Operating an inflatable boat requires a special approach, because the condition of the cylinders directly affects your safety on the water. Many owners make the same mistakes, unaware that simple but effective life hacks can significantly extend the life of their property. polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is not just an aesthetic, but a necessity, the neglect of which can lead to expensive repairs or even an emergency in the middle of a reservoir.
In this article, we will look at the specific techniques that professionals use to keep their boats in service for decades, and learn about the nuances of transportation that are often overlooked and methods of protecting material from aggressive environments. PVC reinforced It is a durable material, but it also has its own weaknesses, which every boat owner should be aware of.
We're not going to dwell on the platitudes of "don't sit on a sharp rock." Instead, we're going to look at the technicalities of cylinder pressure, chemical compatibility of adhesives, and proper organization of the space inside the cockpit. Understanding the physics of the processes that happen to material under the influence of the sun and water will help you avoid most of the problems. Get ready to learn the secrets that will save your money and nerves.
Transportation and abrasion protection
One of the most common causes of boat failure is mechanical damage during transportation, even if you use high-quality boats. squirrelAnd the vibrations on the road can do wonders, but they're not always pleasant, and the cylinders rub against the side of the trailer, against the engine attachments, and against each other, which leads to a gradual thinning of the fabric, and to minimize this effect, experienced water-engineers use special protective belts or mats at the points of contact.
The bottom and keel are particularly critical when driving on dirt roads. Dust and fine sand, when caught between the balloon and the protective layer, work as an abrasive. It is recommended to wipe the bottom with a wet cloth before each trip, removing abrasive particles. If you often transport the boat assembled for long distances, it makes sense to purchase or sew a special transport cover of dense fabric that will take the main blow.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a pumped boat in direct sunlight for long periods of time unattended, and the air pressure inside the cylinders increases proportionally to the temperature, which can cause the seams to rupture or deform the structure.
There is a simple but effective life hack to protect the trans board, and the motor's mounting site is often wiped to holes due to constant vibration and metal friction against the fabric, and put a strip of metal on the inside of the transom, in the mounting area, on the inside of the transom. conveyor-belt This creates an extra buffer layer and preserves the integrity of the core material.
- 🛡️ Use old car mats or felt to lay between the boat and the sides of the trailer.
- 💨 Blow the cylinders 10-15% before long parking in hot weather to compensate for the expansion of air.
- 🧼 Carefully wash the bottom after each outing, especially if you swam in overgrown seaweed places.
- 🔧 Regularly check the tightening of the fittings mounting bolts, as vibration weakens the connections.
Proper drying and storage
The issue of storing inflatable watercraft is particularly acute for residents of apartments where every centimeter counts. However, rushing to pack a wet boat is a sure way to create mold and unpleasant smells, which are then difficult to get rid of. Moisture left in the folds of tissue creates the perfect environment for the reproduction of microorganisms that destroy the structure. polymerDrying the boat is a must, even if you think it is almost dry.
The ideal option is to place the boat in the shade on a flat surface and allow it to dry naturally. The use of hair dryers or heat fans is strictly prohibited, since high temperatures can damage the adhesive seams. If there is no time for full drying, use special microfiber soaking wipes to remove moisture from hard-to-reach places, such as from under the hinges.
During long-term storage in winter, it is important to observe the temperature regime. PVC material becomes brittle at low temperatures, so you can not fold or move a frozen boat. The optimal storage temperature is from +5 to +20 degrees Celsius. You should also avoid proximity to aggressive chemicals, gasoline or oils, the vapors of which can adversely affect the properties of the material.
What to do if the boat already smells damp?
If an unpleasant smell has already appeared, thoroughly wash the boat with warm water using household soap. After drying completely, wipe the internal surfaces with a weak solution of vinegar or a special antibacterial agent for PVC. In no case do not use chlorine-containing products, they destroy the fabric structure.
For compact storage, many people use vacuum bags, but there's a caveat: Excessive compression can lead to the inner layers of tissue sticking together, which will make it difficult to pump later, and it's better to leave some air inside or use spacious bags of breathable fabric.
- ☀️ Dry the boat only in the shade, avoiding direct ultraviolet radiation.
- 🌡️ Keep the boat in a straightened or semi-assembled state to avoid creases.
- 🚫 Do not use aggressive chemicals and solvents to clean the surface.
- 🧶 Regularly treat the material with protective sprays with UV filters to extend the service life.
Space Organization and Ergonomics
Comfort on the water depends not only on the power of the motor, but also on how well the space inside the cockpit is organized. Chaotic things not only interfere with fishing or rest, but can also cause damage to cylinders. The sharp edges of boxes, tools or even fishing gear when rolling can leave scratches or punctures. cargo-fixing - the security of your property.
Use special mounts and slings to fix the cans (seats). They should not shift when the wave moves. Many boat models have regular liner cords, but they are often not enough. Additional installation of soft handles or hinges will help you move faster and safer on the boat, especially in wet clothes.
Special attention should be paid to the organization of anchorages: the anchor shaft should be rolled into a special bag or coil, so as not to get entangled in the legs. A sharp jerk when anchoring or unanchoring can throw a heavy object into the boat, which is fraught with damage. anchor box or the bag must be securely secured in the nose.
For quick drying of internal pockets and hard-to-reach places, use a blow-in compressor or a regular household vacuum cleaner included on the blow (if the design allows).
There is a useful practice of marking things: If you often rent a boat or go to a large company, mark personal belongings with a waterproof marker or tags, this will help to avoid confusion and loss of equipment in the parking lots.
Repair of minor damage and valve maintenance
Even the most careful owner will sooner or later face the need for repairs. A puncture with a branch, a cut with a shell or just a scab is not the end of the world if you have a repair kit at hand. The main rule is that repairs should be carried out on a dry, low-fat surface. The use of alcohol or a special degreasing agent is a mandatory step, ignoring which will negate all efforts.
Inflatable valves require special attention. Sand caught under sealing gum can cause etching of air. Periodically, the valves need to be disassembled, washed with warm water and lubricated with silicone, which will ensure tightness and easy access for the pump. Do not use oil products for lubrication, as they can eat rubber seals.
Small cuts are great for remixes that come with the boat, but for more serious damage, it is better to use two-component polyurethane glue and patches made of the same material as the boat. PVC And the tyres can be different.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to fasten the boat in the field with Moment glue or super glue. These compounds are not elastic and when pumped, the boat will simply crack, and the surface around the puncture will become unsuitable for quality repair in the future.
If you find an etching valve, try cleaning it first or tightening it up. Often the problem is solved by replacing the sealing ring or removing a grain of sand. In the field, you can temporarily use soap solution to find the leak site, but major repairs are better postponed until you get home.
- 💧 Always degrease the surface before patch sticker for maximum adhesion.
- 🔩 Regularly check and lubricate the threaded valve connections with silicone.
- 🩹 Have a universal remake with you, even for short walks.
- 🌡️ Warm up the glued surfaces with a hairdryer (carefully!) to activate the glue if required by the instruction.
Choice of anchor and parking on the water
The safety of the water park depends on the correct choice of anchor and the way it is installed. For inflatable boats, the weight of the anchor should be approximately 1/10 of the displacement of the boat, but not more than 10-12 kg, so as not to overload the bow. Too heavy anchor can damage the nose belt or transom in a sharp jerk.
The best solution for PVC boats is cat anchors or Denforth folding anchors, which are lightweight, compact in transportation and have good traction, and the main thing is to calculate the length of the anchor shaft correctly. It should be 3-4 times the depth at the parking lot, and a short shaft will prevent the anchor from lying down properly and catching.
When you park on the current or the wind, it is important to correctly orient the boat, usually turning against the current or wind. If the conditions are difficult (a strong lateral wind), it is recommended to use two anchors, stretching the boat in the desired position, this will prevent unwanted rotation and impacts on the sides of the obstacle.
☑️ Checking before anchoring
Don't forget to use the signal lights if you plan to stay on the water at night, because the rules are that a small boat should be visible to other traffic participants, and a glowing buoy or a lantern will help avoid collision.
Comparison of bottom types and their impact on driving performance
Choosing the bottom type is a trade-off between comfort, speed and weight. Understanding the differences will help you better control the boat and predict its behavior on the water. There are three main types: low-pressure inflatable floor (LDPE), plywood (plywood/aluminum), and high-pressure inflatable floor (HDPE).
Boats from NDMA They're the most comfortable, because the soft bottom extinguishes the shocks against the wave. They gather faster, but they have less speed and they hold their course worse. Pillet boats are tougher, they walk faster, but they're heavier and they take longer to assemble. NFIT It combines the rigidity of paiola and the lightness of the inflatable floor, being the golden mean for many anglers.
| Type of bottom | Weight. | Assembly speed | Driving performance | Comfort. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDMA | Lung | Quickly. | Average. | Highly |
| Pilled | Heavy. | Slowly. | Great. | Medium. |
| NFIT | Average | Middle-Average | Good ones. | Highly |
| Rigid (RIB) | Very heavy. | Not required | Excellent. | Highly |
When choosing a boat, consider not only the number of people, but also the operating conditions. For large open bodies of water with chop, the hard bottom is the priority, and for quiet fishing in the bay, soft ones will do. The right choice will save you many problems in the future.
The bottom type determines not only the speed of the boat, but also its safety on the wave. For beginners and amateur anglers, the optimal choice is often NDPT, which combines the balance of specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a car pump be used to pump a PVC boat?
You can use a car pump, but with great care. Powerful compressors can quickly create excessive pressure and break the seams; it is better to use pumps with pressure control function or pump the boat manually in the final stage to control the rigidity of the cylinders.
How often should you stick a boat if it doesn’t poison?
If the boat is under pressure and there is no visible damage, preventive gluing is not required, but once every 2-3 years it is recommended to inspect the condition of the plant seams and, if necessary, pass them with special protective equipment.
What is dangerous for a PVC boat?
Gasoline and oils are solvents for many types of PVC and glue. Fuel on the fabric can lead to softening of the material, loss of strength and the appearance of a sticky layer. When filling the tank, be as careful as possible, and wash the spilled fuel immediately with water and soap.
Can I leave the boat on the water overnight?
It is not recommended to leave the boat unattended for safety and security reasons. Temperature changes at night can cause a change in pressure, and current or wind can carry the boat away. If necessary, use reliable anchors and delays, and remove the engine.