How to fold the PVC boat with a transom of NDND

The inflatable floater doesn't end up in the water; the final step, and perhaps the most important step, is to pack properly. Many owners mistakenly believe that the winding process is a process of water-saving. NDMA The boats are identical to the classics with floorboards, but this misconception may cost you the integrity of the floor in the future. inflatable floor design requires delicate handling, since this element carries the main load and is subject to mechanical damage if stored improperly.

In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to compactly pack your vessel, preserving its technical specifications for many years. Proper drying and stowage The key to the absence of mold, unpleasant smell and microcracks in the places of folds, ignoring simple rules can lead to the fact that after a season the bottom will require expensive repairs or complete replacement.

Before you start dismantling, make sure you're on a flat, clean surface, devoid of sharp objects, rocks or spiny vegetation. Even a small pebble under the fold, under pressure in a folded boat, can push through the material. Safety of material It should be the number one priority, so don’t be lazy to inspect the place where the assembly process will take place.

Preparation for folding and drying

The most common mistake of beginners is trying to fold a wet boat immediately after fishing or cruising. PVC It creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow, and it not only produces a persistent smell of rot that is almost impossible to remove, but also breaks down the polymer bonds in the tissue.

If you are in the field and there is no possibility to dry the boat at home, try to at least remove the water with a sponge or rag, and at home be sure to open it for final drying. Tranza It also requires attention: a wooden or plywood board, soaked in water, can dissect or deform if not dried upright, and the metal elements of the transom should be wiped dry to avoid corrosion.

⚠️ Warning: Never pack a boat with a transom if there is moisture on the tree, guaranteed to cause plywood to swell and the protective varnish to detach, requiring major repairs.

The drying process is best carried out in the shade, since direct sunlight when heated can adversely affect the adhesive compositions of the seams. Temperature conditions important: do not use dryers or heat guns to speed up the process, high temperatures can deform PVC. Give the boat a rest for a few hours, so that all the folds are straightened naturally.

Dismantling of attachments and transom

The first step in the folding process is to remove all attachments, which include seats (banks), power-locks, fishing rod holders and safety liners, and remove the elements carefully, without any sudden jerks, so as not to damage the mountings and luvers. The exceptions. They often have sharp edges, so it is better to fold them in a separate package so that they do not scratch the sides when packing.

In boats with NDNDT, the transom is often a heavy and oversized element, must be removed strictly vertically, avoiding distortions that can catch the cylinders. If the transom is composite, separate its parts according to the manufacturer's instructions. Trans-Trans lockers (if provided by the design) you need to unfasten or unscrew, freeing up space for manipulation of the bottom.

• 🧹 Remove all the sand and dirt from the bottom and cylinders with a dry cloth before dismantling.
• 🪑 Fold the removable seats with a pile and put them aside so that they do not interfere with the straightening of the boat.
• 🔩 Check if all valves are stained and air residues have come out of the cylinders before bending.

Once the transom is removed, the space that is free allows the stern to spread out, which is a critical point for NDND, because the inflatable floor must lie just before you start folding it. Equal distribution The material of the bottom will prevent the formation of deep crevices in the same places, which will prolong the service life of the product.

Features of working with the inflatable floor of the NDNDM

The main difference between boats NDMA The bottom of the paiola floor is that it doesn't have any hard elements inside, it gives you the advantage of comfort and speed, but it imposes strict limits on the folding process. The bottom is a sealed chamber, divided into compartments, and it can't be crumbling like a normal fabric. Gender structure shall be kept as far as possible so that the internal partitions do not shift or create stress points.

When folding the NDND, it is important to avoid sharp folds. Unlike hard aluminum or plywood, the inflatable floor tends to straighten, and if it is forced to bend repeatedly in one place, it creates fatigue of the material, which can lead to microcracks in the PVC layer or even to a seam break between compartments when inflated. Bending radius It should be as smooth as the design allows.

Why can't you step on your NDND in your shoes?

The inner structure of the inflatable floor is made up of many cells, and a sharp heel or a solid sole with a stone can push through the cell wall, breaking the tightness, and even if there is no hole, the deformation of the cell will lead to uneven load distribution and bloating of the floor during pumping.

There is a common misconception that NDND can be rolled like a carpet, and it's not recommended to do this, and twisting creates a spiral stress throughout the bottom area, which is extremely difficult to straighten when you pump it next. The right technique It involves folding in flat layers, which preserves the geometry of the bottom and facilitates the subsequent layout on water.

Step-by-step instructions for folding the boat

Start the process on the bow of the boat. Tuck your nose in carefully to the center of the cockpit, forming the first flat edge. The movements should be smooth, stretch the fabric with your hands, remove the excess air pockets, but do not press hard on the seams. Then turn the side of the cylinders to the center, trying to make the edges fall symmetrically. Stacking symmetry It is important to ensure that the boat has the correct shape in the rolled-up form and does not mow the bag-package.

Then you go to the main body. Stack the boat across, moving from nose to stern. Each new bend should be free from previous folds, if the length of the boat allows. If the boat is long, you may need to fold it three or four times. It is important to watch whether the transom niche (where the transom was) was on top or in the most protected place, so that the hard edges do not rub against the side.

The final step is to place the rolled-up boat in a transport bag. Don't force the boat in. If it doesn't come in, you've folded it wrong or there's too much air left in the cylinders. Bag clasps The lightning on the bag is a weak spot, and the constant overload will cause it to quickly fail.

Phase	Action.	Important detail
1. Preparation	Cleaning and drying	Remove all moisture and sand
2. Dismantling	Translation	Keep the locks and the tree
3. Blowing	Air pollution	Keep the minimum amount
4. Folding	Formation of roll/layers	Avoid sharp clutters
5. Packaging	Packing in the bag	Lightning tension control

Typical errors in packaging

One of the most common mistakes is trying to squeeze all the air out of the boat before rolling over: Owners step on cylinders or use the pump in reverse mode, creating a vacuum. Residual air If the temperature changes (e.g., the boat drifts from the cold into the heat), the residue of the gas will expand. If the boat is packed in a vacuum, the expansion of the air can tear the seams from the inside. Leave the cylinders slightly plump.

Another mistake is to keep the boat compressed under heavy objects, the boat bag cannot be used as a footrest or forced from above with heavy boxes of gear, and prolonged pressure on the same areas of PVC leads to the cloth's inner layers sticking together and the formation of indissoluble folds. The material must be breathingTherefore, storage in a sealed bag without air access is also undesirable.

⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near heat sources (batteries, furnaces) or reactive substances (gasoline, oils, solvents) and chemical vapors can eat PVC even through packaging.

Also often ignored is the condition of the bag itself: A dirty, wet bag will provide moisture and mold for a clean, dry boat. Shake the bag regularly, dry it and check the integrity of the lightning bolt. Packaging hygiene This is an indirect but important factor in the durability of your boat.

Storage rules in the off-season

If you keep the boat for long periods of storage (for example, for the winter), the rules become even stricter, and the ideal option is to keep it in limbo in a straightened form, but in an apartment this is rarely possible, so it is allowed to store it folded, but with the obligatory condition: every 2-3 months the boat must be taken out, laid out and inflated. Preventive inflating He straightens the folds and checks the integrity of the valves.

The storage temperature should be stable, without sudden changes. The optimal range is from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius. The frost makes PVC fragile, and any careless movement in the cold state can lead to cracks. Crystallization Plasticizers in a material in cold are a natural process that is reversible when heated, but the risk of damaging the glass material is high.

Don't forget to keep the transom in long-term storage, the wooden transmolant should be removed from the boat and stored separately in a horizontal position, so that it does not "lead." If the transmolant is not removable, provide it with airing. Critically important do not put the boat vertically on the transom during storage, as this creates a constant load on the fasteners and can deform the stern part of the cylinders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I keep the NDND boat pumped?

Theoretically, if there is space and conditions (garage, dry space without temperature changes and rodent access), however, prolonged storage in a pumped state (more than a month) creates a constant stress in the seams and material, which can lead to loss of shape or micro-ruptures. It is better to store in a deflated, but not compressed form.

What to do if the boat freezes in the cold?

It is strictly forbidden to try to fold or decompose a frozen boat, or pump it up. PVC becomes brittle as glass. Put the boat in a warm room and let it warm up naturally for 10-12 hours (or more, depending on temperature). Only after the material is fully heated can you start manipulating it.

How to remove the smell of dampness from a bag and boat?

You should thoroughly wash the boat and bag with warm water with soft soap, then completely dry. To eliminate the smell, you can wipe the inner surfaces with a weak solution of vinegar or use special spray neutralizers for PVC. The main thing is to ensure complete drying before packaging.

Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?

You can't oil the valve or oil it, because the oil destroys PVC and rubber seals; if the valve is tight, it can be washed with clean water; if the problem is in the sand, it can be blown or cleaned carefully with a soft brush; the leakiness is checked with soap solution.