The end of the navigation season is not just an excuse to remove the tackle in the far corner, but also a critical moment for the preservation of the boat. Conservation of PVC boat for winter It is a mandatory procedure, which can lead to the destruction of the structure of polyvinyl chloride tissue and seams by the first spring fishing, moisture remaining in the folds and dirt ingrained in the pores of the material, at temperature changes act as an abrasive and a catalyst for chemical reactions.
Many owners make the mistake of simply blowing off the cylinders and hiding them until spring, not realizing that they are not going to be able to do so. microorganism And the organic residues continue to work even at low temperatures, but more slowly. Proper preparation takes time, a certain set of chemicals and strict adherence to drying technology. fly-boat It will serve the manufacturer's stated term, and will not turn into a sieve in a couple of seasons.
In this article, we will take a look at the whole process, from primary washing to packaging bags, with a focus on the nuances that are often silent in the instructions, why you can not use household chemicals and how to properly store the watercraft in a city apartment or unheated garage. Competent approach today is your safety on the water tomorrow.
Cleaning and washing of the boat after the season
The first and most time-consuming step is to remove all kinds of pollution accumulated over the summer, and the water from the bodies of water contains not only sand and silt, but also organics: algae, microscopic crustaceans, fish mucus and petroleum products. Mud.The PVC, left on the surface, begins to decompose, releasing acids that slowly but surely destroy the outer protective layer of PVC. So just rinsing the boat from the hose will not be enough.
For effective cleaning, you need to use specialized detergents designed specifically for polyvinyl chloride. Domestic powders, dishwashing products or, worse, solvents (acetone, gasoline) can damage plasticizer So the ideal choice is shampoos with a neutral pH or specialized chemicals from boat manufacturers, such as the ones that make them brittle. Nissan Marin or Flagship.
- 🧼 Use a soft sponge or natural bristles brush to remove dried dirt, avoiding hard abrasive scrapers.
- 💦 Carefully wash all hard-to-reach places: joints of cylinders, the area around the transom and the inner surfaces of the cockpit.
- 🚿 Pay special attention to washing off the soap solution - the residues of chemistry can cause during prolonged storage.
⚠️ Warning: Never use kerosene or diesel to remove PVC oil stains. These substances dissolve the polymer structure, making the material sticky and irreversibly damaged.
After the main wash, inspect the surface for persistent rust or stains, which can be removed with weak acid solutions, but must be immediately neutralized with plenty of water. Surface cleanliness This is the foundation of a successful wintering, since any grain of sand under the pressure of a rolled-up cylinder will work like sandpaper.
Technology of drying and removal of moisture
Drying is the stage where fatal errors are most often made, and water can be hidden in folds of tissue, under valves, and in the connection of cylinders to the bottom. wetboatInside the package, an ideal environment will be created for the development of mold, which will not only emit an unpleasant odor, but also begin to “eat” the reinforcing layer.
The drying process should be in the shade, in a well-ventilated room, direct sunlight, especially when combined with residual moisture, can cause local overheating and deformation of the material. overheating above 50 degrees Celsius is dangerous for PVC tissue.
It is recommended to leave the boat inflated for several days, periodically wiping hard-to-reach places with dry rags. valve-inletWater often flows into the valve mechanism and, when folded, enters the cylinder, where it can no longer evaporate.
The secret to fast valve drying
To speed up the drying of the valves, you can use a low-pressure compressor. Blow the valves several times to get the droplets out of the rubber seals. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it saves you hours of waiting.
If you can’t leave the boat inflated for a few days, use the vacuum cleaner in blow mode (if the design allows) or simply wipe all the folds thoroughly with paper towels that absorb moisture well.
Deflation and correct winding
Once the boat is completely dry, there's a deflationary phase, and you need to blow the cylinders out evenly without causing any sharp cloth curvatures. pump-pump in reverse mode or simply gently press on the cylinders, starting from the nose to the stern.
The folding should be done in a factory pattern, which is usually printed on the packaging or in the instructions. The main rule is to avoid sharp folds in the same places from year to year. Constant tissue fracture in one place leads to microcracks in the reinforcing layer, which over time will cause depressurization.
- 📏 Fold the sides symmetrically so that the pressure inside the rolled roll is evenly distributed.
- 🔄 Change the fold line at each conservation, if possible, to "unload" the most stressful areas.
- 🎒 Do not push the boat into the bag by force - if it does not climb, then you rolled it wrong or did not completely blow it away.
The best storage is an original dense cloth bag that breathes, and plastic bags are not suitable for this purpose, as they create a greenhouse effect and prevent residual moisture from evaporate. Air permeability Packaging is a key factor in preservation.
☑️ Checklist before packaging
Small repairs and repairs before winter
Winter is the perfect time to do a review and fix minor defects that might have been ignored in the summer. bottom and cylinders for scuffing, puncture and detachment.
Check the status. cross-plate If you've used wood, make sure it doesn't get moisture, metallic elements like awning arcs or can mounts should be lubricated with a consistent lubricant (like litholic) to protect against corrosion, even if they're covered in powder paint.
| Type of damage | Repair method | Materials required |
|---|---|---|
| Puncture to 3 cm | Installation of the patch | Remake, degreaser |
| Underbody scuffing | Application of liquid PVC | Liquid lapel, brush |
| Stringer detachment | Sticker | Glue two-piece, roller |
| Valve crack | Valve replacement | New valve, key |
If you find a serious injury that you can't fix yourself, don't leave it "for later," write down the problem and schedule a service visit or remix purchase immediately after the season opens. Storing a damaged boat in a deflated state can lead to the growth of a crack under the pressure of layers of fabric.
The best time to repair is autumn, when the boat is clean and dry, and the glue dries at room temperature faster and better than in wet spring weather.
Selection of storage location and conditions
The question is where to store flyboatThe ideal option is a dry, dark room with a constant temperature of -10 to +25 degrees Celsius. Sharp temperature changes are not as terrible for quality PVC as constant dampness or direct sunlight.
A garage or barn is great if there are no rodents. Mice and rats often chew PVC, mistaking it for food or just sharpening their teeth, especially if the fabric has left smells of fish or bait, in which case the boat is better hung or put in a metal container.
- 🏠 In the apartment, the boat can be stored under the bed or on mezzanine, away from heating devices.
- ❄️ Frost to -30 degrees high-quality PVC withstands calmly, but to bring the frozen boat into the heat immediately can not - it should be warmed in the package.
- ☀️ Ultraviolet is the main enemy of the polymer, so storage on an open balcony without protection is prohibited.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near open fire sources, furnaces or heaters less than 1 meter away. Local heating can cause irreversible deformation of the material.
If you keep the boat in an unheated room, make sure it doesn't lie directly on the cold concrete floor, and it's better to use a wooden flooring or pallet to prevent freezing from below and contact with condensation.
Frequent errors in conservation
Analysis of service centers shows that most boat problems are caused by improper preservation, and owners often neglect drying, believing that “it will dry out” or using inappropriate chemicals for washing.
One of the common mistakes is to keep the boat in an overly compressed state, and if the storage bag is packed with a clutter, the pressure on the seams and the fabric increases many times over, and this can lead to something that you will find by spring. microcrack in places of folding or even a violation of the tightness of the seams.
Also, you should not treat PVC with various silicone or wax-based “protective” compounds before storage, unless specified by the manufacturer. These substances can react with plasticizers on prolonged contact. The best protection is clean and dry.
An experienced boater's advice: Put a silica gel bag in your boat bag, which will help maintain optimal humidity levels inside the package throughout the winter, preventing mold from appearing.
Remember that the life of a PVC boat depends on how you take care of it during the off-season. Proper preservation is an investment in the durability of your boat and your safety.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Can I keep a PVC boat in the cold?
Yes, quality PVC (e.g., Hypalon Or a dense PVC of 1100 g/m2 can withstand temperatures of up to -40...-50 degrees. However, it is important that the boat is dry and clean. Before pumping in the cold, the boat must be kept warm for several hours to make the material elastic.
Should I use cream or glycerol for winter?
No, modern adhesives and boat materials don't require lubrication, but rather fatty substances can collect dust and dirt, which in the summer will turn into abrasives.
How to remove the smell of fish from the boat before storage?
Use special odor neutralizers for PVC or a weak solution of vinegar (after which wash thoroughly). Ozonation gives a good result, but with caution so as not to damage the material with high concentrations of ozone.
What to do if the boat is covered in frost in winter?
The main thing is not to try to clean it mechanically (crack it with a knife or brush) while the boat is cold. Let it warm indoors, the frost will melt and evaporate.