The active navigation season is over, and every owner of the inflatable boat is faced with the question of conservation. PVC It's not just a way to save space in your garage, it's a critical maintenance phase that will directly affect the life of your boat. Many beginners make the fatal mistake of hiding unrouted material, which inevitably leads to mold and the destruction of the reinforcement layer.
Preparing for wintering requires patience and a certain technology, ignoring which can negate all the benefits of quality rubber, and in this article we will discuss in detail each step from cleaning the bottom to the final fixation of the valves. Storage temperature should be strictly above -30 °C and below +50 °Cso that the polymeric structure of the tissue remains stable.
Primary cleaning and surface preparation
The first and most important step is to remove all the contaminants accumulated during operation, and the water from the water bodies contains microscopic algae, salts and organics, which, when dried, turn into an abrasive or aggressive chemical environment. Polyvinyl chlorideThe stain, from which the boat is made, is resistant to most effects, the night presence of dirt under pressure in the folded state can lead to microcracks.
Use a soft sponge and warm water with the addition of ordinary household soap. it is strictly forbidden to use solvents, gasoline or aggressive alkaline agents, as they can damage the protective lacquer layer and disrupt the structure. PVC fabricPay special attention to the joints of cylinders and the bottom, where the most often accumulates silt.
- 🧼 Wash all surfaces, including the insides of the cockpit, thoroughly to remove the sand.
- 🚫 Avoid using hard brushes that can leave micro-scratches on the glossy surface.
- 💧 Wash the soap solution with plenty of clean water, leaving no divorces.
After the wash, you need to do a visual inspection for punctures and scuffs. If you find damage, now is the time to fix it before the boat is put in its case. Every boater should have a repair kit on hand.
⚠️ Attention: Never pack a wet boat right after washing, and the residual moisture between the layers of fabric is guaranteed to cause a fungus to break up the reinforcement net from the inside.
Drying and dismantling of equipment
Drying is a step that cannot be forced. The ideal option is to dry naturally in the shade at room temperature or outdoors, but not in the direct scorching rays of the sun. Ultraviolet, although added to the PVC for protection, with prolonged intense exposure when heated, can make the material more fragile.
In parallel with the drying of the case, you need to dismantle the attachments. door-wheelMetal elements, even if they are coated with corrosion-resistant composition, are better stored separately to eliminate the risk of oxidation and rusting spots on the fabric.
The pump valves also require attention, make sure that they do not get water or sand, if the valve design allows, gently wipe the inside with dry rags, which will ensure that the next season is sealed and prevent air etching.
Folding a boat: technique and algorithm
There are two basic approaches to folding: factory folding and random twisting. The first is preferable for long-term storage, because the material "remembers" the folding lines, and the risk of breaking into new places is minimal. The second method is often used by avid fishermen for quick stacking, but it requires more accuracy.
Start by releasing air. Don't completely vent the cylinders into pancake at once. Leave a little internal pressure to keep the shape, and start putting the sides towards the center. The bottom should be inside, which will protect it from abrasion against the rough surface of the cover or the floor of the garage.
☑️ The algorithm for correct folding
When forming the final roll, try to avoid sharp corners. If you use the twisting method, do it evenly, without sharp jerks. Reinforced layer PVC does not like sharp deformations inside the fabric, especially at low temperatures when the material becomes less elastic.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Critical significance |
|---|---|---|
| Wetness of tissue | 0% (absolutely dry) | Any moisture |
| Storage temperature | +5°C to +25°C | Below -30°C / Above +50°C |
| Pressure in cylinders | Atmospheric (deflated) | Residual voltage |
| Neighborhood with chemistry | Missing. | Acids, alkalis, fuels |
⚠️ Attention: When folding, make sure that the zippers of the case or rigid components of the fittings do not press against the fabric of the cylinders under pressure. This can lead to pressing of the material and micro-ruptures.
Use of talc and protection against adhesion
One of the common storage problems is the adhesion of the inner surfaces of PVC. Polymer film, when in close contact for months, can "cook" at the micro level. To prevent this, professionals recommend using special talc or baby powder.
Apply the powder in a thin layer on the surface of the cylinders before the final folding, which will create a dry sliding layer that will make it easier to unpack in the spring and prevent surface damage when unfolded. Do not use flour or starch, as these organic substances can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Can silicone lubricants be used?
Silicone spray lubricants are acceptable for treating valves and lightning, but applying them to large areas of PVC fabric before packaging is not recommended. They can change the adhesive properties of the material, and if necessary for repair in the future, the patch may not stick without thorough degreasing.
Pay special attention to the seams. It is in the places where the seams are glued or welded that the most common form of microscopic pockets of moisture, and the talc will help absorb any residual water vapor that may not have evaporated during the drying process.
Selection of storage location and conditions
A place to winter yours flyboat It should be chosen with the temperature and humidity in mind, ideally suited to a heated garage, storage room in the apartment or dry cellar, the main condition is the absence of direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes that cause condensation.
It is not recommended to keep the boat in close proximity to the heating appliances. Hot dry air can overdry plasticizers in PVC, making the material brittle. Also avoid the neighborhood with gasoline canisters, oil or acids - the pairs of these substances are aggressive to polyvinyl chloride.
- 🏠 Keep the packed boat on an elevated (shelf, shelf) rather than on a cold concrete floor.
- 🐀 Provide protection from rodents that may bite the cloth or foam elements.
- 🌡️ Control the temperature in the room, avoiding freezing.
If the boat is kept in an unheated room, make sure it is completely dry and treated with talc, in which case the risk of damage from frost is minimal, but the defrosting process before operation should be carried out naturally.
Frequent errors and warnings
Many owners neglect the rules of storage, considering the material of PVC "unkillable." However, statistics of service centers suggest the opposite: up to 40% of damage, which is handled in the spring, is the result of improper preservation.
Another common mistake is packing a boat with a gas tank or engine, and the fuel vapor and exhaust gases, even in microscopic amounts, settle on the fabric and slowly begin to break down the structure, and the engine and the tanks must be stored separately, upright, with a preserved fuel system.
If you keep the boat in a zipper case, leave the zipper slightly open (5-10 cm) to ensure minimal ventilation inside the bag and prevent the formation of a musty smell.
Check the condition of the package regularly, at least once a month, make sure that no rodents have entered the room, no mold has appeared, and a preventive check-up will take a couple of minutes, but will save your property from spoilage.
Compliance with drying technology and the use of talc in packaging extends the life of the PVC boat by 30-40%, maintaining the elasticity of the material and the strength of the seams.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a boat in the garage in winter?
Storage inflated condition is possible, but not recommended for long wintering (more than 1 month). When temperature changes, the air pressure inside the cylinders will change, which will create a constant stress on the seams and material. In addition, it takes up a lot of space and increases the risk of accidental puncture.
What to do if the boat is frozen?
Under no circumstances do you try to bend, twist or pump a frozen boat. PVC loses its elasticity at negative temperatures and becomes brittle as glass. Put the package in a warm room and let it warm up for 12-24 hours before unpacking.
Do I need to lubricate the valve before storage?
Yes, rubber valve seals are recommended to be slightly lubricated with silicone grease, which will prevent them from drying out and cracking during downtime, and will also ensure that they are easy to open and close early next season.
How to remove the smell of dampness from the boat after winter?
If the smell appears, thoroughly wash the boat with a solution of vinegar (weak) or a specialized mold removal agent for PVC. After that, be sure to dry the boat in the air in the shade until the odor completely disappears before packaging or use.