The approach of cold weather poses an inevitable question for every water-motor to preserve the craft. flyboat from PVC The dilemma is whether to spend resources on heating a garage or leave the boat to winter at low temperatures. Polyvinyl chloride, the main material of modern boats, has unique physical properties that allow it to withstand low temperatures, but only if strict rules of operation and storage are followed.
Improper wintering can lead to irreversible consequences, such as cracking of the seams or loss of elasticity of cylinders. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of storage in detail. PVC products In unheated spaces, so that your boat is ready for its first watering trip in spring without the need for expensive repairs.
Effects of low temperatures on PVC material
Materials PVC (polyvinyl chloride) when the temperature drops, it changes its physical specifications, and if it's flexible and elastic at room temperature, it becomes rigid and brittle in the cold. glassingIt is important to understand that cold itself does not destroy the molecular structure of the polymer if the boat is in a static state.
However, there are critical moments when a temperature drop or mechanical impact can cause harm, such as if you try to fold or shift. flyboatAnd when it freezes, it can cause microcracks on the folds, and these lesions will eventually become the sites of material destruction under the influence of ultraviolet and pressure.
Special attention should be paid to the quality of the adhesive used in the production process, and cheap analogues can lose adhesion when cooled, which will lead to divergence of the seams. The critical threshold for most quality boat fabrics is the temperature of -30°C, below which the risk of damage to the material structure increases dramatically.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to straighten or inflate the boat immediately after being applied from the cold into a warm room. A sharp temperature drop and an attempt to deform the frozen material is guaranteed to cause cracks.
Thus, storage in a cold garage is permissible, but requires compliance with the temperature regime and the absence of mechanical loads on the material during severe frosts.
Preparing the boat for winter storage
Quality preparation is 90% of the success of preserving a property before you send it. boat During wintering, you need to carry out thorough cleaning. Mud, silt, fish mucus and residues of fuel can contain aggressive chemical compounds that, with prolonged contact, will begin to erode the material. PVC.
Use warm water and soft sponges for washing. The use of aggressive chemicals, solvents or abrasive brushes is strictly prohibited, as they damage the protective layer of tissue. After washing, the boat must be completely dry. The residual moisture in the folds of tissue will turn into ice when frozen, which can damage the internal fibers.
After drying, it is recommended to treat the surface with a specialized means for care PVCThis will restore the elasticity of the material and create a protective film, so be sure to check the valves and remove the sand from under the petals.
☑️ Preparing the boat for winter
Only after all these procedures are done can you start packing, and a properly prepared boat will easily endure the winter tests in a cold garage.
Optimal conditions in the garage
Garages are not the same as garages. metal-wall And there's no insulation, and the temperature changes inside will follow the outside almost instantly, and in these conditions, condensation on the inside of the garage can be a serious problem, and moisture, when it settles on the boat, will create a crust of ice when it freezes.
The ideal option is a brick or concrete garage, where the temperature is kept stable. Even if it drops below zero, the absence of sudden jumps during the day has a positive effect on the condition. materialIt is important to ensure ventilation so that the air is not musty, which can cause mold to appear on the fabric at the slightest increase in humidity.
Lighting is also important, and direct sunlight from windows or crevices is harmful to the body. PVC Ultraviolet breaks the polymer bonds, making the material brittle, so it's better to place the boat in the shade or cover it with a lightproof case.
The vessel should be placed at a distance from heating appliances, if any, and open fire sources, and proximity to it can cause local overheating and deformation.
Methods of packing and placement of boats
There are two main opinions on what is the best way to store flyboatIn cold garage conditions, it is preferable to keep the boat deflated, but not rolled up in a tight roll, but unfolded or slightly rolled up.
If you're going to keep the boat inflated, watch the pressure. When the temperature drops, the air shrinks, and the pressure in the cylinders drops. This can cause the fabric to sag, which is not a big deal. However, if the garage is warmed by the sun during the day, the pressure can rise dramatically, which is dangerous for the car. suture.
Packing the boat in a breathing cloth case, not a plastic bag, creates a greenhouse effect and contributes to the accumulation of condensation, which leads to mold formation and decay of the tissue. Tissue case It protects against dust and light, allowing the material to “breathe”.
Can I hang the boat?
Hanging the boat behind the D-rings for a long time is not recommended, as the load on the mounting points can lead to their separation or deformation of the fabric under the weight of the boat itself.
Place the boat on wooden pallets or shelves to avoid direct contact with cold concrete floors, which will also protect against rodents, who often seek heat from the ground.
Protection from rodents and pests
A cold garage in winter is often a haven not only for machinery, but also for rodents. PVCWhen you take it for food or use it to build nests, the damage caused by rodents is often more fatal than the natural aging of the material.
To protect you, you need to have preventive measures in place, put the repellents around the boat and underneath it, and it could be battery-powered ultrasonic devices, or folk remedies like mint bags, wormwood or cotton wool soaked in peppermint oil.
It is also effective to use special aerosols with an unpleasant odor for rodents, which treat the outer surface of the case. Visit the garage regularly in the winter to check for traces of rodents.
- 🐭 Ultrasonic repellers work effectively in the confined space of the garage.
- 🌿 Natural repellents (mint, wormwood) are safe for the material of the boat.
- 🧀 Remove all products and odor sources from the garage to avoid attracting pests.
Ignoring this aspect can lead to the fact that in the spring you will find many small holes, the repair of which will take a long time.
Humidity and condensation control
High humidity is the main enemy of any equipment in the winter. In an unheated garage, condensation can fall out when temperatures on cold surfaces, including the boat itself, when temperatures drop. Constant dampness contributes to development. fungus and molds that destroy the tissue base PVC.
To control humidity, use silica gel bags by decomposing them inside the boat pack, you can install a hygrometer in the garage to monitor humidity levels, and if your humidity rates are consistently above 70-80%, you should consider installing a simple supply and exhaust ventilation.
Ventilating the garage on dry frosty days helps to dry the air, but open the gates carefully so as not to start a blizzard or wet snow.
Put a few open packs of silica gel or common table salt in the tissue bags next to the boat, which perfectly absorb excess moisture from the air, preventing condensation on the tissue.
Dry cold for the boat is less terrible than a wet thaw followed by freezing of water in the pores of the material.
Comparative table of storage conditions
To systematize the information, consider the basic storage parameters depending on the type of garage.
| Parameter | Heated garage | Cold garage (insulated) | Cold garage (metallic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature conditions | Stable, above 0°C | Stable, below 0°C | The swelling, matching the street. |
| Condensation risk | Medium (dry air) | Low. | Highly |
| Impact on PVC | Minimum | Safe in the absence of load | High risk of mechanical exposure |
| Protection from rodents | Required. | Required. | It is required first and foremost. |
From the table, it can be seen that a cold but insulated garage is often an even better option than a metal shell, due to the stability of temperatures.
Frequent errors in conservation
Many owners make common mistakes that negate all preparation efforts, and one of the most common is keeping a boat together with a boat. petrol-engine Gasoline vapors are aggressive and can negatively affect the material of the boat during prolonged contact in a confined space.
Another mistake is using the wrong covers, and a dense polyethylene or a building film creates a thermos, where moisture has no outlet, and it causes the fabric to debate and produce a bad smell that is difficult to remove.
It is also a mistake to think that a boat is enough to just throw in the corner. PVC The material must lie flat, without heavy objects or pressure from above, and a heavy anchor or motor left on cylinders throughout the winter can leave permanent deformations.
⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near chemicals, oils, acids or alkalis, and these vapors can react with PVC plasticizers, making the material sticky or brittle.
Avoid these mistakes and your boat will last for many years while maintaining its driving qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can an inflatable boat be stored in the cold at -30°C?
Yes, you can if the boat is deflated, packed in a breathing case and not subjected to mechanical stress, but at these temperatures the material becomes very fragile, so any manipulation of it (moving, unpacking) is possible only after full warming in a warm room for 12-24 hours.
Do I need to completely flush the air out of the boat before winter?
Yes, for long-term storage in a cold garage, it is recommended to keep the boat completely deflated, which relieves stress from the seams and material that can occur when temperatures and pressures jump. If you keep the boat inflated, make sure that it does not touch sharp objects and is protected from direct sunlight.
How to get rid of the smell of dampness after winter?
If after wintering there is a smell of dampness, thoroughly wash the boat with warm water with soft soap and let it dry completely in the straightened form in the shade (not in the sun). PVCIt will restore the structure of the material and remove foreign smells.
Are temperature changes dangerous for the seams of the boat?
The temperature difference itself is not terrible for quality seams. The danger is the difference in the expansion rate of materials (cloth and glue) under sharp heating or cooling, as well as mechanical impact on the frozen seam. So the main rule is not to touch or bend the boat until it warms up to room temperature.
These simple but important rules will help you to keep your flyboat A cold garage is a good place to winter if you take care of the preparation and eliminate the risk factors.