When the new season comes, or after a successful fishing trip, every boat owner faces the inevitable challenge of how to compactly and safely put all the elements of the structure back into the transport bag, a process that seems elementary at first glance, in fact requires a certain skill and consistency. rigid or chaotic blowing of cylinders can lead to damage to valuable PVC material or deformation of the bottom.
This is especially important for models equipped with transom Unlike simple flat-bottoms, it is critical to keep the valves intact and to place the sleighs properly so that they do not press on the seams when transported, and ignoring packaging rules often causes micro-cracks that only occur on water, creating dangerous situations.
In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions that will allow you to fold the boat in a matter of minutes, preserving its performance for many years. aluminum-profile floor, features of air release from cylinders and correct position stringerCareful follow of the instructions will help to avoid common mistakes of beginners.
Workplace preparation and cylinder deflation
Before you start folding, you have to choose the right site, the ideal solution is a flat surface, cleared of fine debris, branches, stones and sharp grass, even a small pebble that falls under the surface. PVC fabric When you're bending, it can cause a puncture or a scuffle on the protective layer, so if you're on the shore of a pond, try to find a clean quilt or put a tent/polyethylene under the boat.
You start by completely embedding the air from the cylinders, and you can unscrew the air valve caps and press the central part of the mechanism (pipet) until you have a characteristic hiss. It is important to remove the air completely, so that the packaging does not create excessive internal pressure that can stretch the seams. keelIf it is designed according to your model.
Once the boat has deflated, you have to turn it upside down, so you can access the pendant and the anchorages, and at this point, you also have to wipe the surface of the sand and moisture, because storing the wet product promotes mold and bad smell. polyvinyl chloride.
There is a common misconception that for fast packaging, it is enough to simply step on cylinders, which is categorically impossible, especially in cool weather, when the material becomes less elastic. reinforcement.
⚠️ Attention: Never use pumps in "suction" mode to pump air unless they are designed to do so. A sudden change in pressure can damage the valve design or cause the walls of the cylinder to collapse inwards with damage to the partitions.
After the initial deflation, make sure that all pyre And the handles are not pressed by the sharp edges of the fittings. air-seatThey should also be deflated and detached from the attachments if possible, and the preparation is completed by visual inspection for obvious contaminants, which are best removed immediately.
Dismantling and laying of hard transcen
The most cumbersome and heavy piece of design is the trans board, which in most models is a plywood sheet, covered with waterproof paint or laminate, with a reinforced aluminum profile around the perimeter, and you need to remove the trans gently, holding it with both hands, so as not to drop on board or damage. flat-bar.
Once removed, look at the surface of the board, and it should not be sand, fish scales or silt, and these abrasive particles, when stacked tightly in the bag, will act as sandpaper, erasing the inner surface of the cylinders. Wipe the transom with dry rags. If the board has a dry rag. soft-plate (steering), check its integrity.
The trawler should be placed in the bag last or in a specially designated pocket, if it is provided by the manufacturer. Usually the trawler is placed on the bottom of the bag or along one of the walls. cross-plate They didn't touch the thin sections of PVC tubes, and there are special plastic plugs to protect the sharp edges of the profile.
If your boat is equipped pendant (for small motors), the process of removing it is similar, but requires more care with fastening mechanisms. Make sure the screws are tightened or, conversely, completely twisted so as not to lose them on the road. Storing metal elements separately from the fabric prevents oxidation and rusty spots from appearing.
Wrap the corners of the aluminum profile of the transom with a soft cloth or use special protective caps so that when shaking in the trunk they do not wipe holes in the sides of the boat.
Some models have composite transes or transverses with a cutout for an outboard motor, in such cases it is important not to lose removable elements and fold them so that they do not hang loose. Fixation Heavy parts inside the bag are a prerequisite for safe transportation.
Working with sleighs: the assembly algorithm with an “envelope”
The most time-consuming part of the process is laying the floor sections (sleighs), which are connected by textile belts or profiles in hard-bottomed boats, forming a single platform, and the main task is to roll up this carpet so that it occupies a minimum volume and does not create rigid halls.
There are several ways to stack, but the most effective is the "accordance" or "envelope" method. Start folding slugs from the nose, gradually moving to the transom. link-profile You've been going into the grooves of the adjacent sections without skewing, and if you feel resistance, you've got the angle of the fold wrong.
When folding, it is important to follow the direction of the fold. Bending the slant should be strictly along the lines of the joints of the sections. Trying to bend the plywood or aluminum section in the middle will lead to breakage. load-bearer In boats with a slider system (sliding bottom), you first need to push the sections and then fold them in a fan.
Once the sleighs are folded, they should be placed inside the boat, spreading on the bottom, which will create an additional protective layer between the hard floor and the cylinders, but if you want to achieve maximum compactness, the sleigh can be removed and placed separately in a case or in a special compartment of the bag. Aluminum flooring less susceptible to deformation than plywood, but requires accuracy in handling.
⚠️ Attention: Never keep the boat folded under direct sunlight or near heating appliances. Heating PVC in areas of strong crevices (especially on sleighs) leads to irreversible deformation and loss of sealed seams.
☑️ Proper flooring
An important nuance is the condition of the textile belts that connect the sleighs. Straighten them before packing so they don't get twisted. The twisted belt can break or deform when stretched. floor-holding.
Installation and fixation of stringers (for HDS and RIB models)
In high-pressure inflatable floor (HDS) boats or rib boats (RIBs), stringers, which are rigid profiles that are inserted into special pockets on the sides, give the bottom the necessary rigidity and shape, preventing deflection under the weight of passengers, are installed during the assembly stage, but when packing, they must be properly removed and positioned.
Remove the stringers smoothly, without jerking. Sharp pulling can damage the tissue of the pocket or scratch the inner surface of the balloon with a sharp edge of the profile. aluminum-tube It's better to keep them separate or along the side so they don't hit the valves.
When you reassemble the stringers before you go fishing, they're inserted into the spread cylinders before they're fully pumped, and that's what's right for load distribution, and if you leave the stringer installation for later, when the boat's already inflated, you can damage them. partition Or stretch the material.
For models with float-bottom Stringers are often part of the keel design, and in this case, it's important to keep an eye on the integrity of the keelson, the protective casing that the profile is inserted into, and damage to the keel can cause the very bottom to wear out quickly on the rocks and shells.
What to do if the stringer does not fit into your pocket?
If an aluminum profile is difficult to get into your pocket, don't use force. Check if your pocket is twisted and make sure the boat is on a flat surface. Sometimes light lubrication of your pocket with silicone spray (only outside, not inside!) helps.
Some modern models are equipped with composite stringersWhen packing, check the condition of the couplings and threaded joints, and the rust on these elements can spoil the appearance of the boat and make it difficult to assemble next time.
Final packaging and transportation
When all the elements are ready, it's time to finalize the packaging. Fold the boat sideways inwards, hugging the folded sleighs. Try to keep the valves outside or protected from pressure. Carefully roll the structure into a roll or fold in half, depending on the shape of your body. transport-bag.
Place the boat in the bag. If you use a tube, spread the boat evenly along the entire length. If it is a backpack or a bag, make sure that the zippers are fastened without undue effort. zipping the zipper through force is a sure sign that the boat is folded incorrectly or there is excess air in the bag.
With the boat in the bag usually put a pump, remix and paddles, heavy objects (pump, transom) is better placed along the walls or at the bottom, and lighter and softer (oars, anchor) in the center or on top, this will create an additional buffer to protect the body. PVC material from the blows.
For long-term transport, especially in winter, it is recommended to leave the valves open, which will prevent the boat from inflating when atmospheric pressure or temperature changes. Residual air inside can play a cruel joke if you bring a bag from the cold in a warm room.
| Element of the boat | The laying rule | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| transom board | In a separate pocket or at the bottom of the bag | Contact of sharp edges with cylinders |
| Slani (floor) | Put it in accordion, straighten your belts. | The sacks in the middle of the sections |
| Air valves | Leave open or protect with a cap | Pressures on solid objects |
| Stringers | Along the side or in a case | Sand falling inside pockets |
Proper packaging of the boat extends its service life by 2 times, preventing microcracks on the folds and abrasion of the seams on the solid structural elements.
Remember to mark. It's good to put a contact tag on your bag, and if you're going fishing with friends or you're leaving a boat in a shared garage, it can help you identify quickly. property.
Seasonal storage and conservation
If you're taking the boat away for winter storage, preparation requires even more careful treatment. After the final drying and cleaning, it's recommended that you treat the PVC material with a special protective compound, which restores the elasticity of the polymer and protects it from ultraviolet light, which penetrates even through the material of the bag.
Keep the boat in a straightened form, suspended by the dice in the garage or on the balcony. If this is not possible, and the boat is in the bag, choose a place where it will not put other objects. Temperature conditions Storage should be stable, without sharp changes.
Every 2-3 months, it is recommended to take out the boat, partially inflate and inspect for storage folds (cracks). If you let the boat spread, the material will "remember" its shape. keel And the complex geometry of the bottom.
Check the condition of the bag. If it's broken, it's lost its bottom or lightning, it needs to be replaced. Keeping the boat in a leaky container is a risk of getting PVC-bite rodents, or moisture and mold buildup. Tightness No storage packaging is needed, ventilation is required.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive chemicals (acetone, gasoline, chlorine) to clean the boat before storing it. They destroy the UV stabilizers in PVC, making the material fragile. Use only soap solution or special products.
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
The PVC materials of modern boats can withstand temperatures of up to -40°C, but it is not recommended to store them in the cold when folded, and in the cold the material tans, and any folds can become fixed, turning into cracks on the first attempt to inflate the boat in the spring.
Following these simple but important rules will allow you to enjoy fishing and water trips for years to come. Your boat is an investment in comfort and safety and deserves the right care.
Can I dry the boat with a hair dryer or heater after fishing?
The use of powerful heat sources, such as a building hair dryer or heat gun, is strictly prohibited. High temperatures can melt glue at seams or deform PVC. Dry the boat in a natural way, in the shade, on a draft. If time is short, you can use a soft towel to remove the main moisture, but not heat.
What if the sleighs don’t fit into the bag after folding?
The problem is that the sleighs are not folded or there's debris in between, and try to fold them back up, and then you have to do it right, and then you have to check if you've got the transom in the right place, and sometimes it helps you change the way you put the sleigh, and then you put the boat on top, or vice versa, depending on the model of the bag.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before packing the boat?
You can't oil or oil the valves, it'll damage the rubber seals. If the valve is tight because of the sand, it needs to be rinsed gently with water and blown. For prevention, you can wipe the threads and the mechanism with dry soft cloth. In extreme cases, you can use silicone lubricant in minimal amounts, but only special, for PVC.
How to remove the wreckage on the boat that appeared after storage?
Small crevices often open themselves after pumping the boat and being in the sun (but not in the heat). If the crevices are deep and left after winter, you can try to carefully warm the place of the bending with a hairdryer (at a distance of 30 to 40 cm) and spread your hands, allowing the material to cool in the straightened state.
Can I wash the boat under high pressure (kercher)?
High-pressure washing is possible, but with great care: the water jet should not come closer than 50 cm to the surface of PVC, especially to seams and valves. Strong pressure can drive water into layers of tissue or damage the adhesive joints. It is better to use a regular hose and a soft brush.