The fishing or waterwalk season is coming to an end, and the owner of the inflatable vessel faces the inevitable task of preparing for winter storage. PVC It's not just a matter of saving garage space, it's a critical maintenance phase that determines the life of the material and the integrity of the structure. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to push a wet or dirty product into a case, which inevitably leads to mold and microcracks on the folds.
Feature of models with hard-transom It's a fixed insert that makes the stern stiff, but it also makes it difficult to fold. Unlike fully inflatable versions, you can't just blow the cylinders off and roll it up. You have to follow a strict sequence of steps to keep the floor from being damaged and the transom is not deformed. Ignoring the packaging rules can lead you to find bottom scuffs or glue at the folding sites next season.
In this article, we will take a look at the whole process, from the initial cleaning to the final lacing of the backpack, how to effectively drive out the air, where to put the removable elements and why the order of folding the cylinders matters, and by following proven methods, you can stow your boat compactly without unnecessary stress and physical effort.
Preparatory stage: drying and cleaning
Before you start manipulating the valves and the transom, you need to prepare the surface. MoistureThe PVC is the main enemy of long-term storage, even if the boat seems dry to the touch, the seams and floor connections can still contain water, and the ideal option is to dry completely in the sun or in a warm room for several hours.
Mud, sand and silt act like an abrasive, and if you fold the boat without washing it away, the layers of the water will literally crash into the material when they're stored, leaving irremovable scratches. timber Use a soft sponge and warm soapy water, avoiding aggressive chemicals that can disrupt the structure of the protective layer.
⚠️ Warning: Never use gasoline, acetone or strong solvents to clean PVC, as they break down plasticizers, making the material brittle and brittle.
After washing, make sure to wipe all surfaces with dry rags, make sure the valves are open, and let the product finally exhale. Only a completely dry and clean vessel is ready for the next stage.
Dismantling removable elements and working with transom
Once the surface is ready, the dismantling phase begins. transmissibleDepending on the model, it can be mounted on latches, belts or simply inserted into special pockets. Carefully disconnect all the fixing elements, trying not to jerk sharply so as not to damage the attachment sites.
Trawn is a heavy and hard element, and you can't just throw it to the bottom of the boat when you roll it up, because sharp corners of plywood or plastic can damage it. cylindersAfter extraction, check the trawler for chips and burrs, and if the surface is rough, it should be slightly treated with sandpaper so that when packaged in a cover, it does not rub against the fabric.
- 🧹 Remove the removable seats (banks) and stow them separately.
- 🔩 Disconnect the switches if they are not permanently welded.
- 🪜 Remove the flooring (if it is sectional) and stringers.
- 👜 Remove the removable transom from your pockets or release the attachments.
All the removed parts are better to immediately fold in a separate bag or carefully place next to them so that they do not interfere with the process of folding the boat itself.
Blowing cylinders: technique and nuances
The process of removing air requires care. Don't open all the valves at once. Start at the nose, gradually moving to the stern. If you use an electric pump with blow function, be careful: a powerful flow of air can suddenly "collapse" the balloon, which sometimes leads to dust getting inside or even damage to the internal bulkheads at the wrong angle of attack of the jet.
When you blow yourself out, it's important to squeeze out as much gas as you can, but not to fanaticize. You don't have to make the cylinders completely flat, you just have to remove the main pressure. You leave the valves open during the curling so that the residual air can escape. If the valves are closed, the air inside will heat up or shrink as you bending the boat, creating unnecessary resistance.
Notice the condition of the valves after deflation, they should not be water, wipe the neck of the valve with a dry cloth, so that when closed, the rubber gasket does not stick to the sand or moisture, this will ensure leakage at the beginning of the next season.
The folding algorithm: from nose to feed
The most critical thing is physical folding. There are several techniques, but for transom models, the most effective is the envelope scheme followed by twisting, and you can put the boat on a flat, clean surface upwards (if the floor is hard) or upwards with cylinders, spreading all the folds.
Start wrapping the side cylinders inwards, towards the center. The movements should be smooth, without sharp claps. Try to keep the turns flat, one on top of the other. When the sides are tucked, start twisting the boat from the nose to where the transom was located. It is important not to make too tight turns, so as not to put excessive pressure on the material in the bending places.
☑️ Control of the packaging of the boat
As you twist, you should always straighten the folds with your hand. If you feel the air is locked inside the coil, stop, spin back a little and release it. The presence of air pockets increases the volume of the package and creates uneven storage pressure.
Floor laying and protection against damage
The floor in PVC boats is a high-risk area, whether it is a low-pressure inflatable floor or a hard plywood/aluminum floorboard, its proper placement in the bag is critical. Hard floor elements (floorboards) should never come into contact with the stretched areas of cylinders with sharp edges.
The ideal strategy is to create a sandwich, and once the bulk of the boat is rolled up, put the floor elements on top of it or in a specially designated pocket of a bag, if the backpack design suggests that, if the floor consists of several sections connected by stringers, disassemble them and stack them up, laying between the sections a soft fabric or the material of the boat itself.
| Type of gender | Risks in packaging | Recommendation for stowage |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable (NDND) | Sharp-point puncture, clutter. | Last thing you put down, top down. |
| Plywood plywood | Moisture, bundling, sharp corners | Store separately or in the center of the bundle |
| aluminum | Corrosion, scratches of tissue | Dry thoroughly, isolate from cylinders |
| Slate (boardboard) | Rotting, splintering. | Sprinkle talcum, store in a dry place |
If you use a hard floorboard, wrap it in an old sheet or a special fabric before you put it in a bag. This will protect the PVC from microcracks that can occur when vibrating during transportation.
Final packing in a backpack bag
When the main scroll is formed, it is time to place it in the transport-bagDon't push the boat by force. If it doesn't come in, you've made a mistake in the folding sequence somewhere, or left some extra air, and you've got to straighten the bag carefully, put the bundle in, and then add the transom and the cans.
The trawler is best placed along the backpack wall or in a special compartment if it is designed, and its flat side should be adjacent to a flat surface so as not to create bumps that will press on the cylinders. zip the zippers carefully, without jerking. If the zipper "goes", do not pull it - check if the cloth is between the teeth.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat in a bag with tightly zippers pressurized. leave the bag slightly open or use a bag with a margin of volume so that the material can "breathe."
Close the bag valve and tighten the straps, they should fix the contents, but not squeeze it to the point of stone, excessive compression is harmful to glue seams in the cold season.
What if the boat doesn’t fit into the bag?
If the regular bag is full, don't try to push it with too much force, it will lead to damage to lightning, you better buy or sew an additional cover for transom and cans, and put the boat in the main backpack easier, sometimes helps changing the order of stowage: first the transmuter on the wall, then the folded boat in the center.
Check the integrity of the knobs and straps of the backpack, which are the main load when carrying a heavy set with a transom, and if necessary, strengthen the mounting points of the handles with additional seams.
Storage and conservation rules
The packed boat is ready for next season, but storage conditions are as important as the correct packaging. Temperature conditions The extreme temperature extremes of unheated garages or cottages can cause condensation inside a rolled-up boat, even if it was dry.
The optimal place is a dry, dark room with a temperature of +5 to +25 degrees Celsius. Ultraviolet destroys the structure of PVC, making it less elastic, so storage on the balcony in direct sunlight is strictly prohibited.
Every 2-3 months during storage, it is recommended to take out the boat, lay out and slightly pump, this will help to straighten the folds and check the leakage of the valves.
Don't keep the boat on the floor, especially concrete. It's better to put the bag on a wooden shelf or pallet, which will ensure air circulation from below and protect against dampness rising from the ground.
Frequent errors in packaging
Even experienced owners sometimes make mistakes that can cost expensive repairs, and one of the most common mistakes is packing a wet transom along with a boat, and wet plywood quickly discards water to the fabric, causing rot and unpleasant odors that are very difficult to get rid of.
Another mistake is to store compressed under heavy loads, not to put toolboxes, fishing boxes or other heavy objects on the boat bag, and prolonged pressure can deform cylinders and cause irreversible changes in the geometry of the product.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid storage near spark sources or open fires. Although modern materials have refractory additives, PVC is still a combustible material.
Try not to use heavy plastic bags to pack, completely clogging the boat. This creates a greenhouse effect. The cloth bag should be able to vent.
The main secret to the longevity of a boat is the lack of moisture and stress in the material during storage. Dry, clean and freely stowed boat will last for decades.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I keep a PVC boat in an unheated garage in winter?
Yes, but with reservations, the main thing is to protect it from direct sunlight and rodents, but sudden temperature changes can contribute to the formation of condensation, it is recommended to wrap the bag in a breathable material or use a thermobox if the frost is very severe.
Do I need to grease the transom before packaging?
No, you can not lubricate the transom with oil or solidol, since petroleum products destroy PVC. If the transom is wooden and you are afraid of moisture, it can be coated with moisture-resistant varnish or special impregnation for wood, but only after complete drying.
How often should I re-sweeten the boat when storing it?
They treat the boat before packaging it, if it's stored for a long time to prevent layers from sticking together. One treatment is enough for each season. If you feel the cylinders are sticking together, you can powder them with talc a little, but don't overdo it so you don't clog the valves.
What to do if the lightning on the bag dispersed?
Don't try to force it. Make sure it's not in the material. If the runner is loose, you can gently press the sidewalls with pliers. If the problem is serious, you better replace the lightning before the season starts so you don't have to go without a boat at the right time.
Can I dry the boat with a hairdryer?
It is not recommended to use a household hair dryer, as the hot air flow can locally overheat the glue and PVC, causing deformation or stratification. Dry the boat at room temperature or in the sun (in an inverted form, if the instructions for a particular model allow).