With the onset of cold weather or after the completion of a rich fishing season, each water motor raises the topical issue of conservation of the craft. Proper preparation When you put it in winter storage, or just properly packed after you go out on the water, it has a direct impact on the durability of the material, and mistakes at this point can lead to micro-cracks that will only become noticeable next spring.
It is particularly difficult. squirrelBecause rigid insertion requires a specific approach to bending and stacking. Video instructions often flash before your eyes, but do not always give you an understanding of the physics of the process. In this article, we will discuss a detailed algorithm of actions that will avoid damage to the seams and the smackboard itself.
The main goal of any packaging is to minimize the area of space occupied without creating critical clutters on polyvinyl chloride. Membrane glueThe scaling that we use in manufacturing has a certain elasticity, but the constant stress at one point is unacceptable. Let's look at how to turn this time-consuming process into a well-established procedure.
Preparation of the boat for packaging and drying
Before you start to fold, you need to make sure that the surface of the cylinders and bottoms are completely dry. The humidity remaining in the folds of the fabric, during prolonged storage, can provoke the appearance of the humidity. mold Or a bad musty smell that will be difficult to get rid of later, and even if the boat seems dry to the touch, it is recommended to let it lie unstretched in a warm room for several hours.
Careful cleaning of sand, silt and algae is not just a matter of hygiene, but a necessity to maintain integrity. PVC fabricAbrasive particles that get caught between the layers when folded work like sandpaper under pressure. Use a soft sponge and warm water, avoiding aggressive chemistry that can damage the protective layer.
⚠️ It is strictly forbidden to dry the boat under direct scorching rays of the sun in the summer heat, as overheating softens the polymers and makes the material vulnerable to deformation.
After washing, be sure to remove all removable elements: seats (banks), safety ends, anchors, if they interfere, and, of course, yourself. turretSo, putting a boat together with an inserted transom board is only possible in rare cases and requires a special skill, which we'll talk about later, and now we'll focus on the classic dismantling option.
Dismantling of the transpane board and fittings
Removing the transom is the first critical step. In most low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPB) or hard floorboard models, the transom is inserted into special pockets. You need to carefully pull out the board, trying not to scratch the inner surface of the pockets with corners. plywood Or a composite.
If your boat is equipped with tanner wheels, they should also be dismantled. Metal elements during storage can oxidize and stain the fabric, and protruding parts create unnecessary pressure. Check the condition of the fasteners and nuts: if necessary, lubricate them with graphite lubricant, so that in the spring do not encounter acidification of the thread.
Special attention deserves valves. Be sure to be completely closed and dust-proof before rolling them up. Some models have special protective caps that prevent the mechanism from opening or clogging accidentally, which is especially important for boats that will be stored in a garage or on a balcony.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling
The folded transom board should be stored separately, in a dry place. Don't put heavy objects on it to avoid curvature. If the board has a soft skin, let it also dry well so that there is no fungus between the layers of fabric and the base.
Curtailment technique: the method of "pipe" and "Envelope"
There are two main ways to stow a boat that allows it to be safely placed in a shipping case. The first method, often called the "pipe," involves sequentially twisting the cylinders from the bow to the stern, which is good because the air is evenly distributed inside, but requires more space to maneuver.
The second method, the “Envelope” or “Book”, is more popular among owners. squirrel-boatSo what you do is you fold the boat in half along, and then the side parts are turned in, and you get a compact scroll that's easier to fit in the trunk of the car, and the choice of method depends on the design of the particular model and the owner's personal preferences.
- 🌀 The method "Pipe" is ideal for boats with an inflatable floor, as it minimizes the rims on floorboards.
- 📦 The envelope method allows you to get a minimum volume of packaging, which is critical for small cars.
- 🛡️ Both methods require prior air-blowing pressure 0.1 to 0.2 of the atmosphere.
It's important not to overdo it, because if you lower the cylinders completely, the fabric will form chaotic folds that, when folded, can create high-voltage points. Residual pressure Helps (save) the shape and control the laying process.
The secret to fast assembly
Experienced water-engineers recommend that when folding, leave the valves slightly ajar at the end to equalize the pressure inside the cylinders before the final closure, which will prevent the boat from inflating as the temperature changes in the storage room.
Features of stowage of boats with hard bottom (NDND)
Low-pressure inflatable floor boats (LBBBs) have their own specifications, and in these, the transom is often part of the power structure, and its correct positioning when folding is critical. The rigid elements inside the cylinders (stringers) should not create sharp corners.
When such models are removed, care should be taken to bulkhead The boat should be bent strictly along lines formed by the internal structure. Manufacturers often provide special "pockets" or bending zones, which may not be visible visually, but are determined by touch.
| Type of boat | Complexity of packaging | Risk of damage | Recommended method |
|---|---|---|---|
| A boat with paioles | Medium | Medium (scratches) | envelope |
| NDND boat | High. | Low (with skill) | Pipe/Spin |
| Boat with sleigh | Low. | High (bottom) | envelope |
For BND models, use is particularly relevant plate-plate This prevents the fabric from being wiped from the inside in contact with rigid elements during prolonged vibration during transportation.
Use an old blanket or a special soft coating under the bend of the boat when packed in the cold, this will reduce the risk of microcracks in the PVC material.
Protection of seams and transom insert during storage
Seams are the most vulnerable spot of any inflatable boat, and when packaged incorrectly, the edges of the seams can rest against each other, creating a point load. To avoid this, experienced users put soft fabric between the layers of PVC or use special fabrics to avoid this. gasket It's made of foamed polyethylene.
The tranza insert, even when taken out, requires careful care, keep it upright or suspended to avoid deformation under its own weight. If the transom is composite, make sure that the connecting elements do not hang around and can not damage the packaging material.
- 🧵 Regularly inspect the seams for dissection before packaging.
- 🧴 Treat the seams with a special air conditioner for PVC once a season.
- 🚫 Avoid storing the boat in a rolled-up state for more than 2-3 months without straightening.
Don't forget. chemical-protectionTreating the boat with a protective spray before long-term storage will create an additional barrier to ultraviolet light and oxidation, which is especially important if the boat will winter in an unheated room, where temperature differences can be significant.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep the boat near heat sources (batteries, furnaces), as uneven heating can lead to stratification of the seams and loss of leakage.
Packaging in a transport bag
The final step is to put the rolled-up boat in a case, and it's important not to force the boat, and if the bag is small, it's not rolled up properly or there's too much air in it. Tissue tension The cover should not be critical, otherwise the seams of the bag itself may burst, and the boat may be damaged.
Carefully spread the boat inside the bag so that there are no sharp ledges. zip the lightning smoothly, holding the cloth so that it does not fall into the teeth of the castle. For long-term transportation, it is recommended to additionally tie the rolled boat with a sling so that it does not unfold inside the cover.
Inside the case, there should be no foreign objects: keys, sharp-angle pumps, tools, all accessories should be packed in a separate organizer. safety It will help to avoid accidental punctures during shaking on the way.
A properly packed boat should be placed tightly in the case, but without excessive pressure on the cylinders. The cover protects against dust and mechanical damage, but is not a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep my PVC boat rolled up all winter?
Long-term storage in a rolled-up state is not recommended, and once every 1-2 months it is advisable to spread the boat, pump it and leave it in this form for several hours, this relieves stress from the material of the seams and prevents the formation of persistent cavities.
What if the transom is not removed?
If the design of the boat involves a fixed transom (rarely, but it happens in some budget models), it should be folded carefully, making sure that the rigid part does not create a sharp inflection, in this case, it is better to use the "Tube" method, starting with the curling from the opposite side of the transom.
Do I need to clean the stitches before storage?
Use conventional oils or petroleum petroleum petroleum can not - they destroy PVC. There are special products for the care of polyvinyl chloride (for example, based on silicone), which can be used to protect against drying, but only after consulting the instructions of the manufacturer of the boat.
What to do if the boat freezes?
It is strictly forbidden to roll or bend a frozen boat, PVC becomes brittle at low temperatures, and let it warm up at room temperature in its straightened form for at least 10-12 hours before any manipulation.