Every water transport owner is faced with a dilemma: where and how to store a boat in the off-season? Leaving the boat just on the ground, even under the tent, is a risk of deformation of the bottom, punctures from sharp stones or grasses, and accumulation of moisture leading to mold. boat-storage solves these problems by ensuring uniform weight distribution and protection of the body from aggressive environmental influences.
There are many options for support structures, from simple wooden frames to complex metal shelving with adjustable height. PVC boat critical smoothness of the surface of the supports, so as not to damage the cylinders, while for aluminum boats More important than the rigidity of the frame and corrosion protection, in this article we will discuss in detail which stand is right for you.
Well-designed storage can significantly extend the life of the vessel, and if you're planning to spend the winter on a balcony, in a garage or under a canopy, a fixed or mobile support is the best investment, and it will not only preserve the geometry of the hull, but also make it easier to prepare for the season, eliminating the need for long alignment and drying.
Why do you need a stand for storing a boat?
The use of a specialized stand is not just a whim of a pedantic owner, but a technical necessity. When the boat is lying on an uneven surface, there are points of overpressure. inflatable This leads to local thinning of the material and microcracks, which, when pumped in the spring, can cause a water accident.
For rigid housing, such as aluminum or plasticThe bottom and the frames are deformed, and over time, this affects the performance of the boat, which becomes less plane, fuel consumption increases, and handling declines, and the stand eliminates these risks, creating the perfect foundation for your vessel.
In addition, storage on weight or raised support provides natural ventilation, which is critical to prevent condensation, which is the main cause of fungus and bad smell inside the boat. The lack of contact with raw earth or cold concrete of the garage preserves the thermal insulation properties of the materials.
- 🛡️ Protection of the bottom from punctures, abrasion and chemical reactions with floor covering.
- 🌬️ Ensuring air circulation to prevent mold and rot (relevant to wooden elements).
- ⚖️ Uniform load distribution, preserving the geometry of the body for many years.
- 🧹 Service convenience: it is easier to approach the boat on the stand from all sides for washing and repair.
⚠️ Warning: Never keep an inflatable boat fully pumped in the cold unnecessarily. Sharp temperature swings can cause the seams to rupture, even if the boat is lying on the perfect stand.
The main types of boat stands
The market offers a wide range of solutions that can be classified by material and construction. PVC boat These are soft or combined stands, and they are a metal frame, lined with plywood or chipboard, on top of which a soft material is laid, such as foam, felt or carpet.
For the heavy. metal boat And they use reinforced steel structures, and they often have roller-mounted stands, which allow the boat to move around the garage without using physical force, which is especially convenient if the storage space is limited and the boat has to be moved around a lot.
There are also universal collapsible models that can be adapted to the length of the vessel, which consist of separate sections connected by bolts, which are easy to transport in the trunk of a car or to store in a storage closet.
- 🏠 Stationary racks: fastened to the wall or ceiling, save space on the floor.
- 🚚 Mobile carts: equipped with wheels for easy movement of the boat on a flat surface.
- 🧱 Block supports: individual modules (bricks, tires, special stands), placed under the body.
- 🪵 Wooden flooring: a budget option that requires careful treatment of wood with antiseptics.
Construction and material requirements
When choosing or manufacturing a stand, the key factor is the material in contact with the hull of the boat. flyboat It is strictly forbidden to use metal, rough plastic or uncoated wood without coating. carpeting or special rubberized pads.
The metal frame must be treated with anti-corrosion compounds. In the garage or outdoors, humidity can fluctuate, and rust from the support can stain the sides of the boat, and in the worst case, burn through the fabric with prolonged contact. galvanized Or powder painting will significantly prolong the life of the stand itself.
The important parameter is load capacity. The design must withstand the weight of a boat with a margin of 30-40%. If you plan to store the boat with the engine and equipment, this must be considered when calculating the strength of the supports. Lightweight aluminum profiles can not withstand the load and bend over time.
| Type of boat | Recommended support material | Coverage requirements | Max. load (example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVC (2-3 seats) | Wood, light metal | Soft fabric, foam. | 150 kg |
| PVC (4+ seats) | Steel profile | Carpet, rubber crumb. | 400 kg |
| aluminum | Reinforced steel | Rubber pads | 800 kg |
| Fiberglass | Steel/Tree | Felt, soft plastic | 600 kg |
When making a wooden stand, use polished plywood with a thickness of at least 18 mm. Sharp edges must be rounded so that they do not damage the cylinders when carelessly moving.
Manufacture of the stand DIY: step-by-step instructions
Making a reliable stand for storing the boat yourself is not difficult, even for a beginner. The simplest and most effective option is a wooden timber and plywood construction. First, you need to determine the dimensions of your boat in an inflated state. The length of the support pad should be slightly less than the length of the useful space of the boat, so that the nose and stern do not hang critically.
We use a 50x50 mm beam as the base, and we collect two P sidewalls or rectangular frames that are connected by crossbars, and the height of the stand should be such that the bottom of the boat does not touch the floor, but the center of gravity remains low for stability, and the optimal height is 15-20 cm from the floor.
The top of the boat is made of plywood or chipboard. We grind the surface thoroughly, removing all splinters and bumps. Then we stick or nail a soft coating. A great budget option is an old linoleum pile out or a piece of carpet.
- 📏 Measure the length and width of the inflated boat, add 5-10 cm of stock.
- 🔨 Collect a frame from a timber using screws and metal corners for rigidity.
- 🛋️ Cover the upper pad with plywood and fasten the soft coating with a stapler.
- 🎨 Treat the tree with an antiseptic and paint with moisture-resistant paint.
☑️ Assembly of a wooden stand
⚠️ WARNING: When using a screwdriver, make sure that the screwdriver hats are completely recessed in wood or covered with soft material. Any sticking metal element is a potential hole in the cylinder.
Features of storage of boats of different types
Storage PVC It's very specific. It's sensitive to ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures. So you have to have a stand in a place that's protected from direct sunlight. It's also important to keep the cylinders from sagging between the supports if you're using a system of multiple separate cabinets.
For metal boat The main corrosion and oxidation is electrochemical, and it is not recommended to keep such boats on copper-containing materials or in direct contact with wet ground. The stand should provide a gap for ventilation from all sides, including the sides.
If you fiberglassIt's important to avoid point loads on the bottom, because the gelcoat can crack, and it's ideal for pads with adjustable pads that repeat the contours of the body, and using soft rollers or sandbags wrapped in fabric also shows great results.
The Secret to PVC Durability
Before installing for winter storage, be sure to wash the boat with detergent, dry thoroughly and treat with special chemicals to protect PVC. This will prevent the "blowing" of the material and the appearance of microcracks.
Tips for extending the life of the stand
To keep your stand faithful for years to come, you need to take care of it too. Metal elements should be inspected periodically for chipped paint and tinted if necessary. The tree requires a refurbishment of the layer of varnish or oil every 2-3 years, especially if stored in an unheated room with humidity changes.
Soft coatings can become contaminated or lose their properties over time. Remove the boat periodically and knock out or clean the carpet. If solid particles (sand, pebbles) appear on the surface, they should be removed immediately so that they do not work as an abrasive when installing the boat.
Check the stability of the structure before each season, the loose bolts need to be tightened, and the wooden joints that have started to walk, to strengthen with additional corners or bends, a reliable support is a guarantee of the safety of your property.
Investment in a quality stand pays off many times, preserving the commodity value of the boat and preventing expensive repairs of the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I keep a PVC boat on a stand at negative temperatures?
Yes, if the material of the boat is designed for winter temperatures (usually up to -30 ° C). However, it is recommended to slightly reduce the pressure in the cylinders, as in the cold the air compresses, and when applied to heat - expands.
What height should be a stand for a comfortable washing of a boat?
The optimum height of the stand is 40-50 cm from the floor, which allows you to comfortably wash the bottom and side without tilting too low, and provides good air access from below.
Do I need to completely blow the boat away before storing it on a stand?
For long-term winter storage, it is recommended to completely lower the boat, wash, dry and fold in a bag. If the boat is on the stand assembled (for example, in a garage), it is enough to keep the minimum pressure to maintain the shape, but not to stretch the seams.
Will a regular wooden pallet work as a stand?
You can only use a regular pallet after a lot of refinement, grinding, plywood on top and laying soft material. The untreated pallet has too large gaps between the boards and a rough surface, which is dangerous for PVC.