Finishing a fishing trip or a water trip is not only a pleasant memory, but also a need to return the boat to its original state. Many beginners are faced with the question of how to roll up the PVC boat so that it takes up a minimum of space in the trunk and does not suffer during transportation. Mistakes at this stage can lead to a material clogging, microcracks or problems with valves in the future, so it is important to follow the proven technology.
The right packaging is the key to the durability of your fly-boatIf you just squish the sides in a hurry, the next inflatation may bring unpleasant surprises, such as shifting seams or damage to the transom. In this article, we will detail an algorithm of actions that will allow you to pack the boat compactly and safely, maintaining its performance for many years to come.
And it's worth noting that the folding process is inextricably linked to pre-preparedness, and you can't just let the air out and stuff the cylinders into the bag. Polyvinyl chlorideThe tins that are used to make cylinders require careful handling, especially in low temperatures or in extreme heat, and understanding the physics of the material will help you avoid common mistakes.
Preparing the boat for roll-out
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the surface of sand, silt, algae and other debris, and the abrasive particles left on the bottom or sides, when packed tightly, act like sandpaper, erasing the protective layer. PVCThe water must be completely removed, as the moist environment inside the bag contributes to the reproduction of mold and the appearance of an unpleasant odor, which is then very difficult to remove.
After the wash, you have to let the boat dry completely, ideally in the shade, because direct sunlight can unevenly heat the material, making it too soft and sticky, which makes it difficult to pack. If you don't have time to dry, try to at least wipe all the surfaces with dry rags and leave the valves open during transportation to the house.
Pay special attention to the valves. Before you start to release air, make sure that the mechanism does not get sand or small pebbles.
Features of work at different temperatures
The temperature of the environment has a huge impact on elasticity Polyvinyl chloride. In the summer, when the material is heated by the sun, it becomes very soft and malleable, and in these conditions, the boat folds easily, but there is a risk of stretching the fabric or leaving deep clamps if you squeeze the cylinders too hard.
In the cold season, late autumn or early spring, the situation is diametrically opposite. The material tans and becomes brittle. The critical temperature for PVC is -5°C: below this threshold, bending the boat is strictly prohibited, as this is guaranteed to lead to microcracks. If you are on the water in the cold, try not to let out the air completely until the moment of skidding into a warm room.
Winter operations require a special approach to storage and transportationIf you want to roll the boat in the cold, do it as smoothly as possible, without any sharp inflections. The radius of the bend should be large. It is better to leave the boat slightly inflated or at least not to fold it in tight harnesses until it warms up.
What to do if the boat freezes in a folded state?
If you bring home a frozen, folded boat, don't try to turn it around or blow it up right away. Let it lie warm (but not at the battery!) for at least 12 to 24 hours. The material should gradually regain its elasticity. A sudden temperature drop can cause condensation within the tissue layers or deformation of the seams.
Air production technology and cylinder forming
The deflation process should be controlled, so you don't just pull the valve out and let the air go out randomly, because it can cause dust to get in, you better use a special pump in pumping mode (if you have one), or gently press on the cylinders, starting from the stern and moving to the nose, this will help to expel the maximum volume of air.
After the main deflation, you need to "eject" the air residue, moving along the perimeter of the balloon, and it is important to form smooth, parallel sections. The boards should be flat, without torsion, and if you plan to keep the boat for a long time, you can leave the valves ajar to avoid condensation inside.
- 🌊 Start releasing air from the bow compartment, gradually moving to the stern to preserve the geometry.
- 🌬️ Use the back of the pump or a special vacuum bag if maximum compactness is required.
- 🛡️ Make sure that when blowing on the fabric do not get sharp objects or stones from the shore.
Cylinder molding is the art of making straight cylinders, and after you get out, walk your hands around the cylinders, giving them the right round shape, and it will help you avoid chaotic clatters when you fold them. inflatable floor (NDND) requires a particularly careful attitude: it can not be folded across the rigid ribs, only along them.
Use a special valve bag case during deflation to protect them from sand and dirt while you are working with cylinders.
Step by step: how to turn the boat
There are several methods of packaging, but the most popular and compact is the "envelope" or "accordance" method. First, lay the cylinders parallel to each other, putting them on the bottom, the Tranch should be on the outside or carefully nested inside if the design allows. Make sure that all the elements are flat and symmetrical.
Next, start twisting or folding the boat from the bow to the stern (or vice versa, depending on the model), the movements should be smooth. Each addition should be on existing folds or be as wide as possible. Length of fold The length of the bag should be appropriate so as not to create unnecessary pressure on the ends.
☑️ Packaging checklist
The final step is to put the rolled-up boat in the bag, and it's important not to use excessive force. If the boat doesn't fit, you've made a mistake in forming the folds somewhere. Move it, straighten it. You need to tighten the belts on the bag moderately so as not to overpress. PVC at one point.
| Phase | Action. | Important nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanup. | Sand and water removal | Complete dryness is mandatory |
| 2. Blowing | Consecutive air release | From nose to stern |
| 3. Formation | Cylinder shape-making | No twisting. |
| 4. Folding | Concorde fold | Bag width. |
Don't forget to have accessories. Oars, pumps and seats are better packed in separate pockets of bags or placed on top of the boat, but so that they don't press on the valves or seams. prairie It should not lie on soft sides under load, unless a special rigid bed is provided for it in the design of the bag.
Specifics of packing boats with NDND and sleigh
Boats from high-pressure (NDNDM) requires a special approach. Unlike the pile models, there are no hard elements that can be removed, the bottom has longitudinal and transom ribs, you can't fold such a boat across the ribs, which will lead to crumple and loss of leakage.
So the process is, you blow the sides off first, and then as they blow off, they turn inwards or they're superimposed on top of the bottom, and they fold down strictly along the longitudinal axes.
The ration boats (with sleigh) have a different algorithm, and the sleigh (wooden or aluminum floor) is taken out first, and it needs to be wiped and dried separately, because the wet wood rots quickly and the aluminum oxidizes. Only after the floor is removed, the sides are deflated and folded in a classical way, and it is better to store the sleigh separately or in a special pocket so that it does not rub against the cylinders.
The main rule for NDNDM: to fold only along the ribs of stiffness, never across, so as not to disturb the structure of the bottom.
Storage rules in the off-season
Proper storage is half the life of a boat. Once you've figured out how to roll up a PVC boat, you need to decide where it's going to wait for next season. The ideal place is a dry, dark room with room temperature. High humidity basements or lofts where temperatures reach +50°C in summer are the worst enemies. polymeric.
The boat can be kept deflated in a bag or half-flattened (inflated sides), the second option is preferable, since it relieves tension from the seams and allows the material to "breathe." If you keep the boat in a bag, it is recommended to open it every few months and ventilate it, checking for mold.
- ☀️ Avoid direct sunlight when stored, ultraviolet light destroys the structure of PVC.
- 🐀 Protect the bag from rodents that can chew through the cloth, smelling the remains of food or just for fun.
- 🌡️ The optimal storage temperature is from +5 C to +20 C.
Check the valves and joints regularly, even during downtime, and sometimes it makes sense to blow the boat a little and leave it for a day to make sure there are no micropunctures. Repair kits Always be on hand and checked for relevance (glue also tends to dry).
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
You can store it in extreme cold, but only in a completely dry and deflated state, but before using such a boat, you need to warm it for a very long time at room temperature, otherwise it will burst when inflated.
Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is to pack a wet boat "once," and owners think that nothing will happen in a week, but the mold can start to develop within 24 hours, which leads to stains that cannot be washed and the destruction of the upper protective layer.
Another mistake is to be too zealous when tightening the belts of the bag, and to try to reduce the size, people put excessive pressure on the material, leaving deep traces on the cylinders from the folds of the bag, which may not spread even after inflating. Compactness It should not be at the expense of the integrity of the structure.
Also often ignored is the condition of the bottom when pulling the boat ashore. Tightening the boat over rocks or shells before rolling is guaranteed cuts. Always use protective mats or drag the boat behind special handles, minimizing the contact of the bottom with abrasives.
☑️ Checking before wintering
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I roll the boat if it's freezing -10 degrees outside?
It's not recommended. At temperatures below -5°C, the material becomes brittle. Any folding will cause microcracks. It's better to leave the boat inflated in the garage or wait for warming.
How to remove the smell of dampness from a bag and boat?
You have to dry the boat completely, wipe the inner surfaces with a weak solution of vinegar or a special PVC agent, and leave it to dry in a ventilated place for a few days, and the bag also needs to be turned and dried.
Do I need to lubricate the valves before storage?
Yes, it is recommended to lubricate the valve sealing gums with silicone lubrication once a season, which will keep them elastic and prevent rubber from drying out, which will ensure leakage in the future.
What if the boat doesn’t fit into the bag after it rolls over?
Don't use force. It's likely that the air didn't come out completely or the folds are not formed correctly. Spread the boat, walk through the cylinders again, expel the air, and try to roll it back, observing geometry.