Polyvinyl chloride inflatable vessels have long ceased to be fragile toys and have become a reliable tool for fishing and recreation. reinforced PVC It requires proper handling during periods of downtime, and improper storage of a PVC boat can shorten its lifespan by many times, turning an expensive investment into a pile of garbage in just one season.
Owners often make the fatal mistake of putting the craft on a balcony or in an unheated garage without prior preparation. Moisture left in the folds, temperature changes and direct sunlight trigger irreversible processes of material destruction. Plasticizers, giving the fabric elasticity, can evaporate, making the sides brittle.
In this article, we'll take a look at all the details of conservation of an inflatable vessel, how to prepare the boat for winter, whether it should be blown away completely, and where to keep the inflated product, and following these rules is the only way to ensure that you're met next spring by a sealed, ready-to-swim side.
⚠️ Warning: It is strictly forbidden to leave the boat outdoors in direct sunlight during the summer. Ultraviolet destroys the polymeric bonds of PVC, and heating the air inside the cylinders can cause the seams to rupture due to excessive pressure.
Preparation of the boat for conservation
The first and most important step is to clean the vessel thoroughly. The mud, fish mucus, algae and sand act as an abrasive, damaging the protective layer of tissue. Before you fold the vessel, you should wash it with clean water. neutral detergentAggressive chemistry containing chlorine or solvents can damage the adhesive sutures and the material itself.
After the washing, there's a drying phase, and it's a critical point that many people ignore, because the residual moisture in the folds is the perfect environment for mold to develop, which breaks down the fabric from the inside, and the boat needs to be left straightened until all areas, including the hard-to-reach areas at the transom and bottom, dry out.
If there are oil stains or traces of fuel on the surface, they should be removed immediately, because gasoline dissolves PVC. There are special cleaners for this, but you can use a proven method with white spirit, using caution. After cleaning, the low-fat places should be washed again with water.
☑️ Checklist for the preparation of the boat for storage
Don't forget the hardware. Metallic elements, like pyreThe slabs, the awning arcs and the transom plates, are susceptible to corrosion, and they need to be wiped dry and treated with a protective lubricant if necessary. Sand stuck in the valves can break the leakiness the next time you pump them, so blow them with compressed air.
Temperature and storage conditions
Temperature constraints are particularly acute in the Russian climate: PVC manufacturers indicate a wide range of operating temperatures, usually from -30°C to +50°C. However, prolonged storage at extremely low temperatures makes the material rigid and vulnerable to mechanical damage.
The optimum temperature for storing a PVC boat is in the range from +5 ° C to +25 ° C. In such conditions, the material retains its elasticity, and the adhesive seams are not stressed. Temperature swings Condensation produced by abrupt warming can cause dampness if the boat is packed.
The myth of PVC frost resistance
Many manufacturers claim frost resistance to -50°C. This is true for short-term ice fishing when the boat is inflated and straightened. Storing a folded boat at these temperatures creates critical stress at the folding points, which can lead to crevices that do not spread even in summer.
Humidity also plays a role: too dry air in heated areas can help dry out the material, although this is less relevant for modern reinforced fabrics than for older models. The main thing is to avoid the proximity of open fire sources or heating appliances. The distance to the heaters should be at least one meter.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat in close proximity to ozone sources, such as electric motors or copiers, and ozone accelerates the aging of rubber and polymers.
Where to store: apartment, garage or balcony
The choice of location depends on your options, but each option has its own nuances: storage in the apartment is the most gentle option for the material, but the most inconvenient for owners because of the dimensions. In warm and dry boat feels best, you can place it under the bed, on mezzanine or in the pantry.
Garages or cottages are popular options, but they require control. If the garage is unheated, it will be cold in the winter. This is acceptable if the boat is properly prepared. However, in metal garages in the summer, temperatures can reach critical levels, turning the room into a furnace. Ventilation It is mandatory in such a room.
A balcony is a compromise. A glazed balcony protects against rainfall and direct rays, but the temperature is still outdoors. If you decide to leave the boat on the balcony, make sure to cover it with an opaque cover or a thick cloth, which will protect against ultraviolet light and dust.
When stored outside (under a canopy), the use of a quality awning is mandatory, it must be durable, windproof and, most importantly, opaque. The boat should not touch the ground directly, it is better to install it on pallets or special racks to ensure the circulation of air from below.
What is the shape of the stained or the stained?
There are two basic approaches to storage: deflated and inflated, each with its own proponents and technical justifications, deflated storage saves space, which is critical for small apartment owners, and the boat packs in a bag and hides in a closet.
But frequent deflation and pumping puts strain on the seams and material, and if you're planning an active season with weekly departures, it might make sense to keep the boat half-inflated, allowing it to "breathe" and straighten out the folds that could have left moisture.
For long-term winter storage (over 3 months), most experts recommend blowing the cylinders, but not completely. Leave a minimum pressure (0.02-0.03 atm) so that the fabric is not stretched, but also does not lie in deep folds. Tranza It is better to remove and store separately so that it does not deform under its own weight.
| Parameter | Deflated state | Inflated state |
|---|---|---|
| Occupied seat | Minimum (bag) | Maximum (requires space) |
| Risk of clutter | High (with long storage) | Missing. |
| Dust protection | Full (in the bag) | Demands a case. |
| Preparation for the season | Requires pumping and inspections | Ready to use. |
If you've chosen inflated storage, watch the pressure. As you warm, the air expands and the pressure in the cylinders can rise, and in such cases, put the excess air through the valve to avoid rupturing the seams.
Packaging and protection from external factors
Native bag-package is often made of thin fabric, which quickly becomes useless. For long-term storage, it is better to purchase or sew a special case of dense, breathable fabric. The use of polyethylene film for packaging PVC is prohibitedIt creates a greenhouse effect and does not allow the material to "breathe", which leads to the appearance of condensation.
The cover should protect against dust, light and accidental mechanical damage. If the boat is stored in a garage where tools or building materials can be moved, additional protection will protect the sides from punctures. Make sure that there are no foreign objects inside the cover that can penetrate the fabric.
Lubricate the valves and rubber seals with silicone lubrication before packaging. This will prevent rubber from drying out and valves from sticking, making them easy to open in the spring.
Don't put heavy objects on a packed boat. The pressure of sharp corners of other things (such as fishing boxes or tools) can leave irremovable clutters on the sides, it's better to allocate a separate shelf for the boat or hang it in a soft hammock.
Seasonal Features: Summer and Winter
Summer storage is most often in a summer cottage or camp, where the main danger is sun and heat. Never leave a pumped boat on the shore unattended for a long time. If you can't keep it in the shade, cover the boards with wet rags or special thermo blankets.
Winter preservation requires a more careful approach, in addition to cleaning and drying, it is recommended to treat the seams with a special composition to protect PVC. timber and the place of gluing with cylinders - it is there that most often detachment begins with improper storage.
Once a month, if possible, visit your boat, see if there's any mold, if there's any mould, if there's any mous material (they like the smell of PVC), and if you can, airing the room is good for you. If the boat is in the apartment, just take it out of the bag and leave it spread out for a couple of days in the middle of the room.
Regular airing and checking the condition of the material in the middle of the winter season allows you to identify and eliminate minor problems before they become fatal.
Frequent errors in storage
One of the most common mistakes is to keep a boat with a gas tank or canisters of fuel, and the vapors of gasoline are aggressive and can damage adhesives even without direct contact. Engine bay. The storage area of the boat should be separated.
It's also a mistake to dry a boat with a hair dryer or heater, and the hot air only dries the surface, driving moisture deeper into the fabric and under the layers of glue, and only drying it naturally, in the shade, at room temperature or on a soft draft.
Some owners lubricate PVC with oil or fatty compounds "for elasticity." You can't do that. The oils corrode the polyvinyl chloride, making it sticky and loose. There are only water-based sprays and cleaners available for care.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use acetone, paint solvents or aggressive stains to clean the boat, and they can dissolve the top PVC protective layer instantly, making the sides matte and rough.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Short-term exposure to frost is acceptable, but for long-term storage it is undesirable. The material becomes brittle. If there is no other way out, do not touch or bend the boat until it warms up to room temperature for 10-12 hours.
Do I have to blow the boat out before winter?
Completely, not necessarily, and even harmful, as deep folds form, it is recommended to leave minimum working pressure or slightly less so that the sides are kept in shape, but not overstretched.
How do you lubricate the valves of the boat?
Use only silicone lubricant. Do not use WD-40, machine oil or petroleum petroleum, as petroleum products can destroy rubber seals and the valve plastic itself.
How to remove the smell of fish from the boat before storage?
Wash the boat thoroughly with water with vinegar or a special odor neutralizer. After that, be sure to dry. The smell canned in the bag can be absorbed into the material forever.
How long can you keep a PVC boat without using it?
If all the rules are met (temperature, lack of light, proper packaging), modern materials retain their properties for up to 10-15 years, but once a year the boat is recommended to be pumped and checked for leakage.