Preparing a swimmer for transport and winter storage is not just a matter of convenience, but a critical stage of operation that directly affects the durability of a product. Many beginners make the fatal mistake of rushing to roll up a still wet product. polyvinyl chlorideThis inevitably leads to mold, decay of the reinforcement layer and loss of seam sealing. Understanding how to fold a PVC boat properly avoids costly repairs and maintains the elasticity of the material for years to come.
In this article, we will discuss the entire process in detail: from the initial cleaning of the bottom to the final packaging in the transport bag. balloon The rules of construction, sharp object protection, and compact stowage make sure that your boat is ready to launch in minutes at the start of the next season.
Surface preparation and moisture removal
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the case of contaminants. The sand, silt, algae and small pebbles remaining on the bottom act as an abrasive when folded, leaving microscopic scratches on the surface. PVC fabricOver time, these injuries can develop into full-fledged punctures, especially in the places of folding.
Special attention should be paid to the inside of the cylinders if water gets in, and even a small amount of moisture, locked in a tightly coiled state, creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply, not only leading to persistent unpleasant odors, but also to chemical destruction of adhesives used in the production of adhesives. flyboat.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a wet boat in a sealed case for long-term storage! This is guaranteed to cause fungus and loss of strength of the material.
Direct sunlight, especially when combined with residual moisture, can cause uneven thermal expansion and deformation of tissue layers. The process of complete drying can take from several hours to a day, depending on air humidity and ambient temperature.
Dismantling of removable elements and fittings
Before you start deflating cylinders, you have to dismantle all removable components. cross-plateSeats (banks), rod holders and safety ends: Left in place, rigid parts can damage the fabric when folded or create points of overpressure.
Trawn, which is the heaviest and toughest part of the structure, also requires careful handling. boat And you have to take it down, you have to take it off and pack it separately, and that's going to make the whole structure much lighter and make it easier to fold, and you're not going to be hit by a sharp edge of a transom in the cylinders.
Make sure you check the valves. Make sure they don't get dirt or sand that can impair the leakage when pumped, and wipe the area around the valves with soft rags to remove any contaminants that may have stuck while in water.
Lubricate the threaded valve connections with silicone lubrication once a season - this will prevent them from "catching" and make maintenance easier.
The correct procedure for deflating cylinders
There's a well-established deflation algorithm that we recommend to follow to minimize the stress in the seams. kielson (if it's inflatable) because it's in the center and it's reduced in volume, and it makes it easier to access the side cylinders, so you don't have to distort the design in the process of deflation.
Then you blow out the bow and aft compartment, and the final step is to blow out the main cylinders, which ensures that the structure falls evenly and prevents the formation of rigid folds in unforeseen places where the material is under maximum load.
When blowing, you should not rely entirely on hand strength if the boat is large, it is better to use the back of the pump or a special pressure relief valve if it is provided by the model. articlesThe key is to control the process to prevent the cylinders from collapsing abruptly, which could cause the valve to hit a hard surface.
☑️ Deflation procedure
Clotting technique and protection against damage
Once the boat has deflated completely, the most critical moment comes: the bottom of the cockpit, which is now facing upwards, you have to put all the small objects: oars, pump, remix, but before you roll it up, you have to protect the most vulnerable places, the sharp corners of the transom, the legs of the seats and any metal elements must be insulated.
The ideal solution for protection is to use old towels, pieces of dense cardboard or special soft linings, which often come with expensive models. These gaskets are placed between cylinders and rigid elements. If you miss this stage, when stored under pressure, sharp edges can push through the edges. reinforcement.
Wrap it up from the bow to the stern (or vice versa, depending on the design), making smooth, wide folds. Don't try to roll the boat into a tight roll at once. Better make a few wide bends, then gently twist the edges, driving out the air. Excessive zeal when twisting creates enormous internal pressure on the seams.
| Element of protection | Materials | Efficiency | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardboard | Dense corrugated cardboard | High. | For sharp transom and can angles |
| Fabric | Cotton, flannel. | Medium | For valve wrapping and fittings |
| polyethylene foam | Packaging material | Very high. | For laying between PVC layers |
| Old newspapers | Paper | Low. | Only as a temporary solution. |
Why can't we use newspapers for protection?
Newspaper contains typographical paint, which, with prolonged contact with a wet environment or under pressure, can color light PVC. In addition, the paper quickly soaks and turns into porridge, losing its protective properties.
Packaging and placement in a bag
The rolled-up boat must be placed in the transport bag without undue effort, and if the structure does not enter the designated place, then there is a mistake somewhere: either there is excess air or the sides are not folded correctly, pushing with a push and using force is unacceptable, because this creates points of critical tension.
The boat should lie free inside the bag. If you plan to keep it for a long time, for example, in the winter, it is better not to use a tight case at all, but to leave the boat in a straightened but deflated state in a warm room. shell.
It is also important to position the boat in the bag correctly relative to its geometry: Heavy parts, such as the transom insert (if it remains inside) or the reinforced bottom, should be located at the bottom so as not to press on the thinner parts of the cylinders when carrying.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat rolled up under heavy objects. Pressure from above can lead to irreversible deformation of the shape and "crawl" of the material.
The boat should enter the bag easily, without having to jump on it or use force - this is the main sign of proper stowage.
Features of storage in winter
Winter storage is a standalone test of strength for any boat owner, and the main enemies of PVC during this period are frost, temperature changes and rodents, and even a properly rolled-up boat can suffer if left on an unheated balcony, where the material becomes brittle as glass.
The optimal storage temperature is between +5 and +20 degrees Celsius, with the temperature below zero. plasticizerThe PVCs can crystallize, which can cause a loss of elasticity, and if you try to decompose and inflate them in the cold, they're almost guaranteed to burst.
It's also worth taking care to protect against rodents. Mice and rats often choose soft, warm materials for building nests; a boat laid out on the floor of a garage or in a storage room can fall victim to their teeth; it's recommended to lift the package above the floor or use deterrents.
Periodically, every 1-2 months, it is recommended to check the condition of the package and, if possible, slightly change the position of the folds, which will prevent the formation of persistent curtains and allow the material to "rest."
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
Short exposure to the cold (transportation) is permissible, but it is strictly forbidden to turn around and inflate a frozen boat. It must lie at room temperature for at least 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often do you need to completely decompose and dry the boat during storage?
It is recommended to do this at least once a year, before the start of the season. If storage lasts more than 6 months, it is advisable to check the condition of the seams and valves after 3 months, making sure that the material does not stick together and no foci of mold appeared.
How to lubricate valves before storage?
It is best to use a special silicone lubricant that does not destroy rubber and plastic. Conventional petroleum products (oil, solidol) can react with the valve materials and cause them to break down.
Can I turn the boat down if it was inflated in the sun?
No, you can't swerve a hot boat. The heated air inside creates excess pressure, and the heated material is more prone to stretching and deformation. The boat has to cool and deflate naturally before it's packed.
What if the boat is frozen in its shape?
Do not try to stretch or twist the package forcibly, transfer it to a warm room and let it warm up naturally during the day, and only after the material is soft can you start folding.