Blowing down a PVC boat seems like a simple procedure, but 7 out of 10 owners make mistakes that shorten the life of the product by 30-40%. Wrong technique leads to microcracks in the seams, deformation of cylinders and even ruptures when the next inflatation. high-pressure (for example, BESTWAY Hydro-Force or Intex Excursion 5), where the pressure drop from a sharp air draw may damage the adhesive joints.

In this article, a step-by-step algorithm from professional instructors of GIMS, adapted for boats of different types: from compact boats. Sevylor Tahiti large Zodiac ProWe're going to look at why you can't just pull the valve out and step on the boat, how to avoid the vacuum effect when folding, and what to do if the balloon sticks after long storage. method-paper with popular models and a checklist for beginners.

1. Bat preparation for deflation: 3 mandatory steps

Before you start venting air, the boat needs to be properly prepared, and neglecting this stage is the main reason. cylinder-twisting And PVC damage, and start with cleaning, and even the fine sand or silt that's left inside will turn into an abrasive that scratches from the inside.

Use a soft sponge and fresh water (temperature is not higher) 30°C) to wash away salt, dirt or chemical residues (for example, from fuel). Star brite PVC Cleaner or vinegar solution (1:10). Never use solvents or acetone – they destroy the protective layer of PVC, making the boat vulnerable to UV radiation.

  • 🧼 Cleanup: Wash the boat from the outside and from the inside, paying attention to the seams and valves, use a soft bristles brush to remove sand from the folds.
  • 🌬️ Drying: spread the boat on a flat surface in the shade (direct sunlight deforms PVC) Drying time is at least 2 hours at temperature +20°C.
  • 🔍 Inspection: Check the cylinders for punctures (you can use soap solution) and the condition of the valves. Boston or Leafield Replace them immediately, they are not repairable.
⚠️ Warning: If the boat has been inflated for longer than 3 days, release 30% of the air before deflating and allow the material to rest for 10-15 minutes, which will prevent the joints from stretching when the pressure drops sharply.
📊 How often do you blow off a PVC boat after use?
After every exit
Once a week.
Only before winter storage
I never blow.

2. Air etching methods: which one to choose for your boat

There are 4 main ways to blow a PVC boat away, and the choice depends on the type of valve, the size of the boat, and storage conditions. Leafield C7 (set on) Zodiac Cadet) the method of “gradual eroding” is suitable and for models with Boston (for example, Sevylor Fish Hunter) "Vacumic".

Consider each method in detail, including their pros and cons. Note: For boats longer than 3 meters, combine methods to avoid cluttering material.

Method Suitable for valves Pluses Cons Time, min.
Hand-blowing All types Maximum pressure control Long for big boats. 15-40
Vacuum (with pump) Boston, Leafield A6 Fast (3 times faster than manual) Risk of damage to the seams at high pump power 5-15
Extrusion folding Leafield C7, Bravo No need for tools. High risk of microcracks with careless execution 10-25
Combined Anybody. Optimal for boats >3 m It takes experience. 20-30

For beginners, we recommend starting with pelletOpen the valve by a quarter of a turn (for Boston) or press the central pin (for Leafield) and slowly let the air out, while folding the boat from nose to stern. If you hear a whistling sound, slow down, it's a sign of too much pressure drop.

Open all drain plugs (if any)

Make sure there are no foreign objects in the boat

Check the ambient temperature (optimally +15..+25°C)

Prepare a flat surface for folding--

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to blow off a PVC boat without errors

Let’s take a look at the universal algorithm on the example of a boat. Intex Mariner 4 valved BostonFor other models, adjust the steps to the type of valve (instructions for the valve). Leafield and Bravo as shown in the spoiler below).

Step 1: Stradding the main volume of air

Open the valve half-turn counterclockwise. Don't twist it out completely, it could damage the thread. Press the cylinder with your hand, helping the air to come out evenly. For boats with multiple cylinders, start with feed It's easier to control the process.

Step 2: Folding the boat

When the cylinders are soft (but still in shape), start folding the boat from nose to transom, squeezing out the air. Use the "accordance" technique: fold the sideboard wide of the palm, then again, and so on. Avoid sudden movements - they lead to PVC-clothAnd then they will turn into cracks.

Step 3: Removal of residual air

To deflate completely, press the boat knee to the ground and walk your hands over all cylinders, expelling air to the valve. double-bottomed (for example, BESTWAY Hydro-ForcePay attention to the bottom part - there is often up to 10% of air left.

Step 4. Closure of the valve

Before the valve is finally closed, make sure there is no air left in the cylinders. To check, squeeze the boat with your hands - if you feel resistance, repeat step 3. Twisting the valve clockwise to the point, but without excessive effort (maximum tightening moment - 0.5 Nm.).

Instructions for Leafield and Bravo valves

Leafield C7: Press the central pin and hold it in the pressed position while folding the boat. It may take 2-3 sets to completely embroide. Bravo: Turn the red button 90 degrees and pull it up, and then you blow it back to the original position and you twist the cap.

⚠️ Warning: If the cylinders are not flat after blowing, but are kept bubbles, this is a sign of residual air or deformation of the material. In the first case, repeat the procedure, in the second case, check the boat for leakage before the next use.

4. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced PVC boat owners sometimes make mistakes that shorten the life of the product, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • 🌀 Twisting cylinders: It happens when you're not getting air in the same way, always start blowing off one end of the boat and move consistently.
  • 🔥 Maximum power use of the pump: It creates a vacuum effect that can tear the valve off or damage the seams. Use the pump only at 50% power.
  • ☀️ Blowing under direct sunlight: Heated PVC becomes fragile. Work in the shade or in cloudy weather.
  • ❄️ Storage of a deflated boat in a cold room: lower-temperature +5°C The material loses its elasticity. +10..+25°C.

Especially dangerous is the error of lashing - it leads to "cotting" of the balloon, which can damage the adhesive seams. two-step:

  1. Pour 70% of the air through the valve.
  2. Remove the remaining 30% by folding the boat and squeezing air with your hands.

Another common problem is that valve-sticking After long storage, to avoid this, apply silicone lubricant to the valve thread after deflating (for example, CRC 5-56) and twist and unscrew it several times.

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If the boat has not been used for a long time, inflate it by 80% before blowing and leave it for 1 hour - this will return PVC elasticity and facilitate the process.

5. How to fold a deflated storage boat

Proper folding is a guarantee that the boat will not deform and will be ready for next season. Start with the layout of the boat on a flat surface (perfect mat of foamed polyethylene). hard-transom (for example, Zodiac Pro 360), first remove the transom plates and fold them separately.

Use the "envelope" technique:

  1. Fold the sides of the boat to the center, starting at the nose.
  2. Then fold in half along the longitudinal axis.
  3. Roll the roll starting with the transom. The diameter of the roll must not exceed 30cm - otherwise, the crevices form.

For boats with keel (for example, Sevylor Colorado) First, blow off and fold the keel separately, then lay it on top of the folded boat. Don't pull the belts too tightly, it can deform the cylinders. Optimal belt tension: you should freely stick your finger between the belt and the boat.

Type of boat Recommended folding method Max. diameter of the roll, see
Killowless (up to 3 m) Envelope + roll 25
With an inflatable keel Keel separately, then envelope 30
With a hard transceiver transoms off, folding off the nose 35
Multiple (from 4 m) Sectional folding 40
⚠️ Attention: If the boat doesn't fit in the case, don't try to force it into it. This causes micro-cracks on the folds. Better buy a larger case or fold the boat less tightly.

6. Stopping a blown-out boat: rules that will prolong her life

Even a perfectly deflated and folded boat can become unusable in one season if you violate the rules of storage. humidity, UV radiation and temperature-varianceOptimal storage conditions:

  • 🌡️ Temperature: +10..+25°C at -5°C PVC becomes fragile, with +40°C - the glue is losing its properties.
  • 💧 Humidity: not higher than 60%. At higher humidity, use silica gel (50 g per 1 m2 of boats).
  • 🌑 Lighting: total darkness. Even diffuse light through the window reduces the life of PVC by 20 percent.
  • 🐭 Rodent protection: Keep the boat in a thick cloth cover (e.g., Oxford 600D) and add repellents.

Periodically (every 2-3 months) check the boat for:

  • 🕳️ Mold: If found, wipe the affected areas with a solution of vinegar (1: 5) and dry.
  • 🐀 Rodent footprints: Even small holes will eventually turn into large gaps.
  • 💨 Loss of leakage: Inflate the boat by 30% and check the pressure after a day (a drop of more than 10% indicates a leak).

If the boat is stored in a garage or on a balcony, avoid the neighborhood with:

  • 🔋 Batteries (isolate sulfuric acid, destroying PVC).
  • 🔥 Gasoline or solvents (vapors penetrate through the cover).
  • 🛠️ Sharp tools (even when folded, the boat can get damaged by a nail or hacksaw).
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The ideal storage location is a dry basement with ventilation or a cabinet in a heated room. Avoid attics and unheated garages: temperature changes destroy glue seams.

FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

Can you blow the boat away with your mouth?

Technically, it can, but it's not recommended. The air you breathe contains moisture that condenses inside the cylinders and causes mold, and the pressure on exhalation is uneven, which can deform the seams, use a pump or blow the air through a valve.

What if the valve does not close after deflation?

Most likely, the valve thread is contaminated or deformed. Wash it with warm water and soap, then apply silicone lubrication. If the problem persists, the valve needs to be replaced (the cost of a new one is 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the model). Don't use a boat with a faulty valve - it's dangerous!

How often should you blow the boat off if it is used daily?

When you are in heavy operation (e.g. fishing), you can blow the boat every 3-5 days, but be sure to blow 20-30% of the air after each use, which will reduce the load on the seams.

Can I keep the boat half-blown?

No, it's one of the most harmful practices. When half-blown, the cylinders are unevenly loaded, which leads to stretching of the material and detachment of the seams. The boat must either be completely deflated and folded, or inflated to working pressure (if used regularly).

What is the difference between Boston and Leafield valve boats?

Valves. Boston (installed on most budget boats) require gradual air venting in a smooth, counterclockwise turn. Leafield (found on premium models) have a quick-reset system -- just press the pin. Leafield They are more sensitive to contamination, so they need to be washed after use in salt water.