The navigation season is coming to an end, and every owner of the boat is faced with the question of conservation. Proper preparation To keep winter in storage is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessity that prolongs the life of expensive equipment. Many beginners make the fatal mistake of trying to pack a wet or dirty vessel, leading to mold, unpleasant smells and even the destruction of seams.
The process of dismantling and packaging requires a systematic approach, especially when it comes to the process of packaging. PVC-boatPolyvinyl chloride is sensitive to extremes of temperature, ultraviolet light and mechanical damage from sharp objects. Ignoring drying rules can turn your boat into a breeding ground for bacteria in just one winter.
In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions that will help you maintain the elasticity of the tissue and tightness of the seams. assembly-line It is important to avoid the clamps on the bottom and what tools you should have at hand, and following these guidelines will allow you to open the next season on the water with confidence in the reliability of your equipment.
Preparing the boat for packaging and cleaning
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the surface of dirt, sand, algae and fish mucus, and the leftover soil particles act as an abrasive that is pressed into the structure when folded. PVC Wash the boat with plenty of clean water using a soft sponge or a brush with a non-rigid bristles.
To remove persistent contaminants, such as oil stains or traces of fuel, use specialized cleaning-stuff Aggressive chemicals, gasoline, acetone or solvents are strictly forbidden, as they can disrupt the chemical structure of the polymer. After washing, make sure that all soap residues are completely washed away, otherwise they can cause the valves to stick together.
⚠️ Warning: Never use a metal scraper or knife to remove dried dirt, guaranteed to cause microcracks that will turn into full-blown tears under air pressure in winter.
Pay special attention to hard-to-reach places: the corners of the transom, the spaces around keel And it's where the moisture and organics are most often stored, and if the boat was used in salt water, freshwater washing is a must, because the salt crystals are hygroscopic and can break down tissue from the inside.
Drying process: why not rush
Many owners make the mistake of thinking that surface drying is enough for packaging, which is a profound misconception. floorboardThey can keep moisture for weeks, and wet boat packaging creates the perfect conditions for fungus to develop, which corrodes the glue and the material itself.
Drying should be carried out in the shade, as direct sunlight when heated can lead to uneven expansion of air in cylinders and overheating. PVC coatingThe optimal time for a complete drying is 24 to 48 hours, depending on the humidity of the air, and it is recommended to periodically turn the boat over to ensure that air access to all surfaces.
- 🌬️ Lay the boat on a flat, clean surface without sharp stones or branches.
- 🔄 Periodically wipe with soft rags the place of accumulation of water in the folds.
- ☀️ Avoid drying on asphalt or concrete in hot weather so as not to overheat the bottom.
If you keep the boat in a garage or barn, make sure it is dry enough. condensateThe slurry that forms during extreme temperatures can negate all your efforts to dry on shore, and ideally, the boat should be decomposed in a room temperature room for at least a couple of days before final packaging.
To accelerate drying of internal cavities of cylinders, you can use a household hair dryer at a minimum temperature, but keep it at a distance of at least 30 cm from the fabric.
Dismantling of removable elements and fittings
Before you start folding the main part, you need to dismantle all removable elements. This includes seats (banks), inflatable floor (if it is removable), hinged transom and safety-lineEach element requires an individual approach to cleaning and drying.
The cans and the transom should be wiped dry with rags and folded separately. motor-bracket or keys, it is better to lubricate with anti-corrosion lubricant, so that during the winter they do not become covered with rust, which can then stain the fabric of the boat.
| Element | Action. | Feature of storage |
|---|---|---|
| Banks (seats) | Clean, dry. | Keep it in a free or undisturbed form. |
| inflatable floor | Flow the air, fold it. | Avoid clutter, store separately from sharp objects |
| Paiola (aluminum) | Dry it out. | Lubricate joints with silicone, avoid moisture between sheets |
| Stringers | Check for bend. | Tie up with a rubber band so they don't get lost. |
Don't forget to check your condition. valveIf you have a Swallow tail or membrane valve, make sure there are no grains of sand underneath, blow the valves or gently wipe the inside with a dry cloth, which will ensure that they are leaky next season.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling
Technique of correct folding of cylinders
There's a misconception that you have to roll a boat in a tight roll like a sleeping bag. For tight, reinforced PVC, this is not always helpful because it creates excess stress at the folding points. harmonica or a smooth, smooth, and with minimal force.
Start folding the boat off the bow, gradually moving towards the transom. Try to keep the fold lines in different places, although in practice this is difficult to implement with regular use. The main thing is to avoid sharp clamps, which can become points of tension when inflated.
⚠️ Warning: Don't let all the air out of the cylinders abruptly. Leave a little pressure to fold the cylinders, and then completely lower them. This will help avoid the formation of pockets of air that interfere with the dense packaging.
If your boat is equipped keelThe keel is better folded apart or be sure that it does not rest against the side when folded, and the pressure on the keel when folded can distort its geometry.
For large boats (over 3.5 meters), it is recommended to use the “envelope” method, where the sides are folded inwards, and then the entire structure is folded from nose to stern, which allows you to get a compact cylinder, convenient for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car.
What if the boat doesn’t fit into the bag?
If you don't fit the boat in your regular backpack after you've been properly stowed, don't force it. You'd better take an extra floorboard bag or use a larger case. Excessive pressure on the seams when packed at extreme temperatures can cause the adhesive layer to diverge.
Packaging of floorboard and hard floor
Aluminum or plywood paioles require careful treatment. Aluminum is prone to oxidation, especially if there is salt plaque on its surface. Before packing, wipe each sheet with a dry cloth. Plywood sheets are critically important to protect from moisture, as swollen plywood turns to tiny when frozen.
Stringers (profiles connecting floor sheets) should be placed between the floorboard sheets or tied separately. Make sure the sharp edges of the aluminum profiles do not touch the fabric of the boat. The ideal option is to store the hard floor in a separate case or section of the bag.
- 🧼 Carefully wipe the floorboards with dry rags from moisture and sand.
- 🛡️ Check the integrity of the protective film on aluminum sheets.
- 🔗 Stick the stringers together so they don’t get lost and scratch the cylinders.
Completement It's often the case that a lost stringer or bolt is found on the water when it becomes impossible to assemble the boat.
Selection of location and conditions for winter storage
Where do you keep your boat in the winter? This is one of the most common questions. The best place is a dry, ventilated room with a temperature of -10 to +25 degrees Celsius. A garage, a shed or a storage room in the apartment will be perfect. heater and open fire.
It is not recommended to keep the boat in limbo in one cylinder, as this creates an uneven load on the seams. It is best to put the packed boat on a flat shelf or rack. If there is little space, it is permissible to store in an upright position, but relying on the end, not on the side.
Ultraviolet is the main enemy of PVC. Even in winter, the sun can be aggressive, so avoid storing the boat on an unglazed balcony in direct light. The fabric becomes brittle and loses elasticity, which will lead to cracks when first inflated in the spring.
Ideal storage conditions: temperature from 0 to +20 ° C, humidity not more than 60%, the absence of direct sunlight and rodents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep a boat in a warm garage in winter?
Keeping a fully inflated boat is not recommended even in the heat; constant pressure on the seams and fabric can lead to stretching (material fatigue), and in a warm room, microorganisms can activate if the boat was poorly dried, it is better to keep it deflated, but not compressed.
Do I need to lubricate the boat before storage?
It is useful to use special protective sprays (such as anti-ultraviolet or silicone impregnation) before long-term storage, but not necessary if storage conditions are met. The main thing is clean and dry. No oils or petroleum petroleum can be applied to PVC - they destroy the material.
What if the boat crashed to the ground during assembly?
Do not attempt to tear the boat away by force. Do not pour boiling water. Wait for natural thawing or gently pour the place of freezing with warm (not hot) water from the bottle. Trying to tear off the frozen cloth is guaranteed to cause the fibers to rupture.
How often should I check the boat during storage?
One inspection in the winter is enough to check if the rodents are in the habit (they like to chew cloth), if there is mold, and if the temperature in the room has changed, if the boat is in a clean dry bag, frequent checks are not required.