Properly rolling a boat out of polyvinyl chloride is not just a way to save space in the garage, but a critical process that determines the durability of your boat. Many owners make the mistake of ignoring stowage rules, leading to the formation of seam crevices and microcracks in the fabric structure. Deformation of material if improper storage can cause depressurization of cylinders at the most inopportune time.
Preparing for wintering or long-term storage takes time and temperature, and if you just crumple a pile of inflated boats, you'll find yourself in a pile. PVC fabric This will cause stress, which will eventually manifest itself in the form of weakening of the adhesives, and in this article we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to maintain the elasticity of the material for many years.
There is a common misconception that the less space a boat takes up when folded, the better, but over-sealing creates excessive pressure on the inner layers of tissue. Optimal density Styling is a balance between compactness and preservation of the material structure, which we will discuss below.
Preparing the boat for folding and drying
Before you start to fold, you need to carefully prepare the surface, even if the boat looks clean, it may be left with microparticles of silt, sand or salt, which will act as an abrasive when pressed. Use soft sponge and warm water to remove dirt, avoiding aggressive chemistry.
Particular attention should be paid dryingThe moisture left in the folds will produce mold and a bad smell that is almost impossible to remove. If you dry the boat in the sun, watch the time: prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light on wet tissue can accelerate the aging process of polymers.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a damp boat in a sealed bag for long-term storage, guaranteed to lead to the development of fungal colonies and the destruction of the adhesive layer.
After washing, let the product dry completely in the straightened state. The best way to do this is to spread the boat in a shady but ventilated place for a few hours. Make sure that not only the outer sides are dry, but also the inner surfaces where water may have entered during operation.
Regulations for cylinder and valve deflation
Deflation requires care. A sudden release of air can lead to dust being sucked into the valve, which will disrupt its tightness in the future. inflatable floor boats (BBB) or hard decking, the procedure may differ, but the basic principle is the same.
Start by opening all the valves to release the main pressure. Do not use vacuum cleaners or compressors to force air suction unless explicitly stated in the manufacturer's instructions. Excessive vacuum can collapse the valve or damage the internal partitions.
- 🌊 Open the valves and let the air escape naturally for 10-15 minutes.
- 👐 Carefully press on the cylinders with your hands, helping the air to exit, moving from the stern to the nose.
- 🔒 After complete deflation, close the valve covers so that dirt does not get inside.
It is important to understand that removing air from cylinders before folding is not always the goal. Residual pressure A few millibars sometimes helps to maintain shape, but for long-term storage it is better to leave the valves open or slightly ajar if the design of the bag allows.
Crowding technique: from side to center
There are several methods of stacking, but the most gentle is considered the "board to center" technique, which avoids sharp cloth bends in the same places. First, put the transom plate and stringers (if any) separately, wrapping them in a soft cloth.
Start wrapping the starboard side inwards, making smooth folds about 20 to 30 centimeters wide. Try to keep the seams from falling on each other, creating thickenings. Then repeat the procedure with the left side. In the center there should be a strip where the flooring will later lie.
⚠️ Warning: Avoid forming sharp clamps at the seams. If the fabric resists, do not push, but change the angle of the fold or slightly straighten the material.
For inflatable floor boats, the process is a little bit complicated, and once the cylinders are blown away, the bottom is also neatly folded, but it can't be crumpled as hard as the sides. inflatable floor has a more complex structure of partitions, and rough handling of it is fraught with a violation of geometry.
Before the final roll-up, slightly powder the boat with talc, which will prevent PVC layers from sticking together and make it easier to fold next time.
floorboard styling and decking
Aluminum or plywood paioles require a separate approach. Aluminum is cold and can condense moisture, so it must be wiped dry before packaging. Plywood is afraid of moisture and drying, so it needs special care.
Place flooring sections in specially designated pockets or over rolled sides, but not below them unless provided by the design of the bag. Sharp edges of aluminum should not touch the fabric of the cylinders under pressure. Use soft pads between the metal and the metal. PVC material.
| Flooring type | Features of laying | Risks of error |
|---|---|---|
| aluminum | Requires a dry soft pad. | Tissue cuts, corrosion |
| Plywood (laminated) | Protection from moisture, storage separately | Swelling, stratification |
| inflatable floor (NDB) | It is the last one, without hard objects. | Breaking partitions, punctures. |
If you use slate flooring (reiki), make sure they are completely dried. A wet tree in the enclosed space of the bag is the perfect environment for rotting. Link the slats into bundles so they don't dangle or rub against the cylinders when transported.
Fixing and packing in a bag
When the bulk of the boat is formed, you need to lock the bundles with belts. Don't tighten the slings "to the point." Excessive tension creates high pressure points that, after a few months of storage, can turn into permanent deformations.
When you put the package in the bag, distribute the weight evenly. Heavy elements, such as a transom or anchor, it is better to place at the back of the bag or in special external pockets so that they do not press on the soft sides. Equal distribution The load prolongs the life of the seams.
☑️ Pre-packaging checks
When you zip the bag, make sure the boat's fabric doesn't get into the teeth. Highly fastened zipper can damage the valve or tear the fabric the next time you open. Move the runner smoothly, without jerking.
Storage conditions and temperature conditions
Where and how to store a packed boat? The ideal place is a dry, dark room with a temperature of +5 to +25 degrees Celsius. The garage is suitable if there are no sudden changes in temperature and direct sunlight on the bag.
Storage on a balcony or basement is acceptable, but requires additional protection. On a balcony, the boat must be covered with opaque material to protect against UV light. In the basement, it is important to provide ventilation to avoid dampness. Temperature conditions Critical: in frost below -15°C, PVC becomes brittle, and careless movement can lead to cracks.
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
It is possible to store at low temperatures, but it is strictly forbidden to touch, bend or attempt to unload a frozen boat, and it must be warmed at room temperature for 24 hours before any manipulation.
Don't place heavy objects on the boat bag. Pressure from above can flatten the cylinders and create unnatural bends. It's better to allocate a separate shelf for the boat or hang the bag upright, if the design allows.
Frequent errors in folding
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore seasonal conservation, and many people just blow the boat away in the fall and wonder if there are defects in the spring. Seasonal preparation This includes not only washing, but also treatment with protective compounds.
Another mistake is to store heaters near the air, and the hot air dries plasticizers in PVC, making the material brittle, and the heat source must be at least a meter and a half away.
- 🔥 Drying the boat near an open fire or heater.
- 🧱 Packaging a dirty boat, which leads to a chemical reaction of dirt with material.
- 📦 Use too small bags where the boat is pushed with effort.
Remember that quality off-season boat care is an investment in your safety on the water. Properly rolled up boat will last the manufacturer's stated term and even more, maintaining its driving performance.
The main secret of long service PVC boat is the complete absence of moisture and the absence of constant pressure on the same areas of fabric during storage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I turn the boat off immediately after the water?
The water left between the layers of fabric will cause mold and unpleasant odor, and the boat must be dried in the straightened form for at least a few hours.
How often should I turn the boat over during long-term storage?
It is advisable to straighten the boat a little every 2-3 months and change the fold lines, this will prevent the formation of persistent ruptures and "memory" of the material in the places of folds.
How to lubricate valves before storage?
Use a special silicone lubricant for PVC. Do not use petroleum products (gasoline, kerosene, oil), as they can destroy the structure of plastic and glue.
What to do if the boat freezes in the cold?
Put it in a warm room and leave it alone for at least a day. Don't try to bend, pump, or even cripple frozen PVC — it becomes brittle as glass.