The garage for the owner of the water transport is not just a parking place, but a full-fledged workshop and warehouse to prepare for the season. winter-boat storageIt depends on how quickly it returns to service next spring, and preparation errors can lead to microcracks, mold or strain of seams, requiring costly repairs.
Many owners make the fatal mistake of thinking that it is enough just to blow off the cylinders and throw the bag into the corner. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) This article will cover all the steps from washing and preservation to choosing the right position of the case in the confined space of the garage.
Compliance with technology will save you significant money on buying a new boat. temperature It is more important than it seems, and how to protect property from uninvited guests like rodents.
Preparation for conservation: washing and full drying
The first and most important step is to thoroughly clean the surface of all contaminants. Sludge, sand, fish scales and algae are aggressive environments that, if you have prolonged contact, destroy the structure. polymerThe garage should not become an incubator for bacteria.
Use warm water and soft sponges to remove the underlying dirt. For complex stains such as traces of oil or gasoline, use special PVC cleaners, but avoid aggressive acetone or chlorine-based chemistry. After washing, the boat must be dried.
⚠️ Warning: Never pack a wet boat for long-term storage! the remaining moisture is guaranteed to cause mold and oxidation of the glue in the seams, which can cause stratification.
Drying should take place in the shade, under a canopy or in a well-ventilated room, but not under direct sunlight. Ultraviolet destroys the upper protective layer of the material. graffiti, seats and a packing bag.
Dismantling of attachments and fittings
Before you deflate the cylinders, you have to remove all removable parts, and this is not only about the big parts, but also about the small accessories that can create a point of tension when deflated, and first of all, they are dismantled. banks (seats) and sink-board.
Trawn, especially if it is made of multi-layer plywood coated with moisture-resistant varnish, is better stored separately. In the compressed state between the transom and the balloon, condensation can form, which will swell the tree and damage the fabric. Also remove holders for rods, sonar and navigator.
If the boat is installed safety-line Or carryknobs, check their condition, ease the tension, if possible, to reduce the load on the attachment places when folded, fold all the removed elements into a separate bag or box, so that you do not lose the fastening bolts and nuts.
Lubricate the threaded connections of transmutation plates with lithium lubricant before storage – this will prevent the metal from sticking to wood or plastic during the winter.
Pressure control and deflating process
The process of deflating the boat should be delicate, and you should not jump on cylinders or use heavy objects to squeeze out air, as this creates excessive pressure on the seams and can damage the seams. partitionIt is best to use a hand or foot pump in pumping mode.
If you have a boat with keel (BND), you need to blow it out last, after the main cylinders, which will help keep the geometry of the bottom in the packaging, and it's important to understand that the cylinder should not be completely stone.
Keep the minimum residual pressure, so that the cylinder walls don't stick together, forming inextricable folds, and the folds in the cold can become places of crevices that turn into cracks.
⚠️ Attention: Abrupt deflation in freezing weather can cause moisture to condense inside the cylinders, and do this in a warm garage room if possible.
Packaging and protection against rodents
The garage is often visited by mice and rats who are happy to chew PVC fabric, mistaking it for food or using it to build nests. So the right packaging is a matter of security for your property. Use dense fabric covers or special bags made of reinforced material.
Plastic bags are not recommended because they create a greenhouse effect and prevent the material from "breathe", which contributes to the formation of condensation. If the boat is stored in a bag, put inside a bag of silica gel to absorb residual moisture.
To protect against rodents, place repellents or cotton balls moistened with essential oil of mint around the boat's storage area, ultrasonic repellents that run on batteries are also effective, and chemical poisons near the boat are dangerous to use, as the fumes can damage the glue.
☑️ Checklist for boat preparation
Optimal location in the garage
The choice of space in the garage depends on the area and temperature. If the garage is heated or the temperature in winter does not fall below -5 ° C, the boat can be stored assembled but deflated on the floor.
When stored on the floor, use a substrate of foam, cardboard or wooden slats, which will protect the fabric from contact with cold concrete and possible dampness, do not put heavy objects, tools or winter rubber on the boat.
If you prefer to keep the boat inflated (which is acceptable with space and a stable temperature), hang it on soft slings under the ceiling. This will save space and provide a uniform load on the hull. Avoid contact with sharp corners of shelves or hooks.
| Storage method | Temperature conditions | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blown out (bag) | -30°C to +40°C | Compact, less risk of puncture | Risk of cloth cloth cloth, long to collect |
| Inflated on the floor | 0°C to +25°C | No clutters, ready to go down. | It takes up a lot of space, the risk of a puncture. |
| Inflated suspension | -10°C to +30°C | Save space, no pressure on the board | Reliable slings, risk of dust |
| On the shelving (blown) | Anyone. | Protection from floor dampness, convenient | We need a solid wide shelf. |
Can I keep the boat in the cold?
Keeping a PVC boat below -30°C is not recommended. The material becomes brittle, and any careless movement can lead to microcracks. If the garage is unheated and freezes, try to bring the boat into the apartment or heated warehouse at least in the strongest frosts.
Maintenance during downtime
Even if the boat is in a resting place, it needs attention. Check the garage about once a month to check the condition of the package and no traces of rodents. If the boat is kept in an inflated state, check the pressure.
Once a season (for example, in the middle of winter) it is recommended to lubricate valves It's going to prevent rubber seals from drying out and jamming, and it's also going to be worth ventiling the garage to get the air back up and keep the humidity down.
Before the final packaging for a long winter sleep, you can treat the surface of PVC with a special polyrene with a UV filter, which will create an additional protective layer that will help the material to more easily tolerate seasonal storage.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near open heat sources such as furnaces, radiators or heaters. Local overheating can cause seam strain and loss of tissue strength.
The main secret to the longevity of the boat is the lack of moisture inside the package and protection from rodents.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I store a PVC inflatable boat in an unheated garage?
Yes, you can. Modern materials (PVC) can withstand temperatures from -50°C to +50°C. The main thing is that the boat is clean, dry and not under direct UV light. However, in severe frosts, the material becomes rigid, so you can not touch or move it in this state.
Do I need to completely drain the air from the cylinders?
No, it's not recommended to completely zero down, so you keep the pressure down so that the cylinder walls don't stick together, and that prevents the formation of hard-to-repair folds and cloth cloth cloths.
How often should I check my boat in winter?
One inspection in 1-2 months is enough, and the main purpose of the check is to make sure that the package was not chewed by rodents and that the garage did not leak the roof or flood.
How to remove the valves before storage?
Use only silicone lubricants designed for rubber seals. Do not use petroleum products (oil, solidol, petroleum oil), as they can destroy the structure of rubber and glue.
Organizing the right thing storage It's an investment in your mood and budget, and by following these simple rules, you're guaranteed to enjoy your first time out in the new season without wasting time looking for and fixing unexpected damage.