As the water season draws to a close, every owner of a swimmer is faced with the question of conservation and proper storage. Many beginners face difficulties when needed to return the inflatable boat to its original state, especially if the design involves a rigid insert transan. Incorrect packaging can lead to microcracks, crumbs of material and even damage to cylinders during transportation.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the algorithm that will allow you to fold your boat safely and accurately, and learn how to avoid common mistakes, such as clogging of the cloth at the joints, and why the order of dismantling the elements is critical in maintaining the performance of the product.
Compliance with packaging technology will not only ensure compactness, but also prolong the service life. PVC materialA well-laid boat will take up a minimum of space in the trunk of a car or garage, and the process of preparing it for the next fishing will take much less time and nerves.
Preparation of the boat for packaging and dismantling of equipment
The first and most important step is to completely clean the surface of moisture, sand, silt and algae. Even the microscopic abrasive particles left at the bottom of the cylinders, when folded under pressure, can damage the protective layer or become centers of crystallization of cracks. Carefully wipe all surfaces with soft rags and allow the boat to dry naturally in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight that can overheat the air inside the cylinders.
Once dry, start dismantling the attachments. banks (seats) and safety-lineIf it's on the boat. spinner Or sonar, they should also be removed, and pay special attention to the fasteners: plastic fixtures can become brittle in the cold, so all manipulations are carried out carefully, without sharp jerks.
It is important to check the valves before deflation, make sure that the mechanism does not get sand, which can interfere with the leakage on the next inflatation. If you use a boat in salt water, wash the valves with fresh water to prevent corrosion of the metal parts of the spring mechanism.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to fold a wet boat into a sealed bag for long-term storage. Residual moisture will cause mold, unpleasant smell and destruction of glue seams.
Technology of proper deflating of cylinders
The process of deflation requires consistency to avoid skewing the structure and undue stress in the gluing areas. Start by opening all the valves, but don't twist them out completely if the structure has dust protection. Let the air flow out of its own accord without pressing the cylinders to the point of complete devastation.
To speed up the process, you can use a manual or electric pump in the mode pumpingBut beware: too much pumping can cause the valve to collapse or the dust mechanism to suck in, and the optimal pressure to start folding is when the cylinders have lost their elasticity but retain their shape.
If it's cool outside, the material becomes less elastic, and in such conditions, it's recommended that the boat be given a little rest after deflating, so that the internal stresses in the PVC fabric are distributed evenly. keelIt is important to preserve the geometry of the bottom.
There is a common mistake when users try to squeeze all the air out with their feet by jumping on cylinders, which is strictly forbidden, as it creates critical pressure points that can damage the reinforcing layer. Use uniform pressure with your palms as you move from the nose to the transom.
If you pack the boat at negative temperatures, let it warm up in a warm room before inflating to avoid cluttering in the cold.
Dismantling and packaging of insert transone
Trawn is the heaviest and most overall element of the structure, so its proper extraction is the key to successful packaging. Depending on the model, the transom can be attached to belts, put in special pockets or fixed by safety slings. safety-insuranceholding the board in a vertical position.
Carefully tilt the boat or ask the assistant to lift the stern to free the bottom edge of the transom from the grooves. Remove the board smoothly, trying not to scratch the inside of the material of the cylinders and bottom. If the transom has soft linings, make sure that they are not stuck in the folds of fabric.
Once removed, the transom must be properly stowed, usually placed in a separate case or placed on the bottom of the bag, creating a rigid base. If the kit includes a special pocket for the transompane inside the bag, use it. This will prevent the heavy element from moving during transportation and protect the soft sides from thrusting.
| Type of transom attachment | Method of dismantling | Packaging features |
|---|---|---|
| Folding in your pockets | Extract upwards after belts are unfastened | Flat-layer to the bottom |
| Sketch-up | Unfastening carbines, de-hinges | You can roll up the sideboards. |
| Integrated | Doesn't require dismantling. | It folds with the stern. |
When packing, make sure that the corners of the transom do not rest on the valves or seams of cylinders. The sharp angle of a plywood or aluminum board under load can damage even the strongest material. Use a soft layer if the design of the bag does not provide for rigidly-aimed compartments.
☑️ Transpane dismantling
Sequence of folding of the boat hull
When the boat is blown away and the transom is removed, the basic stage of the formation of a compact bundle begins: put the boat on a flat, clean surface upwards, spread all the folds so that they lie parallel to each other, chaotic cavities increase volume and create uneven pressure when stored.
First, you can turn the bow and aft parts to the center, fold them in an envelope or a fly, depending on the shape of the cylinders. Then you can fold the sides inwards, to the center axis. valves They were found outside or in specially designated pockets, but in no case were sandwiched between the layers of tissue.
Then roll the resulting strip into a tight roll, starting from one of the edges. The movements should be confident, but without undue effort. If the boat does not fit in the bag, do not press on it with your knee, you better unwind and try to fold again, changing the initial folds.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid getting sand between layers of PVC when folding. The sand grains act like sandpaper when the layers RUB against each other while shaking along the way.
The secret of compact packaging
Try the harmonica method instead of rolling it, fold the boat across like a piece of paper, alternate sides, and this allows you to control the thickness of the final bundle more precisely and avoid bloating in the center.
Packing in a bag and fixing elements
The final step is to place the rolled-up boat, the transom, the cans and the oars in the transport bag, the first to always pack the transom (if not integrated), then the rolled-up boat hull, the oars and cans are placed around the perimeter or in special side pockets so as not to damage the cylinders with sharp edges.
When zipping, make sure the fabric doesn't get into the lock. The zipper on boat bags often gets overloaded, so fasten it smoothly by holding the fabric to the runner. If the bag has additional screed straps, tighten them to reduce volume, but don't overdo it to avoid deforming the contents.
Check the equipment before closing: the pump, remix, valve keys should be in an accessible place, preferably in a separate organizer. Losing the valve key in disassembled form on a reservoir can be fatal for the whole event.
Proper stacking in the bag distributes the weight evenly, which facilitates carrying and prevents deformation of the bag during prolonged storage.
Typical mistakes and care of a packed boat
One of the most common mistakes is to keep the boat deflated in a cold, unheated room without additional protection, condensate can fall on the insides of the cylinders during extreme temperature changes, and it is recommended to take out the boat at least once a season, ventilate it and slightly blow it to spread the folds.
Also, you should not keep the boat in close proximity to heating appliances or in direct sunlight through the window. Ultraviolet and high temperature accelerate the aging of plasticizers in PVC, making the material brittle. The optimal storage temperature is from +5 to +25 degrees Celsius.
Check the bag regularly, broken handles or lightning can cause heavy loads to fall and damage the boat, and timely repair of the shipping package is an investment in the safety of your swimmer.
Remember that the quality of the packaging directly affects the readiness of the boat for the next season. by spending an extra 10-15 minutes on careful folding, you will save hours on repairing damage and finding parts in the future.
Can I keep a PVC boat in a deflated state?
Yes, you can, but it's not recommended to do it all the time, because long-term storage in a deflated state leads to the formation of persistent cracks on the folds that are difficult to straighten, and it is better to keep the boat in a half-inflated state in a warm room.
What if the boat doesn’t fit into the bag?
Don't use force. Unpack and try to change the folding pattern. Often, changing the sequence of the transom and the cans helps. If the boat is new, it can be bulky because of the rigidity of the new material, and it will become more elastic over time.
How to protect the valves during transportation?
Use the safety caps that come with the kit, and if they're lost, you can use soft rags or special plugs, and the main thing is to eliminate the entry of solid particles and mechanical pressure on the valve mechanism.
Should I lubricate the lightning on my bag?
Yes, periodically lubricate the lightning with silicone lubricant or special wax, which will prevent the tissue from rupturing and rupturing at the edges of the lightning, especially if the bag has been exposed to salt water or dust.
Can I wash the boat before packaging with chemicals?
Use only specialized PVC products or a weak soap solution. Aggressive solvents, gasoline or acetone can damage the adhesive layer and the material itself, making it sticky or brittle.