Completing navigation or fishing is not only a collection of gear, but also a critical step in preparing the craft for storage. natvensk or Flagships They make the mistake of packing a wet vessel, thinking it will dry itself, and the moisture left in the folds of the material and the seams becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold and fungi that destroy the polymer layer.
In addition to the biological threat, the water in the rolled form causes oxidation of metal elements of fittings and oars, which can lead to jamming of mechanisms or corrosion of the mounts of stringers. Proper drying is the only way to maintain the elasticity of the fabric and tight seams for many years.
In this article, we will look at all the nuances of the process, from the choice of place to packaging. temperature It is more important than drying time, and how to avoid common mistakes that negate all efforts to care for the boat.
Why you can't turn off a wet boat
Polyvinyl chloride, which is the stuff that modern boats are made of, is itself inert to water, but the fabric structure and the adhesive seams are vulnerabilities. When you fold a wet product, you create a compress effect. The water doesn't evaporate, but it interacts with the adhesive composition of the seams, gradually reducing its adhesion.
Long-term exposure to a raw, dark and warm case provokes the appearance of a “red” plaque – these are mold spores that eat into the structure of PVC. It is almost impossible to remove them then without aggressive chemistry, which can damage the material itself. Tissue rotting A real risk for boats stored in garages with poor ventilation.
⚠️ If you roll up a boat with the remains of river water containing organic matter, after 2-3 weeks you will get a persistent smell of mustyness, which will be extremely difficult to get rid of even by airing.
Also, you should remember metal elements: aluminum cans and transom slabs, when in contact with water and there is no air, oxidize faster, rust from bolts or fasteners can go to the fabric, leaving undetectable stains.
Use a spray with anti-corrosion composition to treat metal parts before long storage, but only after complete drying.
Preparation for drying: cleaning and primary treatment
Before you deploy a drying boat, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. Mud, silt, fish mucus and fuel residue are abrasives and chemicals that, when dry, can damage the surface or react with the material.
First, wash the main dirt with the water pressure from the hose. Use a soft sponge and special PVC detergents, avoiding aggressive household chemicals containing chlorine or solvents. Pay special attention to the bottom and keel, where the most sand accumulates.
After washing, let the water drain. Don't use high-pressure compressed air, because you can damage the glue seams. You'd better just turn the boat over or tilt the sides.
☑️ Primary processing of the boat
It's important to remove all foreign objects from the inside: sand, small pebbles, fishing hooks, even one forgotten hook can cause a puncture during subsequent transportation or drying in the wind.
Choice of place and conditions for drying
The ideal place to dry is a canopy or a well-ventilated garage. Direct sunlight is the main enemy of PVC at this point. Ultraviolet combined with heating can lead to a high-quality, high-quality, high-energy air condition. strain material and loss of its strength specifications.
The air temperature should be comfortable, in the range from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. Too high a temperature, for example, near an open fire or a powerful heater, can cause softening of the glue. Low temperature will slow the evaporation of moisture, increasing the risk of condensation during packaging.
If you dry outdoors, make sure that the boat doesn't get dust and leaves. Wind is a good helper, but it can also be a problem if you just turn the boat upside down: it can sail and fly away.
Can I dry it in the cold?
Drying in extreme cold is not recommended. Although PVC is frost resistant, the water in the tissue pores can crystallize and damage the structure of the fibers when bending, it is better to let dry at plus temperature.
At home, you can use a fan to speed up the process by directing air flow into the cylinders, which will help to drive moist air out of hard-to-reach places.
Drying technology: step-by-step instructions
The drying process requires consistency, first inflating the cylinders to a working pressure or a little less pressure, which will spread out all the folds where water could have stagnated, and let the boat stand in this shape for 30-40 minutes, so that the main moisture evaporates from the surface.
Then you wipe all the surfaces with a soft, absorbent cloth, and you pay special attention to the corners, the joints of the cylinders, and the area around the valves, and that's where the water is most often left.
After wiping, the boat needs to be turned over, and if you have an inflatable floor boat (BBB), you need to dry both the outside and the inside, and hard bottom boats (plywood or aluminum) require special attention: plywood needs to be removed and dried separately so that it does not swell.
| Element of the boat | Drying method | Time (example) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinders (external) | Natural + wiping | 1-2 hours | Avoid direct sun |
| Bottom (NDND) | Inflating + ventilation | 2-3 hours | Check the folds. |
| transom plate | Drying | 30 minutes | Take it off before drying. |
| Valves. | Blowing/wiping | 15 minutes | Leave it open. |
Don't forget the valves. You have to twist them out or leave them open so that air circulates inside the cylinders, and if the valves are closed, you can leave moist air inside, which will liquefy when you cool down.
Drying of removable elements and accessories
Boats are not just cylinders; seats (banks), smackboards, anchors, paddles and bags also require attention. Wooden elements (plywood cans) cannot be dried by the battery or in the sun, they can dry and crack.
Metal parts, such as rod holders or mounts, should be wiped dry and lubricated with light lubrication. Cloth bags and backpacks are better dried in the straightened form, turning the pockets inside out.
If you have air-seatThey're dried using the same technology as the main boat: inflated, rubbed, let them lie down. Don't keep them deflated if there's even the slightest humidity inside.
⚠️ Warning: Never dry PVC products on open fires or hot surfaces (ovens, fires) and the material can melt instantly and the vapors released are toxic.
Humidity control and final inspection
Before packaging, perform a tactile test (touch test), run the back of your palm through the seams and folds, and if you feel even the slightest coolness or humidity, drying should continue.
Visual inspection is also important, because the material should not have whitish divorces from dried water (especially if the water was hard), such divorces can be neatly removed with a wet cloth, but then dried again.
Make sure there is no condensation inside the cylinders, and you can press the cylinder a little bit, so if you hear the characteristic sound of water sweating or you feel heavy, moist air, the process is not complete.
Full packaging readiness is achieved only when the boat temperature is equal to the indoor air temperature and there is no condensation anywhere.
Post-drying packaging and storage
You need to fold the boat carefully, avoiding any new sharp clutters. You should follow the factory folding pattern. Pack the boat in a breathing bag of fabric, not in a sealed plastic if the room temperature changes.
It is better to store the assembled boat in suspension or on a shelf to avoid contact with cold floors or rodents. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees, but without sudden changes.
Once every six months, even during the storage season, it is recommended to turn the boat around, inflate and check the pressure, which will help to identify small leaks and simply "knead" the material, preventing the layers from sticking together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I dry a PVC boat with a hair dryer?
You can't use a building dryer, you melt the material, you can only use it in cold air and at least 50 cm away, but it's not efficient, and it's better with natural ventilation.
How long does the boat dry in the garage?
Depending on the humidity and temperature, it takes 4 to 12 hours to dry completely. In wet weather, it can take up to a day. Take your time packing.
What should I do if there is a mold?
You need to thoroughly wash the boat with soap solution, then treat it with a weak solution of vinegar or a special antifungal for PVC. After that, thoroughly rinse and dry.
Do I need to lubricate the boat before storage?
There are special silicone sprays for PVC preservation, which create a thin film that protects against drying and ultraviolet light, and it's worth using if the boat is stored for a long time.