. Don't neglect the manufacturer's recommendations, and your boat will serve you faithfully.
Can I keep a boat in the cold?
You can store an inflatable boat at low temperatures, but only if it's completely dry and protected from direct sunlight. However, before pumping, you must keep it in a warm room for at least 24 hours to make the material elastic.
How often should the valves be lubricated?
Lubrication of the valves with a special silicone lubricant is recommended once a season, before active use, this will ensure tightness and ease of opening / closing. During storage, lubrication is not required if the valves are clean and dry.
What should I do if there is a mold?
If mold is detected, thoroughly wash the affected areas with soap solution and treat with an antiseptic for PVC. After that, the boat should be completely dry. If the mold penetrated deep into the structure of the material or damaged the seams, professional repair may be necessary.
Do I need to completely lower the boat for storage?
Yes, for long-term storage, the boat needs to be completely deflate, which takes stress off the material and seams, preventing them from stretching and deforming, and inflated storage is only possible under special conditions and for short periods of time.