Every owner of a polyvinyl chloride swimmer sooner or later faces the need for its compact stowage, a process that requires not only physical strength, but also strict adherence to technology, especially if there is a long-term storage or complex transportation ahead in the trunk of a passenger car. PVC It can get cracks that in the future will turn into cracks, or simply do not fit into the space allocated for it.
There are many nuances, from air temperature to cylinder deflation sequences, that affect the final result. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to fold a wet or dirty product immediately after fishing, which inevitably leads to unpleasant odors and destruction of the material structure. In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions that will allow you to keep the equipment in perfect condition for many years.
Before you start manipulating cylinders, you need to prepare a smooth and clean area. The presence of stones, branches or sharp objects on the ground is unacceptable, since even a microscopic puncture can cause trouble on the water next time. Transportation bag It should also be free of debris and foreign objects.
Surface preparation and pre-cleaning
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the entire perimeter of the boat of sand, silt, algae and fish scales. Abrasive particles left between the layers of tissue when folded act as sandpaper, gradually erasing the protective layer and reducing the protective layer. seamlessnessPay special attention to the bottom, as this is where most of the pollution accumulates after landing.
Use a soft sponge and warm water to remove major contaminants. If the boat is heavily oiled or petrol-stained, use specialised detergents designed for PVC materials, avoiding aggressive chemicals like acetone or chlorine-containing solvents. After washing, be sure to wipe the surface with dry rags to remove excess moisture.
⚠️ Warning: Never use hard brushes with metal bristles or abrasive powders for cleaning the boat, as they irrevocably damage the protective coating of the fabric.
If you're in the field and you can't wash the boat, try to shake off the sand and dirt as much as possible, and at home, at the earliest opportunity, do a full wash, and ignoring this rule leads to dirt eating into the structure of the material, and it becomes almost impossible to wash it without the risk of damaging the color.
For quick cleaning of silt, use a plastic scraper or a regular plastic card that will effectively remove the sticky mass without scratching the surface.
Rules for drying and moisture removal
Drying is a critical step, neglecting which leads to mold formation and decay of fabric, as well as the appearance of a persistent smell of dampness. To completely dry the boat at home after active operation means to ensure it has a long life and neat appearance when it is used next. Moisture left in the folds, when stored for long periods, destroys the adhesive joints.
Drying in a shady, well-ventilated place is the best option. Direct sunlight, especially in summer, can cause material to overheat, soften and even deform, so leaving an inflated boat under the scorching sun is strongly discouraged. Depending on the weather, the process can take from several hours to a day.
- 🌬️ Be sure to open all valves and leave the boat half-deflated for a few hours for air circulation inside the cylinders.
- ☀️ Avoid drying on asphalt or concrete in hot weather, as the heating from the surface may exceed the permissible temperature norms for PVC.
- 💧 Carefully wipe hard-to-reach places, such as the joints of cans and fasteners, where water can stagnate.
There's a common misconception that it's enough to wipe a boat with a rag, but the micropores of the material and the texture of the fabric are able to retain a significant amount of moisture that you can't see. drying-out It takes longer than it seems at first glance.
What to do if the boat is already mouldy?
If you find mold stains, treat the affected areas with a weak solution of vinegar or a specialized antifungal for PVC. After processing, thoroughly rinse and dry the product. In advanced cases, professional cleaning may be required.
Air deflation technology and deflation
The process of removing air must be consistent and systematic, and you can't just pull the valve out and let the air out chaoticly, because it can cause skewed design and complications in subsequent folding. deflation It starts with opening all the valves.
Open the valves first, let the bulk of the air escape on its own, and then you can gently press the cylinders from the nose to the transom, driving out the remaining gas, and it's important not to create abrupt curvatures when the balloon is still partially inflated, so as not to damage the internal partitions.
| Phase | Action. | Important feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Opening of the valves | Make sure that the valve does not get dirt. |
| 2 | Natural air output | Do not force the first 5-10 minutes |
| 3 | Mechanical extrusion | Move from nose to transom, smoothing the folds |
| 4 | Final alignment | Make sure the cylinders are flat and do not inflate |
Some boat models are equipped with valves of the type High PressureMake sure you understand the way your fittings work so that the shut-off mechanism doesn't break. After you've blown it, check if there's any air left in the individual compartments, slightly probing the cylinders all the way.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use vacuum cleaners or compressors to pump air, as the resulting vacuum can damage the valves or cause the internal bulkheads to collapse.
Algorithm of folding cylinders and floorboards
When the boat is completely dry and deflated, the most critical step is to form a compact bundle. There is a universal method that is suitable for most inflatable boat models, and you first need to fold the cylinders inwards, to the center of the cockpit, forming a kind of "trench".
The boat then folds in half or three times along, depending on the length of the cockpit and the size of the bag, and then begins to twist or add with an accordion. Curl is often preferable, since it allows you to more evenly distribute the volume and avoid the formation of rigid clamps in the same places for each package.
☑️ Stowage of elements
floorboards (floor) are worth special attention. If you have aluminum floor, it should be wiped dry and folded into a separate cover or carefully placed inside the rolled-up boat so that sharp edges do not rub against the side. Wooden plywood floorboards should also be dry to prevent swelling and rotting.
- 🛶 Fold the boat so that the slab is outside or in an easily accessible place if you plan to remove it for storage separately.
- 🎒 Try not to stick the valves with sharp parts into the fabric when folding, it is better to bend them aside a little.
- 📏 Do not try to roll the boat too tight, excessive pressure can damage the welds with a sharp temperature drop.
Periodically change the fold lines so that the material does not "remember" the cracks, which over time can become places of concentration of voltage.
The main secret of compact packaging is to start twisting from the nose, gradually moving to the transom, squeezing air before each new turn.
Packing in a bag and organizing space
Once the main body of the boat is formed, it must be placed in a transport bag, this should be done carefully, without sharp jerks, so as not to hook the bag fabric with a valve or fittings. If the boat is equipped with an inflatable keel, make sure that it is also carefully straightened and does not create additional volume.
Inside the bag, apart from the boat itself, there are usually oars, a pump and a repair kit. The optimal solution is to use separate bags for small items. The pump is better placed along the side or in the pocket, if it is provided by the design of the bag, so that its rigid parts do not press on PVC during storage.
If the zipper is hard to fasten, it means the boat is not folded correctly or the bag is too small, the zipper should close freely, without tensioning the fabric of the bag, otherwise it will quickly fail.
Features of storage in winter
Keeping a PVC boat in winter requires a temperature regime, the optimal temperature is from -10 to +30 degrees Celsius, but sudden changes are undesirable. It is best to store equipment in a dry room, garage or pantry, hanging a bag or putting it on a shelf to avoid contact with the wet floor.
If the boat is kept deflated, it is recommended to take it out every few months, partially inflate it and inspect it for integrity, which also helps to straighten the folds and prevent the internal surfaces of the fabric from sticking together. Long-term storage in a compressed state without airing can adversely affect the elasticity of the material.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near heaters, open flames or UV sources as this causes plastic to dry out and crack.
Before final cleaning for winter storage, make sure that the boat is completely dry. Even the minimum amount of moisture inside the rolled-up boat for several months of winter storage is guaranteed to lead to mold, which is very difficult to remove without damaging the pattern of fabric.
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
Keeping the boat below -30°C is not recommended, as PVC becomes brittle. If there is no other way out, do not touch or bend the boat until it is fully warmed to room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I dry the boat completely?
Ideally, after every active operation, especially if the boat has come into contact with silt or salt water, if this is not possible, be sure to dry completely at the end of each season and before long-term storage.
Can I roll up a wet boat if I have to leave immediately?
If the situation is hopeless, shake the water as much as possible, turn the boat down, but unpack it at home and decompose it for drying, and keep a rolled-up wet boat even for a couple of days is dangerous for the material.
What if the boat doesn’t fit into the bag after it rolls over?
Don't use force. Most likely, there's air in the cylinders or the paioles are folded incorrectly. Unpack the boat, re-release the air, perhaps by changing the folding sequence, and try again.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
Special lubrication is not usually required if the valves are in good condition, but keep them clean, periodically check the rubber seals for elasticity and, if necessary, treat them with silicone lubrication.