Proper care of a swimmer is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a prerequisite for its long and safe operation. Owners often wonder how to dry an inflatable boat to avoid mold, unpleasant smell and destruction of adhesives. Mistakes at this stage can be costly, because moisture left in the folds of the material or under the valves can cause irreparable damage to polyvinyl chloride.
The process of removing moisture requires patience and compliance with certain rules, especially when it comes to dense reinforced fabric. Ignoring the need for thorough drying leads to the fact that by next season you will find sticky plaque or, worse, tissue stratification. In this article, we will examine all the nuances, from the choice of location to the check of hard-to-reach areas.
Why it is important to remove moisture completely
The water that remains inside the folded boat creates the perfect environment for microbial reproduction, and the mold and fungus spores penetrate the microcracks of the material and begin to destroy the polymer structure. PVCThis not only spoils the appearance of the product, making it spotty, but also significantly reduces the strength specifications of the board.
In addition, the wet environment is aggressive against adhesives. If the seams are constantly in dampness, the adhesive may soften or lose its elasticity, which will lead to depressurization of the cylinders during the next release. Inflatable boat It should be kept in a completely dry state to ensure your safety on the water.
Another negative factor is the oxidation of metal and plastic components of the fittings. Rusty bottom valves or oxidized attachments of fun keys can cause failure at the most inopportune time, so quality drying is an investment in the durability of your equipment.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a wet product in a sealed bag or bag for long-term storage, guaranteed to cause a persistent smell of rot and the development of black mold, which is extremely difficult to remove.
Choosing the Right Place and Time
The first thing to do after removing the boat from the water is to find a suitable place to dry. The ideal option is a flat, clean surface in the shade or penumbra. Direct sunlight can be dangerous for wet weather. polymerSince water works like a lens, increasing the effects of ultraviolet radiation, which leads to overheating and deformation of the tissue.
It is best to carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated place, for example, on an open balcony, under a canopy or in a spacious garage with a draft. The air temperature should be comfortable, preferably above +15 ° C, so that evaporation occurs naturally without drying the material.
If you are on the shore immediately after fishing or cruising, try to find a place away from the sand and dust. Sticky from moisture surface instantly absorbs small debris, which when folded will work as an abrasive, scratching the fabric from the inside.
Step-by-step instructions for preparation
Before starting the main drying, the bulk of the water must be removed mechanically, which will significantly reduce the waiting time and prevent large puddles from forming inside the cylinders. Start with thorough freshwater rinsing if the boat has been used in salt or dirty water to wash off salt and silt.
☑️ Preparation for drying
After washing, turn the boat upside down to let the main glass water flow by itself. Use a soft absorbent cloth or sponge to remove moisture residue from the surface. Do not rub too hard to damage the protective layer, especially in places suture.
It is also important to pay attention to removable elements: wood transom or plywood paioles should be removed and dried separately, as the wood dries much longer than PVC and can become a source of moisture inside the package. Metal elements should also be wiped dry to avoid corrosion.
Drying technology of cylinders and bottoms
The most effective way to dry the cylinders is to inflate them at least partially, and when they are straightened, the air can access all the folds and curves, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture. flyboat before working pressure in the room is not worth it, it is enough to give it a shape.
Pay special attention to the interior surfaces, if you can access them, and often moisture accumulates in the area of the timber and in the connection of the cylinder to the bottom, wipe these areas with dry rags and leave them open for air circulation.
| Element of the boat | Drying method | Time (example) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cylinders (outer part) | Natural in the air | 2-4 hours | Avoid direct sun |
| Internal folds | Purge with air | 30-60 minutes. | It requires a straightening. |
| Valves. | Removal and wipe | 15 minutes | Check the rubber bands |
| Bottom (keel tape) | Coup and wipe | 1-2 hours | Hard-to-reach places |
If you're drying a boat with an inflatable floor, be sure to open the keel belt valve. The internal partitions can trap moisture, and without air, you'll quickly start a fungus. Periodically check the valve for condensation.
Use a car compressor in blow mode (if there is such a feature) or simply a powerful fan to speed up the process of removing moisture from hard-to-reach areas of cylinders.
Drying of hard-to-reach places and fittings
The most difficult places are around the valves, the handles and the switches, and that's where the water most often stagnates, and to dry these areas properly, you can use cotton swabs or a thin fabric wound on a stick, gently wetting the moisture.
Don't forget to check the space under the beam, if the boat design allows, bend the beam slightly and wipe the gluing area. Moisture trapped under the beam can destroy the adhesive seam for years without being noticed by the owner.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to use hair dryers, heat guns or heaters to accelerate drying. PVC material and the geometry of the seams.
How to check the dryness of the valve?
To check the valve's dryness, press the tongue with your finger. If you feel cold or see moisture coming out, you can continue drying. You can also use a dry wipe: press it against the open valve if it's dry, the item is ready to pack.
Metal parts, such as anchor rings or transom brackets, should be treated with water-repellent lubricant after full drying, which will create an additional barrier to moisture in the next use.
What not to do: Common mistakes
Many beginners make the mistake of trying to speed things up with artificial heating. heating of PVC above 60-70 degrees Celsius can lead to irreversible changes in the structure of the materialIt makes it brittle or, conversely, too soft, and it's critical to keeping it tight.
Also, don't dry a boat on asphalt or concrete on a hot day, and these surfaces get very hot and can damage the bottom of the cylinders or the keel. Always use a litter, a mat, or dry the boat on weight by hanging it over the bow.
Another mistake is to pack the boat right after the surface has become dry to the touch, and the moisture can last longer inside the folds and seams, and let the product lie unstretched for another 30-60 minutes after visual drying.
The main rule is that it is better to spend extra hours drying in the shade than risking the integrity of the boat using aggressive methods or packaging a wet product.
Storage rules after drying
Once you've seen that all the elements are completely dry, you can start folding, and you need to do this carefully, avoiding sharp holes in the same places every time, and change the fold line at each package to prolong the life of the material.
Store flyboat It is recommended to put on the bag heavy objects that can flatten the cylinders and create pressure on the seams during winter storage.
Once every six months, it is recommended to take out the boat, turn around and check for no odor or mold. If you keep the boat in an unheated garage, make sure there are no rodents that can chew PVC.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I dry an inflatable boat in the sun?
Short exposure to the sun is acceptable to remove the main moisture, but leaving a fully assembled and wet boat under direct beams for several hours will not lead to uneven heating, expansion of air inside and possible deformation of the seams or fabric.
How long does the PVC boat dry?
Drying time depends on temperature and humidity. On average, at room temperature and good ventilation, the process takes from 4 to 8 hours. In cold or humid weather, the time can increase to 24 hours.
What to do if there is a smell of mold?
You have to re-wash the boat with PVC cleaning products, rinse and dry thoroughly, then you can treat the surface with an antibacterial compound, and if the mold has penetrated deep into the fabric structure, the product may require professional restoration.
Do I need to inflate the boat before storage?
No, for long-term storage, the boat should be kept deflated, but not clamped excessively. A fully compressed or overstretched boat can get cracks on the folds. It is better to leave it with a little volume in the package.