Finishing a navigation or a weekend on the water is always a pleasant moment, but there is an equally important task ahead of the owner. boat-fold It's a minor process that doesn't require much attention, and it's actually how well you store it that determines the longevity of your vessel.
Polyvinyl chloride, from which modern floating-waterIt's a durable material, but it's sensitive to misuse when compressed, and if you just twist a stuffed product and stuff it into a bag, you can get microcracks at the folding sites, which eventually turn into serious tears.
In addition, the humid environment inside the sealed bag is the ideal soil for the development of fungi and mold that destroy the reinforcing layer. Proper preparation for wintering or long-term storage will allow you to avoid expensive repairs and prolong the life of the boat for many seasons.
Preparation for dismantling and drying
Before deflation begins, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, sand and algae. The abrasive particles left on the fabric will work like sandpaper when twisted, damaging the surface. layer PVC. Use a soft sponge and warm water, with severe contamination, the use of special detergents for inflatable products is allowed.
The key is to dry completely, even a small amount of moisture left in the folds or under the creases. stringerThis can cause mold to appear, which is extremely difficult to remove, leaving the vessel in the shade for several hours, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause uneven air expansion and overheating of the material.
Notice hidden cavities, such as inside an inflatable floor or in jar niches. Moisture is often retained there, creating pockets of corrosion for the glued seams. Make sure all valves are open to allow air to circulate in the internal chambers during drying.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to dry the product under the scorching sun or near an open fire. High temperatures can lead to tissue dissection and deformation of adhesive seams, which will make further use impossible.
To accelerate drying in hard-to-reach places, you can use a hair dryer, but only in cold blowing mode and at minimum power, keeping it at a distance of at least 30 cm from the surface.
Air descent and removal of elements
The process of removing air should be systematic and accurate, do not try to squeeze all the gas from all the compartments at once, as this can lead to a skewed structure and create excessive stress in the joints of the cylinders. Start the descent from the bow, gradually moving to the stern, controlling the uniformity of the fall. sideboard.
If your model is equipped with a high pressure inflatable floor (HPD), it should be lowered last. Hard floorboards (plywood or aluminum sheets) should be removed before the cylinders are completely blown away, so as not to damage their edges and scratch the inner surface of the fabric. Carefully disconnect the floor sections if they are connected by stringers.
When working with valves, use only the keys or caps intended for this purpose. Excessive unscrewing force can break the thread or damage the elastic membrane of the return valve, which will require replacing the entire assembly in the service center. seat And oars, you should wipe dry.
- 🌊 Open all air valves and let the main volume exit on its own under pressure.
- 🌬️ Carefully press the cylinders, moving from the center to the valves to expel the residue of air.
- 🛠️ Remove the hard floor elements and the tanner board until final deflation.
- 🧼 Wipe all plastic and metal parts with rags to remove salt water or river mud.
Proper folding technique
There are several methods of packaging, but the most gentle for the material is to twist into a roll, which avoids the formation of sharp clatters that inevitably occur when you add the "accordion" in the same places. Start forming a roll from one of the sides, gradually wrapping the fabric inwards.
It is important to make sure that during the twisting process, no air pockets form. Extra air trapped inside the roll will create constant pressure on the walls, which can lead to stretching of the seams as the ambient temperature changes. Periodically smooth the fabric with your hands, sealing the turns.
For rigid inflatable floor models, the procedure is slightly different: first, the sides roll to the center, then the structure folds across. PVCSince in the subsequent inflatation these points will become hotbeds of tension.
Some owners prefer to use the "accordance" method to save space in the trunk. If you choose this option, be sure to change the fold lines with each package. Constant cloth bending in one place will lead to thinning of the material and eventual tearing, so variability It's a key part of this.
⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects or knees with great force to squeeze out air. The risk of piercing the material or damaging the internal reinforcement is too great, and the time gain is minimal.
Packaging in a transport bag
Once the product is formed in a compact roll or stack, it must be placed in a transport bag. The fabric of the bag must be strong, preferably made of dense polyester or oxford, to protect the contents from mechanical damage and ultraviolet light. Do not push the vessel force if it does not enter - it is better to bend it again or release more air.
The paddles, pumps, remixes and other accessories are placed inside the bag, along with the boat. However, it is important to distribute the weight evenly. cross-board Or anchors, should not lie directly on the bends of cylinders, it is best to place them along the axis of the roll or in special side pockets, if the design of the bag provides for this.
When you fasten the zipper, make sure that the fabric of the product itself does not get into the clasp teeth. A common mistake is to fasten the bag with tension when the zipper is in constant tension, which leads to a rapid failure of the zipper, and at a critical moment you simply will not be able to unpack the equipment.
| Type of packaging | Advantages | Deficiencies | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roll-up wrapper | Absence of clutters, uniform pressure | Takes up more space in length | Daily / For long-term storage |
| Concorde folding | Compact, convenient for small cars | Risk of clutter in the same places | Only with frequent change of folding position |
| In suspension condition | Perfect ventilation, no pressure | It requires a lot of space in the room. | For off-season home storage |
The main purpose of packaging is to minimize mechanical stress on the material and to exclude moisture from entering the bag during transportation.
Features of storage in the off-season
If the navigation is complete and you have to keep it for a long time, like all winter, the packaging approach changes. It is not recommended to keep the boat in a highly compressed state.Because polymers tend to remember deformation, which reduces elasticity, and it's optimal to hang the product in an unstretched form or fold it in a large box without pressing.
Temperature is also important, although modern materials are frost-resistant, there are sharp changes.