The end of a fishing trip or a water trip is always the moment when the euphoria of time is replaced by the prosaic need to collect equipment. Many inflatable boat owners mistakenly believe that the packaging process is secondary and does not require much attention, but it is the correct folding that determines the durability of your boat. Polyvinyl chlorideThe stainless material from which the cylinders are made is durable, but it is sensitive to clogs, dirt and residual moisture during long-term storage.
If you ignore the rules of laying, then after a couple of seasons you may encounter microcracks on the folds or an unpleasant smell of mold, which is almost impossible to remove. Inflatable boat It will last decades only if you learn how to turn a bulky structure into a neat bundle that fits easily into a regular backpack. In this article, we will take a look at each stage of preparation so you can be sure of the reliability of your equipment before the next outing.
Primary cleaning and surface preparation
Before you think about how to compactly roll cylinders, you need to carefully clean the outer surface of the vessel. PVCThey act as an abrasive: when they fold, they will press into the structure of the material, forming microscopic scratches, and over time, these damages will become foci of destruction of the protective layer, which will lead to loss of leakage.
Use a soft sponge and warm water to remove major contaminants. If the boat was operated in salt water, fresh water rinsing is a must, as salt crystals crystallize when drying and can damage polymers. For complex stains such as fuel oil or gasoline, you can use specialized cleaning products, but it is important to make sure they are safe for the use of the water. polyurethane.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the boat, especially if it is equipped with a keel It is in the junction of cylinders and bottom that sand most often accumulates, which, if inflated, can damage the valves or the inner surface of cylinders.
⚠️ Warning: Never use aggressive solvents, acetone or gasoline to clean the surface of the boat. These substances break the chemical bonds in PVC, making the material brittle and susceptible to cracking.
Use car shampoo for washing the boat – it perfectly removes organic matter and does not contain aggressive alkalis harmful to polymers.
Full drying as a guarantee of long service
The most common mistake for beginners is to pack a wet boat, and the moisture left inside the rolled-up cylinders creates the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, and after a few months of storage, you run the risk of finding a characteristic greenish coating and a persistent smell of rot on the fabric that indicates the beginning of the process. biodegradation material.
Drying the boat is best in the shade, as direct sunlight can cause uneven heating and deformation of the adhesive seams. The process takes from several hours to a day depending on the humidity and temperature. Make sure that not only the outer boards, but also the inner surfaces dry, especially if water has fallen through the cylinders. herb-valve Or when you're breaking it.
To speed up the process, you can use soft rags or towels, soaking in hard-to-reach places, such as the slots between stringers and cylinders. A completely dry boat is a guarantee that you will not be met with an unpleasant surprise in the form of mold on your next use.
Air descent and valve operation
Getting the air flowing right is the first step to a compact package. Don't try to squeeze all the air out at once, as this can put excessive pressure on other parts of the balloon and damage the seams. Start by opening all the air. herbal valveThey are designed to release air and protect against water when swimming.
Once the valves are opened, press the cylinders carefully with your hands, starting from the stern and moving to the nose, and this will displace the bulk of the air through the open holes. keelIt should be lowered last, as it often has a separate etching system.
The main thing is to remove the internal tension of the fabric so that it becomes soft and malleable for subsequent addition.
Descent order:1. Open all herbal valves.
2. lower the inflatable keel (if any).
3. Release the transom cylinders.
Remove the main side cylinders from the stern to the bow.
Folding technology: step-by-step algorithm
There are several ways to fold a boat, but the most effective way to minimize volume and prevent clutter is to roll it up in sequence with an accordion or roll. Start by spreading the boat on a flat, clean surface upwards, which will allow you to fold the floorboards (if they are removable) right away and prepare the bottom for packing.
If your model is equipped float-bottom (NDM), fold the sides inwards, towards the center of the boat, so that they lie parallel to each other, then start twisting the boat from nose to transom or vice versa, carefully straightening the folds formed with your hand, each movement should be smooth, without sharp curvatures.
☑️ Pre-packaging check
For rigid models plywood It's different, you take the sleigh off, you wipe it dry, you put it in your own pocket or in your bag, and the boats are often smaller in diameter and folded in half, and then rolled into a roll.
| Type of boat | Addition method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| inflatable floor (NDB) | Roll roll roll rolling | It requires careful cleaning of the folds at the bottom. |
| With plywood pieol | Folding in half | Slats need to be packed separately |
| transom (boat) | Nose twisting | Tranza remains rigid and forms the basis of the convolution |
⚠️ Warning: Avoid sharp clamps on cylinder folds. The bending line must be smooth and wide, otherwise the next inflatation may result in a crack.
Laying of floorboard and additional elements
Rigid design elements such as floor sleighs and trenchboard require careful handling. Plywood, even if it is covered with moisture film, does not like prolonged contact with water and dampness. Be sure to wipe each section before laying. plywood with a dry cloth.
Floor sections usually have special slots or connecting profiles. When packing, try not to put heavy objects on them, so as not to deform the connecting elements. In some boat models, paiola can be inserted into rolled-up cylinders to save space, but only if they are perfectly dry.
Oars, pumps and other accessories are the last to be stowed. anchor or spare parts, it is better to place on the bottom of the bag so that they do not damage the cylinders during transportation.
How to store sleigh in the winter?
In winter, plywood sleigh is better stored in a straightened form in a dry room to avoid deformation and stratification of wood from temperature and humidity changes.
Final packaging in the transport bag
When the boat is rolled up in a compact roll or folded in a neat pile, there comes a time when it's put in a transport bag. It's important to do this without undue effort. If the bundle doesn't fit, you've made a mistake in the addition sequence somewhere or you haven't completely let the air down. Don't try to push the boat by force, because that creates a problem. locality in the fabric.
Carefully place the bundle in the bag, spread the zippers and fasten the valves. make sure sharp elements such as carbines of oars or pump parts do not directly touch the cylinders. The ideal option is to use separate accessory bags inside the main bag.
Store the assembled boat should be in a vertical position or lying on a flat surface, away from heating appliances and direct sunlight. The optimal storage temperature is from -20 to +30 degrees Celsius, but sudden changes are undesirable.
The main rule of packaging: the boat should lie in the bag freely, without strong compression, so that the material can "breathe" and not deform during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep a boat in the garage in winter?
Storage inflated is possible, but only if the temperature is stable and there is no direct sunlight, but the pressure inside the cylinders will vary depending on the air temperature, which can lead to a stretch of seams or, conversely, sagging. It is better to keep the boat deflated, but dry.
What to do if the boat is still wet?
If you pack a wet boat, you need to get it out as soon as possible (within 1-2 days) and completely inflate it and dry it in a warm room, and ignoring this step will lead to mold that is very difficult to remove from the porous surface of PVC.
How often should the valves be lubricated?
Valve lubrication is not required often, usually once a season or when signs of tight running appear. Use a special silicone lubricant designed for rubber products. Do not use oil-based oils, as they destroy the rubber of the seals.
Can I dry the boat with a hairdryer?
The use of a household hair dryer is not recommended, as the flow of hot air can locally overheat the glue and disrupt the tightness of the seams. Dry the boat naturally at room temperature or outdoors in the shade.