Proper care of the PVC boat: from washing to winter storage

Polyvinyl chloride, which is the basis for modern inflatable vessels, has outstanding strength and resistance to aggressive environments, but even such material requires systematic maintenance. PVC It doesn't need much attention, but ignoring basic rules of operation can reduce the life of the product by many times. Dirt, sand, fish scales and organic residues - all this destroys the structure of the tissue faster than it seems at first glance.

Regular boat care is not just an aesthetic, but a necessary measure of safety on the water and savings in the long run. Proper preparation for the off-season and competent washing after each exit avoids expensive repairs of cylinders and bottom. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of maintenance of a swimming facility that every boating should know.

Washing and cleaning after operation

After each release, especially if you have been swimming on algae-covered rivers or standing water, the vessel must be washed. Fresh water washes away the salt plaque, silt and biological residues, which, when dry, turn into abrasive. Use soft sponge and warm water to clean, avoiding hard brushes that can damage the protective layer. PVC.

If there is persistent contamination or traces of fuel on board, you can use specialized means to care for inflatable boats.

⚠️ Warning: Never wash a boat under high pressure (kercher) from close range. The jet of water can drive moisture under the valves or damage sutures, leading to hidden leaks.

Pay special attention to the bottom and the transom. This is where the most sand accumulates, which, when rolling up the boat, acts like sandpaper. Carefully walk with a wet cloth at all corners and joints. After water treatments, be sure to let the product dry completely before packing.

Drying: Critical stage before storage

The most common cause of mold and bad smell is a wet product packaging. Water left in folds of cloth or under elements of the hard floor creates the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Even if the boat appears dry on the outside, moisture can remain inside the folds, which, when stored for long periods, destroys the water. reinforcement.

Drying should be done in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Ultraviolet negatively affects the stabilizers contained in polyvinyl chloride, making the material more rigid and brittle over time. Optimally spread the boat in the garage or under the canopy for several hours, ensuring good air circulation.

If you don't have time to dry properly, at least try to wipe the product dry and not pack it in a sealed bag right away. Let the fabric "breathe" at the earliest opportunity. Storing a wet boat is a guaranteed loss of warranty from most manufacturers.

Protection from ultraviolet and temperature changes

Sunlight is the main enemy of all polymer materials, although modern boats are not. naughty, Flagship or Solar They have UV stabilizers, they're not infinite, and being exposed to the sun for a long time causes color to burn out and microcracks in the top layer, which reduces the tensile strength.

For additional protection, you can use special spray air conditioners with UV filters, which create a thin film that reflects some of the radiation and retains the elasticity of the material, and it is recommended to apply such products before the start of the season and after long parking in the open air.

In cold weather, the material becomes less elastic, so you need to pump the boat in the cold with caution, not exceeding the recommended limits. cylinder pressureA sharp temperature drop (for example, skidding from the cold into a warm room) can cause condensation inside the tissue.

Preservation for winter and proper storage

Winter preparation is the most important step in the annual maintenance cycle, and before you remove the boat before the next season, you need to have a complete audit, check all valves for leakage, inspect the sleigh and the sleigh for damage, if minor defects are found, they should be repaired immediately before they turn into large holes.

Packages should be in a spacious bag, preferably made of breathable fabric. Long-term plastic bags are not suitable, as they create a greenhouse effect and contribute to the formation of condensation. The storage space should be dry, ventilated and protected from rodents, which often eat PVC.

It is not recommended to keep the boat in a pumped state suspended from the ceiling, as this creates a constant stress in the seams. It is best to fold it according to the manufacturer's instructions, but not too tight to avoid the formation of persistent clamps on the folds.

⚠️ Warning: Do not keep the boat near solvents, acids or alkalis, and the vapors of these substances can chemically interact with the surface of PVC, making it sticky or brittle.

Regular check of pressure and tightness

Maintaining the right pressure is the key to the rigidity of the ride and the durability of the seams. Under-pumped boat is more susceptible to mechanical damage to stones and driftwood, as the cylinders become soft and vulnerable. Over-pumped boat in hot weather can burst due to air expansion.

Use a pressure gauge before each exit. The value indicated in the product passport is considered normal (usually 0.2-0.25 atm for cylinders and up to 1 atm for inflatable floor). Remember that in the sun the pressure in the cylinders increases, so in the heat, blow out excess air.

You can use a soap solution to test for leakage at home, put on suspicious spots and watch for bubbles, and this method can even find microscopic punctures that are invisible to the eye.

Repair of minor injuries yourself

Even the most careful care does not insure against accidental puncture or cut. The ability to fast and efficiently seal the boat is a skill that is mandatory for each owner. PVC materials.

The gluing process requires degreasing the surface (acetone or alcohol), stripping with sandpaper and applying glue in two steps: the first layer is absorbed into the fabric, the second creates a strong bond, and it is important to let the glue dry to a "stick" state before joining the parts.

Procedure for repairs:
1. Blow the boat down and degrease the repair site.
2. Clean the surface with sandpaper (grain 100-150).
3. Apply the first layer of glue, allow to dry for 15-20 minutes.
4. Apply the second layer, press the patch, roll roll.
5. Hold under load for 24 hours.

A well-made patch lasts for decades and doesn't require replacement. Don't skimp on glue, because cheap compounds can't withstand water stress or collapse under the sun.