As the open water season draws to a close, every boat owner faces the inevitable question of how to fold a PVC boat properly so it can survive the winter safely. Mistakes at this stage can be costly, because the wrong packaging of wet or dirty material can lead to mold, microcracks and even destruction of adhesive seams. Many beginners, in their quest to free the garage, neglect basic conservation rules, which ultimately result in costly repairs.
Proper preparation for storage is not just twisting cylinders in a tight roll, but a set of measures for cleaning, drying and protection. polyvinyl chloride In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm that will help to preserve the performance of your vessel for many years, you will learn why you can not use aggressive chemicals and how to avoid cloth cloth cloth in the packaging.
It is worth noting that the procedure may differ slightly depending on the design of the bottom and type. NDMA But the fundamental principles of working with polymeric materials remain the same for all manufacturers, whether they are Badger, hunter or FlagshipLet's look at each stage of preparation in more detail.
Preparatory stage and primary cleaning
The first thing you need to do right after you take the boat out of the water is to clean it up thoroughly, and in the process of operating it, you accumulate sand, silt, algae and microparticles of debris, which when you dry out, turn into abrasives. If you fold a dirty boat, these particles will press on the fabric when you store it, creating stress points, other areas of structural destruction. PVC.
The best washing methods are regular running water and a soft sponge, and it is strictly forbidden to use solvents, gasoline, acetone or hard brushes, as they can damage the protective lacquer layer and change the color of the material. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, transomb corners and areas around. gluedThe place where the dirt is most often clogged.
If there are traces of fuel or oil on the sides, they should be removed with special means for the care of PVC or soap solution, but not with aggressive chemistry. After washing, let the water drain naturally, turning over the cylinders.
⚠️ Warning: Never use hot water for washing, as a sharp temperature drop can cause material deformation or weakening of adhesives.
The cleaning process also involves checking the integrity of the fittings, making sure the valves are sand-free and the handles and liner cables are undamaged, and it is at this stage that small defects can be detected that are easily repaired before the cold sets in.
Use an old garden sprayer for the final rinse of hard-to-reach places - the water pressure will help to knock the sand out from under the huts.
Rules of quality drying of the product
Drying is perhaps the most critical step in the entire preparation process, and remaining moisture inside the cylinders or between layers of tissue is a guarantee of mold and unpleasant odor, which will be very difficult to get rid of later, and water frozen in microcracks in winter can expand and damage the structure of the material.
Drying is required in the straightened state, in the shade and under a canopy. Direct sunlight of the ultraviolet spectrum is harmful to PVC, causing the destruction of polymer chains and loss of elasticity. Depending on the weather, the process can take from several hours to a day. Pay special attention to the interior space if you have a boat with a boat with a large surface. NDMA (high pressure inflatable floor), as there is moisture stagnant most often.
You don't have to dry your balloons on a hot battery or near an open fire. Artificial overheating can cause the air to expand uncontrollably inside and the seams to rupture, not to mention the risk of melting the material. Natural air circulation is the best way to do this.
- 🌬️ Provide a draft in the room where the boat dries to accelerate the evaporation of moisture.
- ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight by using an awning or canopy to protect against UV light.
- 🕰️ Allow the product to dry completely, even if it seems that the surface is already dry.
If you keep the boat in an unheated garage, make sure it is completely dry, otherwise the condensation produced by temperature changes will negate all your efforts.
Dismantling and packaging of attachments
Before you start rolling cylinders, you need to remove all removable elements, this applies to the seats (cans), inflatable keel, if it is designed, and solder floors, each part must be washed, dried and packaged separately, so that the sharp corners of the rigid elements do not damage the soft sides during storage.
Hard floorboards (plywood or aluminum) should be wiped dry with rags and folded in a separate bag. Plywood is afraid of moisture, so storing it together with potentially wet cylinders is unacceptable. Aluminum profiles should be smeared with silicone lubrication to prevent oxidation and the appearance of a characteristic creak in the future.
The inflatable keel, if any, is the last thing to come down, and it needs to be thoroughly dried, especially in the valve area, and the keel should be folded carefully, avoiding sharp clamps that can disrupt the integrity of the longitudinal fibers of the fabric.
| Element | Materials | Features of storage | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| floorboards (plywood) | Waterproof plywood | Dry place, separate from PVC | Rotting, stratification |
| Paiola (aluminum) | Aluminum alloy | Dry rags, lock lubrication | Oxidation, jamming |
| Seats (banks) | Plywood/PVC | Disassemble, dry the fabric | Mold on the fabric |
| Inflatable keel | PVC | No hard clutters. | Fiber rupture |
Special attention should be paid to the packaging of oars and pumps, it is better to disassemble the oars into sections and fold along the sides or in a separate case, the pump should be cleaned of dust and sand, so that the abrasive particles do not fall into the mechanism at the next start.
☑️ Dismantling of equipment
Proper folding technology
The most critical thing is to fold a PVC boat into a shipping bag, and there are several methods, but they all boil down to minimizing the amount of sharp folds, and you can't twist them into a tourniquet like a rope, and that creates a critical strain on the tissues and seams.
The optimal algorithm for action is to first deflate the nose, then the aft, and then the central part of the cylinders. When you descent the cylinders are recommended to slightly press the cylinders with your hands, helping the air out, but not overdoing it. After complete removal of air, the cylinders are carefully folded inwards, to the center of the cockpit.
If you have a boat with NDMAAfter the main pressure is lowered, it is recommended that you leave the valve open for a while to equalize the internal and external pressure, and then close it. The folding is done from the sides to the center, forming a neat roll. It is important to watch which direction you are folding: it is advisable to do this in the direction of the factory gluing, so as not to create back claps.
⚠️ Warning: Never use your knees or weight of your entire body weight to squeeze air out of cylinders – this can cause the seam to rupture instantly or damage to the valve.
During the folding process, try to avoid getting sand and fine debris between the PVC layers. Each grain of sand left inside the fold will work like a blade, rubbing the fabric when vibrating during transportation or storage.
The secret of compact packaging
If the boat doesn't fit into the regular bag, try changing the sequence of the floorboards, sometimes it's more profitable to put them first on the bottom of the bag, and place the rolled boat on top, or vice versa, depending on the geometry of the bag.
Packaging in a transport bag
Once the boat has formed a compact bundle, it must be placed in a transport bag, done carefully, without undue effort. If the boat does not fit, it is folded incorrectly or there is debris in the bag. Stretching lightning or tearing the fabric of the bag is a sure sign of error in the previous stages.
Inside the bag, on top of the boat, the previously dismantled paioles are usually stacked, if the design of the bag permits, or they are.packed separately. The main rule is that there are no sharp angles aimed at the fabric of the boat. Seats and soft elements can be placed on the sides, they will serve as additional depreciation.
When zipping, make sure that the fabric does not get into the teeth of the lock. The zipper on the bag should close easily, without jerking. If the bag has a valve to protect against moisture, it should also be zip-up.
- 🎒 Make sure there are no sharp objects inside the bag that can damage PVC.
- 🔒 Check the serviceability of the zippers and bag locks before final packaging.
- 🏷️ Attach a contact information tag in case of loss or movement.
Do not stuff the bag with additional things, such as anchors, life jackets or fishing gear, unless they are provided for separate compartments.
A properly packed boat should lie tightly in the bag, but without excessive pressure on the seams and valves.
Organization of winter storage
Storage space is as important as the right packaging, and the ideal option is a dry, dark room with a constant temperature, such as a storeroom in an apartment or a heated garage, but most boats are stored in unheated garages, sheds or balconies, which requires additional precautions.
The main enemy of PVC storage is temperature changes and direct sunlight. Ultraviolet breaks the chemical bonds in the polymer, making it fragile. So, even in a bag, the boat should not lie in direct sun, and avoiding proximity to open sources of heat, such as stoves or radiators.
If the boat is kept on a balcony, be sure to cover the bag with a dense, opaque cloth or place it in an additional opaque case. This will protect the material from burnout and temperature surges. Rodents are another threat, so it is recommended to use repellents or place the boat at a height not accessible to mice.
Periodically, every 1-2 months, it is recommended to check the condition of the package, if possible, you can slightly straighten the boat to crush the folds, and fold again, changing the fold line, this will help to avoid the formation of persistent cracks and cracks on the folds.
⚠️ Note: Do not store a PVC boat near chemicals, acids, alkalis, or flammable liquids (gasoline, oils) whose vapors may react with the material.
These simple but important rules will allow you to enjoy fishing and water walks for years without worrying about the technical condition of your boat. Remember that the time spent on proper preservation will pay off with a long and hassle-free operation.
What to do if the boat is not wintering properly?
If you find that the boat is being stored in an inappropriate environment, don't rush to inflate it right away. Let it warm up to room temperature for 24 hours, then inspect it carefully for cracks, and then try to pump it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep an inflatable boat in a pumped state in winter?
Storage in the pumped state is possible only in a heated room with a constant temperature, in an unheated garage or outdoors, temperature changes will lead to changes in pressure inside the cylinders (compression in the cold and expansion in the thaw), which can cause deformation of the seams or tearing of the fabric, and the constant tension of the material accelerates its aging.
How to handle the PVC boat before storage?
No special chemical treatments are required before storage if the boat is clean and dry, but it is possible to wipe the surface with a solution of glycerol or special PVC care products (for example, the water can be used to clean the surface with a solution of glycerol or special means for the care of PVC). Star brite or ReevenThe main thing is to avoid products containing solvents.
How to remove the smell of mold from the boat after storage?
If the smell has already appeared, the boat should be thoroughly washed with soap solution with the addition of baking soda or vinegar, after which you need to dry the product for a long time in the open air (in the shade), Ozonizers or special spray-neutralizers of smell for textiles and PVC help well.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
It is not recommended to lubricate the valves with oil or fat lubricants, as dust and sand will stick to them, which will violate the tightness. Just make sure that the valve is clean, dry and tightly closed. If the valve is petal, check if the petals are stuck.
Can I dry the boat with a hairdryer?
Using a building hair dryer is strictly forbidden due to the high temperature that can melt PVC. Household hair dryer can be used with caution at minimum temperature and long distance, but it is better to rely on natural drying so as not to overheat the material locally.