With the onset of the off-season or after a successful release to the water, each owner of the boat raises the question of its proper storage. Competent laying It's not just a way to save space in the garage or the trunk of a car, but it's also a critical procedure for the longevity of a product. Many beginners make the fatal mistake of stuffing a deflated vessel into a bag in a hurry, causing material to crumble and the adhesive seams to break down.
Modern materials such as reinforced PVCThey're very tough, but they're very sensitive to mechanical damage when folded, and if you fold them incorrectly, they create microcracks in the folds over time, and they become leaks when the water is pressurized, so it's important to understand the physics of the process and take the time to assemble.
In this article, we'll take a detailed algorithm to help you avoid common mistakes: how to prepare the surface, how to fold the cylinders, and why you can't keep the boat compressed all year round. The right approach will allow your boat to last for decades, keeping it tight and presentable.
Preparation for packaging: drying and cleaning
The first and most important step is to prepare the surface, and you can never pack a wet product, and the moisture that's left inside the folds creates the perfect environment for mold and fungi to grow, which break down the structure of the polyvinyl chloride from the inside, and the water expands when it freezes, which can damage the microstructure of the tissue when stored in an unheated room.
All surfaces must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, especially if they were operated in salty seas or contaminated bodies of water, and salt and silt act as abrasives, and if not washed away, they will rub the material with each bend, and after washing, the product must dry completely in the straightened form, away from direct sunlight, which can cause overheating and deformation.
- 🌊 Carefully wash salt, sand and silt from all surfaces, paying attention to the bottom.
- ☀️ Allow the boat to dry naturally in the shade, completely spreading the cylinders.
- 🧹 Remove small debris and grass stuck in the texture of the material or between the elements.
You should pay special attention to the valves, make sure that they are completely closed and do not have contaminants that could disturb the leakiness next time. PVCwhich preserve the elasticity of the tissue.
Proper descent of air
Many owners make the mistake of trying to squeeze air out of cylinders with their feet or knees, a gross violation of technology that results in local stretching of the material and loading on the seams. Get the air down You need to gradually open the valves and allow the gas to come out naturally or slightly pressing your palms along the entire length of the balloon.
It's important to follow the sequence of actions. If you release pressure unevenly, one side can "collapse" before the other, creating unnecessary stress in the design of the translator or the jar. In some models, especially inflatable keel boats, it is important to first ease the tension of the stringers, if they are designed.
⚠️ Warning: Never use the pump in pump mode to remove air completely. The remaining minimum volume of gas will prevent the internal walls of the cylinders from sticking together, which is especially important when stored in hot conditions.
Once the cylinders have lost their shape but still retain a small volume, you can begin to physically fold them, and a sharp deflation to a pancake state often leads to the fact that dust and fine sand are stuck in the material, which is then difficult to remove.
Why can’t we pump out the air completely?
A complete vacuum inside the cylinder can cause the inner walls of the PVC to stick together, which can be difficult to separate when inflated, and can form air bubbles in places of adhesion that disrupt the boat's geometry, and at temperature extremes, the residual pressure compensates for the expansion of gases.
Cylinder folding technique
There are several proven methods of stacking, but the most effective is the method of "accordance" followed by folding. Start the process from the nose, carefully straightening the cylinders and removing unnecessary folds. The main task is to avoid the formation of sharp clamps, the radius of the bend should be smooth.
If you want to put the starboard and left sides in the center, on the bottom, if the boat's design permits, the sides should be parallel to each other or slightly overlap the bottom. valves And the other pieces didn't stick to each other, creating pressure points, and you can use soft pads of fabric to protect the protruding parts.
Then you fold the resulting structure in half or threefold, depending on the size of the storage bag, and the movements should be confident, but without jerking, and if you feel strong resistance of the material, then the fold is not going right and you need to straighten it.
- 🙌 Spread the cylinders and fold them to the center, avoiding twisting.
- 📏 Fold the product with an “accordance”, starting from the nose, to distribute the volume evenly.
- 🛡️ Make sure that solid elements (valves, handles) do not fall into the fold lines.
Special attention is required in keels in inflatable boats with NDMA The keel is an extension of the cylinders, and it's folded together with them. In slate bottom boats, the keel often remains stiff or requires special attention when stowed.
Laying of the bottom and the transom part
The hardest part of the process is working with the bottom and the transom. plywood-bottomed The process is simplified: the sections of the bottom are removed, wiped from moisture and folded separately or on top of deflated cylinders, if the design of the bag allows it, it is important that the edges of the plywood do not scratch PVC.
If you own a high-pressure inflatable boat, you need to be very careful, and when you blow it becomes soft, but it retains some rigidity, you have to turn it in or fold it over the cylinders so that you don't get too much inflection, and the transom board is also removed, dried and put into a special pocket of a bag or on top of the whole pie.
| Type of boat | Feature of bottom-laying | Risks of error |
|---|---|---|
| Plywood bottom. | The sections are removed and dried separately. | Scratches from plywood ends |
| NDND (inflatable) | It folds with the balloons. | Wrecks on the keel bends |
| Aluminum floor | The sheets are packed in covers | Corrosion and oxidation in dampness |
When you lay the transmunus, make sure it's dry. The residue of water between the PVC layers and the wooden transom base will cause the wood to dissect and rot in one season. If the transmuner is removable, it's best to store it upright to avoid deformation.
☑️ Checklist before packaging
The layout in the storage bag
The final step is to place the rolled-up boat in the transport bag, and there's a rule here: nothing should hang around or press one point. AccessoriesSuch as paddles, pumps and repair kits, it is better to place them around the edges or in special compartments so that they do not create additional pressure on the boat hull.
The pump should be disassembled and wiped with a dry cloth. The mechanical parts should not come into contact with PVC directly, as plastic can push the material through long-term storage under the weight of other items. Ideally, if your bag has a hard bottom or separate tool pockets.
⚠️ Warning: Don't fill your bag with a "tipped" zipper, if the zipper is fastened with a huge force, it means that the boat is packed incorrectly or the bag is too small, and the constant pulling of the seams of the bag will cause them to burst at the most inopportune moment.
If you use a soft backpack bag, make sure the straps don't clamp the boat itself. Spread the weight evenly. For long winters, it's better not to use a cramped bag at all, but to keep the boat in a spacious bag of breathable fabric.
Lubricate the zipper bag with silicone lubricant before winter storage, which will prevent it from catching and tearing tissue at the attachment sites, which often happens after prolonged downtime.
Storage and conservation conditions
Where and how to store the assembled boat? The best option is a dry, dark room with a temperature of +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. A garage, a storage room or a insulated balcony will be great. ultravioletPVC is the main enemy of PVC, causing its aging and brittleness.
It is not recommended to keep the boat in a compressed state all year round. Periodically, at least once every 2-3 months, it should be taken out, laid out and let "rest" in the straightened form, this relieves the internal stress in the material and allows you to check the condition of the seams and valves.
Avoid the proximity of heating appliances, open fires or sharp objects, and do not put heavy objects on the bag with the boat that can cause deformation. If the room is high in humidity, put silica gel bags inside the bag to absorb moisture.
- 🌡️ Maintain a stable temperature without sudden changes and freezing.
- 🚫 Avoid contact with rodents that may chew on material in search of shelter.
- 💨 Provide ventilation to the room to avoid mustiness and condensation.
Following these simple rules will make sure that your boat will meet you in perfect condition next season, ready for any water adventure.
The main secret of long service boats is storage in a dry, cool place without strong compression and periodic ventilation of the material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Short-term exposure to frost is acceptable, but prolonged storage at low temperatures is not recommended. The material becomes brittle, and any careless movement can lead to cracking, and condensation inside the folds can freeze and damage the structure.
How often should I move the boat during storage?
It is advisable to take out the boat every 2-3 months, spread out and change the folds, which prevents the formation of persistent clamps and allows the material to "sparse" If this is not possible, try to fold it in the most gentle way possible.
How to lubricate the lightning on the bag, if it is rusty?
Use special zipper lubricants or regular paraffin (candle). Do not use oil or fat, as they can stain the fabric of the bag and the boat itself, as well as attract dust. Silicone grease spray is also great for these purposes.
What to do if the boat is frozen?
Do not attempt to fold or actively manipulate a frozen boat, let it be fully warmed at room temperature in its unstretched form, and only after the material is soft and elastic can any action be taken with it.
Do I need to smear PVC cream before storage?
There are special air conditioners and protective sprays for PVC that prolong the life of the material, preventing drying out. Treatment with such a compound before a long winter will be useful, especially if you keep the boat in a dry room.