The approaching cold season for the owner of the swimmer is not only a time to take stock of navigation, but also a period of critical procedures for the preservation of property. Many beginners mistakenly believe that it is enough to simply blow out the cylinders and hide the product in the storage room, but polyvinyl chlorideThe sleeves require much more delicate handling at low temperatures, and ignoring the rules of preparation can lead to microcracks, strain of seams and loss of sealing by next season.
Moisture left on or inside the folds of the material expands when it freezes and can disrupt the structure of the tissue, and if left undisturbed, the dirt, sand and fish mucus work as an abrasive and aggressive chemical environment in a confined space. conservation This is a guarantee that in the spring you will get at your disposal ready to get on the water vessel, and not a set of problems that require expensive repairs.
In this article, we will discuss all stages of preparation, starting from washing and ending with choosing the optimal place for wintering your home. Sore or FlagshipYou'll learn why you can't keep your boat rolled up under pressure and how to organize your garage or balcony space, and following these guidelines will extend the life of your boat for years to come.
Stages of preparing the boat for the winter season
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the surface of all kinds of contaminants. Algae, silt, fish mucus and petroleum products are able to penetrate the structure of PVC, making it brittle or causing chemical reactions during prolonged contact. Use warm water and soft sponges, avoiding abrasive brushes that can damage. corrosion-resistant cover.
To remove persistent stains, specialized detergents can be used, designed specifically for PVC products. It is strictly forbidden to use solvents, acetone, gasoline or aggressive household chemicals with chlorine.Because they destroy the polymer structure of the material and the adhesives of the seams, after washing, you need to let the product dry completely naturally.
⚠️ Warning: Never use dryers, heat guns or other heating appliances to speed up drying. Local overheating can lead to irreversible tissue deformation or stratification of the seams.
Special attention should be paid to hard-to-reach places where moisture can linger the longest, such as the corners of the transom, the space around the valves and the folds of the bottom, even the minimum amount of remaining water can become a hotbed of mold development or cause tissue to freeze through a sharp drop in temperature.
- 🧼 Use soft soap or special shampoos for PVC products for gentle cleaning.
- 💧 RUB the surface dry with microfiber or soft rags after each step of washing.
- 🚫 Avoid getting cleaning products on metal elements such as duraluminium banks and mounts.
Drying and material handling
After removing visible contaminants, a stage of complete drying often underestimated. Humidity The main enemy of any textile, and PVC boats are no exception, drying the product must be in a straightened state, preferably in the shade or in a well-ventilated room, but not in direct sunlight, as ultraviolet light combined with residual moisture can weaken the material.
Pay special attention to the valves. Even if the boat looks dry, there may be condensation inside the cylinders. It is recommended to leave the valves open for several days, ensuring air circulation. If you keep the boat assembled, check if there is any water left in the tank. inflatable keel or at the bottom of the cockpit.
For additional protection, you can treat the surface with special impregnations containing UV filters This will help to maintain the elasticity of the material and prevent dust from sticking during storage, but before applying any chemical compounds, make sure that they are compatible with the type of PVC you have.
How to check if the boat is completely dry?
Take a dry paper napkin and press it tightly against different surface areas, especially in the seams and folds. If there are no wet marks on the paper, drying can be considered complete. You can also use a moisture meter if it is available.
Don't rush to pack, because the risk of fungus forming inside the package is very high. Fungal spores not only spoil the appearance, but also destroy the structure of the polymer.
Dismantling of attachments and accessories
Winter storage is the perfect time to inspect all attachments. Take off all removable items: cans, sleigh, tanner board, anchor rims and rod holders. Metal parts, especially if it's not. stainless steel, are susceptible to corrosion, and storing them separately from the PVC base will prevent the appearance of rusty spots on the tissue.
Wooden elements, such as plywood sleigh or trenchboard, also require maintenance, need to be cleaned, dried and treated with protective compounds (oil, varnish or olifu) to prevent drying and rotting, and it is better to keep the tree in a horizontal position, eliminating deformation under its own weight.
Plastic elements, such as seats or protective linings, should be washed and wiped. If they have metal mounts, they should also be lubricated with a stick lubricant to protect against oxidation. All the small parts should be folded in a separate box or bag so that they do not lose them by the next season.
☑️ Checklist of dismantling
Don't forget to check the valves. If they have rubber seals, make sure they don't stick or deform. If necessary, lubricate them with silicone lubrication so that you don't have any problems pumping in the spring. The metal parts of the valves should also be wiped with a dry cloth.
Choice of packaging method: rolled up or straightened
There are two main approaches to storing PVC boats: rolled up in a bag and straightened (suspended or decomposed) in a more compact and convenient way for apartment owners, but requires perfect dryness. The second option is preferable for garages and avoids crevices of material, but takes up a lot of space.
If you choose to fold up storage, make sure that the boat is not inflated. The air pressure inside the cylinders can change with temperature changes, which will create an extra load on the seams. You need to fold the product freely, without strong clamps, periodically changing the fold lines, if possible in a limited space.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the rolled-up boat under heavy objects. Prolonged pressure can lead to the adhesion of the inner layers of PVC and the formation of indissoluble folds.
You can use a special suspension system to spread it out, or you can just spread the boat out on a flat surface covered with soft cloth, which is considered the most gentle method, because the material does not experience mechanical stress on compression, but in this case it is important to ensure protection from dust and rodents.
- 📦 For compact storage, use an original bag or a special case made of breathable fabric.
- 🏠 In the garage, you can hang the boat behind the transom part, having previously protected it from sharp corners.
- 🛡️ Avoid contact with sharp metal edges of shelves or tools in any storage method.
Optimal storage conditions: temperature and humidity
Environmental stability is a key factor in successful wintering: the optimal temperature for storing PVC products is in the range from -20 °C to +40 °C, but sharp changes are highly undesirable, and the ideal temperature is from 0 °C to +20 °C, at which the material retains its elasticity and does not become brittle.
Humidity is also important: Too dry air can dry out the material, too wet air can cause condensation and mold, it is recommended to keep the humidity in the room at 50-70%, if the boat is stored in an unheated room, make sure that there are no drafts and direct precipitation.
Rodent protection is another important aspect: Mice and rats often choose warm, soft materials to build nests, if you keep a boat in a garage or shed, use ultrasonic repellents, or spread poisoned baits (with safety precautions) away from the product itself.
| Parameter | Optimal value | Critical significance | Consequences of violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature. | 0°C.. +20°C | Below -30°C / Above +50°C | Cracks, loss of elasticity |
| Humidity | 50% - 70% | Up to 85%. | Mold, fungus, corrosion |
| Light | Lack of direct sun | Direct UV rays | Burnout, structural breakdown |
| Pressure. | Atmospheric | High (squeezing) | Deformation, layer adhesion |
If the boat is kept on a balcony, you need to provide additional protection from UV and precipitation. Use dense, opaque covers that do not let moisture through, but allow the material to "breathe." Regularly check the condition of the shelter, especially after high winds or snowfall.
Typical errors and ways to fix them
One of the most common mistakes is to keep a wet or dirty boat, and owners are often lazy to clean and dry completely, hoping that it will dry out, which causes the product to be molded by spring and the seams to become leaky, and repairing such damage can be difficult and expensive.
Another mistake is keeping the boat close to heat sources (batteries, furnaces, heaters), and local heating causes the material to expand unevenly, leading to deformation and stratification. Thermoregulation the premises should be uniform, without sudden temperature jumps in the immediate vicinity of the product.
To protect against dust and accidental damage during storage in the garage, you can use old sheets or special fabric covers that do not create a greenhouse effect.
The wrong packaging can also be harmful. Using plastic bags without air creates ideal conditions for condensation. If you use polyethylene, be sure to leave holes for ventilation or periodically open the package for ventilation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near chemicals, gasoline, oils or acids, and the vapors of these substances can negatively affect the properties of PVC even without direct contact.
Remember that proper winter care is an investment in the durability of your boat, and following simple rules will allow you to avoid unexpected expenses and enjoy fishing or cruising from the start of the season, and regularly check the condition of the boat during the winter, especially if it is stored in an unheated room.
The main secret of long service PVC boat is absolute dryness and the absence of mechanical pressure during storage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Storage below -20°C is not recommended, as the material becomes brittle and can crack if handled carelessly. If there is no other way out, make sure the boat is perfectly dry and not subjected to mechanical stress.
Do I need to clean the stitches before storage?
You don't need to lubricate the seams if the boat is clean and dry, but if you notice that the material has lost elasticity, you can treat the surface with a special PVC air conditioner, which will help maintain the material's properties during the winter.
How often should I check my boat in winter?
One or two checks in the winter are enough, and during the check, make sure that the room is rodent-free, the package is intact, and there is no condensation on the surface, and if the boat is kept in favorable conditions, frequent checks are not required.
What to do if there is a mould on the boat?
Mold must be removed immediately. Wash the affected areas with warm water with mild soap, then treat with a weak vinegar solution or a specialized mold remedy for PVC. After processing, thoroughly dry the product before repackaging.
Can I keep a boat in the garage next to the car?
Keeping a boat near a working car or in the exhaust area is not recommended. Fuel combustion products may contain substances harmful to PVC. It is better to place the boat in the opposite corner of the garage or in a separate room.